His long boots were splashed with the mire of the highway, his uniform showed traces of the struggle of the night before, and his curly hair was dishevelled.
More than this, his haggard face and dark-circled eyes gave proof of a sleepless and anxious night.
But as he came into the room he drew himself erect, and met unflinchingly the stern eyes of the man in whose hands lay his fate.
The door had no sooner closed upon Doak's retreating figure than Dorothy stepped from behind the curtains.
The young man gave a violent start, and the arms that had been folded across his chest fell to his sides, as he uttered her name,—at the same time taking a step toward her. Then he came to a standstill, and passed his hand over his eyes, as if to clear them of something that impeded his vision.
And there was reason for this, as Dorothy did not speak, and stood motionless, her hands clasped in front of her, while she looked at him with an expression he seemed unable to define.
Washington's face had grown less severe as he noted all this; and while the two still remained gazing at one another, his voice broke the silence.
"The cause of your presence in this neighborhood, Captain Southorn, which your gallantry forbade you to explain, even in the face of an ignominious death, has been revealed to me by one whose truth and fidelity no human being should know better than yourself. She has told me that which leads me to take upon myself the responsibility of clearing you from the very grave suspicions aroused by your action of last night, and of holding you simply as a prisoner of war. For all this, you have Mistress Dorothy to thank—for your life and your restored honor."
No pen can describe the emotions of the two listeners as they heard these words, nor could any pencil portray the reflection of these emotions upon their faces.
Southorn's expression was that of thankfulness, mingled with amazement,—doubt, as though he feared the treachery of his own senses, while Dorothy's face became all aglow with delight and triumph at her success.