"Of course I am pleased with the step.

But I must leave Santa Fe.

And I have found Santa Fe very pleasant." There was so much meaning obvious in these last words that Clara's face colored like a sunset.
"I thought soldiers never indulged in such feelings," continued the unmollified Aunt Maria.
"Soldiers are but men," observed Thurstane, flushing through his sunburn.
"And men are weak creatures." Thurstane grew still redder.

This old lady (old in his young eyes) was always at him about his manship, as if it were a crime and disgrace.

He wanted to give her one, but out of respect for Clara he did not, and merely moved uneasily in his seat, as men are apt to do when they are set down hard.
"How soon must you go?
Where ?" demanded Clara.
"As soon as I can close my accounts here and turn over my stores to my successor.