The irresolution was gone from his expression now, and the two determined faces—one full of pity, the other of apprehension—confronted each other.
CHAPTER VII
The Loyal Talbots
"Your people, son?" she said after a long pause. "Come with me a moment." She drew him into the brilliantly lighted hall. As they entered, he said to the servant in waiting,—
"See that my bay horse is saddled and brought around at once, and do you tell Dick to get another horse ready and accompany me; he would better take the black pony."
"Are you going out, Hilary?"
"Yes, mother, when our conversation is over, if there is time. I thought to ride over to Colonel Wilton's. The night is pleasant, and the moon will rise shortly. What were you about to say to me?"
She led him up to the great open fireplace, on the andirons of which a huge log was blazing and crackling cheerfully. Over the mantel was the picture of a handsome man in the uniform of a soldier of some twenty years back.
"Whose face is pictured there, Hilary?"
"My honored father," he answered reverently, but in some surprise.