"What of Lieutenant Smith? Some one told me he was a capital shot."
"So he is, the best in the regiment."
"Hurrah for the two lieutenants!" exclaimed Helen, with a laugh. "What of your own success, Captain Cummings?"
"I don't profess to be an expert," he replied evasively; "if an officer keeps his men up to the mark, he adequately fills the bill—Smith and Manning have both done excellently, though."
Cummings was smiling serenely, but there was an accentuation in his words that grated on Helen's ear.
"Do you know, my dear?" said Sir George, turning towards her, "that our Fort will be ready in a week, and that we must have a grand opening to do honor to the occasion?"
"With torchlight procession, grand ball and finest orchestra of the season?" suggested Helen.
"Yes, more than that. We expect every lady within fifty miles at least to accept our invitation."
"I' faith, that will be fine"; but her animation was gone. There was dew upon her eyelids.
"I was joking," exclaimed the Colonel, "pray forgive. It is solitary enough for you now, but it won't be for long. 'Twill be better by-and-bye."