“May I ask where you have obtained quarters while here, Miss Arden, and how long your stay will be?”
“I have secured a room in the sutler’s home, sir, and his wife is most kind to me. I shall remain only until the next stage departs for the East.”
“Permit me to say that my friends, Major and Mrs. Lester, will be, I know, most happy to entertain you while here, and you will find at their house a relative, Miss Clarice Carr, who I know will extend you the warmest of welcomes also, for she is a true woman.”
“Perhaps, sir, it would be best for me to remain at the sutler’s, for you know that, no matter what I may myself be, I am the sister of the condemned outlaw.”
“Through no act of your own; your misfortune, not your fault, Miss Arden, and my friends will regard you and your position as I do.”
“You are most kind, sir.”
“Then shall we go first to Major Lester’s quarters?”
“You know best, Colonel Dunwoody, only I do not wish to be an intruder and——”
“Come, Miss Arden, for such a thing as your intruding is not to be thought of. Though our trade is war, we soldiers are yet not wholly heartless,” and the colonel led the way from his quarters.
The home of Major Lester was one of the best in the fort, and situated slightly apart from the others. Clarice Carr was seated upon the piazza as they approached, a book in hand, but she arose and met the colonel cordially, and cast a quick glance at the beautiful girl accompanying him.