Some noise without had aroused me, and I knew instantly what it was--the pounding of a horse's hoofs on gravel, the animal being furiously ridden.

As I sat up, the horse was jerked to its haunches, and the rider swung from the saddle.
"Here, orderly, take the rein; quick now, damn you!" The words reached me clearly, but as I glanced out I saw only a dark form springing up the steps.

Something familiar about the voice caused me to leap for the door, holding it sufficiently ajar so I could overhear what passed in the hall.

There was a muttered word or two to the sentry, the newcomer insisting angrily on seeing Beauregard; then a woman's voice suddenly broke in with an exclamation of surprise.
"You back again! I am afraid you will have to wait to see the general unless your mission is of the utmost importance.

He is lying down, and left orders he was not to be disturbed before nine o'clock." "My mission is important enough," was the reply, "but perhaps, it can be attended to without him.