"So you have done, and I shall be sorry to lose you, both personally and for the cause. Nevertheless, I shall send you home at once. Your father would never have consented to your staying if he had realized the danger. I never know where the shells will burst. I'll stop work upon that schooner that you came in, and send you home again in it. It's fitting up now as a fire-ship, but it can be made fairly comfortable. Your safety must be considered."
"Why is my safety of any more importance than the soldiers'? No, General, you have no right to send me away. I refuse to go. I am not speaking of military right, understand, but of moral right."
Pepperell gave a low whistle.
"That's it, is it?" he said. "One thing, however; if you stay, you must submit to my orders. You are under military law."
"I surely will. And now thank you," she returned with a smile so winning that, although for her own sake Pepperell had been angry, he relented.
"Oh, of course, it's very good in you, my dear," he said. "Don't think I forget that."
Capt. Archdale had been standing a little apart looking out to sea during a conversation in which he had no place. Now as he perceived the General about to move on, he came forward and spoke to Elizabeth. "You know that you are running a great risk?" he said to her gravely.
"Yes," she answered him, "or at least somewhat of a risk. When did you come back from your reconnoitering party?"
"The night before last," he said, not pursuing a subject that she did not wish to discuss with him. Elizabeth heard something hard in his voice, and saw a new sternness in his face that made her wonder suddenly if Katie's letter had lacked any kindness that Stephen deserved from her as he stood in the midst of danger and death. Could she have shown coquetry, or in any way teased him now?
"Well, good-by for the present, my dear, and Heaven keep you," said the General, giving her hand a cordial pressure. Archdale bowed, and the two went on, Pepperell at first full of praises of Elizabeth's courage, though he regretted her decision. But life and death hung upon his skill and promptness, and he had little time for thoughts of anything but his task. Henceforth he only took care that Mr. Royal and his daughter were as well protected, and as well cared for as circumstances permitted.