Miss Van Lew extended her hand and took the outstretched one with a warmth that surprised her visitor beyond measure.
"I recognized him at once," she said with emotion.
"Recognized me?"
"Your dear mother, sir, was my schoolmate in Philadelphia. I loved her. How alike you are!"
"Then we shall be friends—"
"We shall be more than friends—we shall be comrades—"
She paused and turned to the stranger:
"You can leave us now."
With a bow the man turned and left the room.
Socola studied the little woman who had deliberately chosen to lay her life, her fortune and her home on the altar of her Country. He saw with a glance at her delicate but commanding figure the brilliant, accomplished, resolute woman of personality and charm.