UNDER NEW ORDERS Her eyes were an invitation, a plea, yet with the major at her side, his face full of wonderment, and Bell close behind us in the hall, I could only bow low over the white hands, and murmur some commonplace.

There was neither opportunity nor time for more, although I felt my own deep disappointment was mirrored in the girl's face.

The continuous roar of guns without, already making conversation difficult, and the hurried tramp of feet in the hall below, told the danger of delay.

It was a moment when the soldier had to conquer the lover, and stern duty became supreme.

I hurried to the front window, and gazed out; then to others, thus making a thorough survey of our surroundings, quickly making up my mind to a definite plan of action.