Wood's next words were those of caution.
"There is a cellar under this house," he said. "If the battle comes near you, seek shelter in it. You promise?"
"Yes, I promise."
"And now good-by."
"Good-by," she said.
He kissed her hand again and, without another word, turned and rode through the forest and away. She watched him until he was quite out of sight, and then her eyes wandered off toward the east, where the new sun was still piling up glowing bands of alternate red and gold.
Her brother stirred on the bed and awoke. He was fretful that morning.
"Why is the place so silent?" he asked, with the feeling of a vain man who does not wish to be left alone.
"I do not know," she replied, though well she knew.
There was a knock at the door and Mrs. Markham entered, dressed as if for the street—fresh, blonde and smiling.