"She's the queen of our colony, loved by everyone; the same forever. And I must not forget, she sent her warmest love to you, and with it this letter."
"I will write her to-morrow, and tell her how well you have delivered her message."
"Well, I'm glad to see you, Beaumont," said the Major, rising and extending his hand. "I shall be at the old quarters for a day or two yet, but it will not be for long, as my company sails with Sir George when he leaves for the east. But come and see me any time, and welcome until then."
Maud accompanied him to the door. He took her hand without a word, and for a moment their eyes met.
"Believe me," she said earnestly, "I did not know it."
"I do believe you," he replied in a low voice, "but what of my faith in women?"
"Surely you have not lost it?" she said, grasping his hand in both of hers, and looking earnestly into his eyes.
"What else can one do? Wounds of the flesh are nothing, but what of the heart—the spirit of the man?"
"I am sorry," she spoke in a still lower tone, and her voice trembled. "But you will not give way. Your soul is as brave as your heart is, and you will live to love and win a woman more worthy of you far than I could ever be."
Suddenly, he threw his arm around her, pressed a kiss upon her cheek, and was gone.