Stranger still, he carried a gun.
He saluted gravely as Peggy drew near, and would fain have passed on, but she stopped before him.
"Wherefore abroad so early?" she asked.
"By order of Governor Brent," he answered.
The words struck a chill to her soul. So Christopher, her brother Christopher, the idol of her childhood, the revered hero of her girlish dreams, was being watched, like a criminal! A quick flame of rage rose in her heart, and drove back the numbness of despair. "How dare they?" she whispered to herself; but she hid her thoughts, and spoke no word further.
As she passed through the hall to reach her chamber, she saw Elinor still kneeling in the chapel, and the hot anger rose in her stronger than ever. Was this the pattern of perfection she had wasted so many thoughts upon,—this woman whose faith broke at the first trial?
Oh, paltry faith! Oh, travesty on confidence!
At the foot of the stair Giles Brent and his sister Margaret stood in low-toned conversation. As Peggy drew near, Giles started and moved aside a little, but Margaret stretched out a warm, comforting hand.
"Oh, thank you, thank you!" sobbed Peggy, as breaking away she rushed up stairs.
"Poor child, she hath a heavy load to bear!" said Brent, looking after her.