Moran glanced at us both without suspicion, and approached me with outstretched hand.
"Captain Le Gaire explained to me who you are, Major," he said with new cordiality, "and I am very glad to receive you as my guest.

Are you one of the Mobile Athertons ?" "No," I answered, flushing, and avoiding her amused eyes, yet not daring to blurt out the truth, "I come from farther north." "Exactly; I recall now there are Athertons in Memphis and Nashville, delightful people, the real, old Southern stock.

I regret greatly to learn from Le Gaire that duty compels you to leave at once." "Major Atherton has changed his plans," broke in the girl, before I could respond.

"The advance of Beauregard's forces makes it safer for him to remain quiet for a few hours,--until night comes.

I was just suggesting that he go up to the red room and lie down--he is nearly dead from fatigue." "The red room!" in surprise.