"It is rumored that the fugitives fired at you, that you returned the fire, and----"
"People exaggerate, as usual," interrupted the colonel. "Of course, Gerald was on the spot, and has done his duty; but you see he is safe and sound. Unfortunately, he has brought news which will compel me to discuss very serious matters in my own household. Where is Danira?"
Edith looked up, but not at her father; she turned her face toward Gerald.
"Danira has gone."
The young officer started; it was but a moment ere the passing emotion was repressed, but Edith had seen it. The colonel exclaimed:
"Gone! Where?"
"I don't know. She came to my room last night to bid me farewell, in a wild, passionate manner, that frightened me even more than her words. She forbade me to awake you or betray her flight, and was gone ere I could fairly collect my senses. I understood nothing about the whole affair, nothing except--the message she gave me for Gerald."
"For Gerald?" repeated Arlow, whose amazement at first exceeded his indignation.
"Yes, for him."
The young girl, while repeating Danira's words, fixed her eyes upon her lover's face with a half timid, half questioning expression. She saw the flush that crimsoned his brow for an instant, and the light which leaped into his eyes at the vindication the message contained.