"Don't thank me," he laughed, with a prompt return of his former levity; "that's my trade.

I only advised.

You have saved yourself like a plucky woman--shall I say like Blue Grass?
Good-by!" He mounted his horse, but, as if struck by an after-thought, wheeled and drew up by her side again.

"If I were you I wouldn't see many strangers for a day or two, and listen to as little news as a woman possibly can." He laughed again, waved her a half gallant, half military salute, and was gone.
The question she had been trying to frame, regarding the probability of communication with her husband, remained unasked.

At least she had saved her pride before him.
Addressing herself to the care of her narrow household, she mechanically put away the few things she had brought with her, and began to read just the scant furniture.