The apartment was apparently parlor and sitting-room combined, some of the furniture massive and handsome, especially the centre-table and a sofa of black walnut, but there was also a light sewing-table and a cane-seated rocker, more suggestive of comfort.

At first glance I thought the place empty, although I could plainly hear the murmuring sound of voices from beyond; then I perceived some one--a woman--seated on a low stool before the open fire-place.

She sat with back toward me, her head bent upon one hand.

I was still studying the figure in uncertainty when a door, evidently leading into the hall, opened and a man entered.

He was in Confederate field uniform, the insignia on his collar that of a major,--a tall, broad-shouldered man, with abundant hair and an aggressive expression.