CHAPTER XXVI.
As Monroe entered the hall Judithe came down the stairs, a daintyvision in palest rose. She wore armlets and girdle of silver filagree,a silver comb in the dark tresses, and large filagree loops in herears gave the beautiful face a half-oriental character.
Admire her though he must, he felt an impatience with her, a wonderthat so beautiful a being, one so blest with all the material thingsof life, should forsake harmony, home, and her own land, for the rudecontests where men fought, and plotted, and died--died ingloriouslysometimes, for the plots and intrigues through which she claimed tofind the only escape from ennui.
She saw him, hesitated an instant, and then came towards him, with asuggestion of daring in her eyes.
"I might as well hear the worst, first as last," she said, taking hisarm. "Is not the veranda more cool than in here? Come, we shall see. Iprefer to be out of hearing of the people while you lecture me fortoday's mishap."
She glanced up at him with a pretense of dread such as a child mightshow; she was pleased to be alluringly gracious, but he could feelthat she was more nervous than she had ever shown herself before--thestrain was telling on her. Her beautiful eyes were not so slumbrous asusual; they were brilliant as from some inward fever, and, though shesmiled and met his sombre gaze with a challenge, she smothered a sighunder her light words.
"I shan't lecture you, Madame Caron; I have no right to interfere withwhat you call your--amusements," and he glanced down at her, grimly;"but I leave in the morning because by remaining longer I might gainknowledge which, in honor, I should feel bound to report."
"To Colonel--or, shall we say, General--McVeigh?"
He bent his head, and answered: "I have given you warning. He is myfriend."
"And I?" she asked, glancing at him with a certain archness. He lookeddown at her, but did not speak.
"And I?" she repeated.
"No," he said, after a pause. "You, Madame, would have to be somethingmore, or something less. The fates have decreed that it be less--so,"he made a little gesture dismissing the subject. "Pardon me, but I didnot mean to attack you in that fashion. I came to look for you to askyou a question relating to the very pretty, very clever, maid you hadin New Orleans, and whom, I hear, you brought with you on your visithere."
"Oh! You are curious as to her--and you wish me to answer questions?"
"If you please, though it really does not matter to me. Are you awarethat the woman was a runaway slave, and liable to recapture in thisparticular vicinity?"
"In this particular vicinity?" she repeated, questioningly.
"Yes, if Matthew Loring should once get suspicion of the fact thatyour maid was really his girl Rosa--no, Rhoda--it would be an awkwardfact allied to the episode here today," and he made a gesture towardsthe library window they were just passing.
"Come, we will go down the steps," she suggested. They did so, andwere promenading under the trees, lantern lit, on the lawn, whenColonel McVeigh came out on the veranda and felt a momentary envy ofMonroe, who was free from a host's duties. They were clear of thesteps and of probable listeners before Judithe asked:
"Where did you get this information?"
"From a slave who wanted you warned that you without knowing it, areprobably harboring the spy whom Captain Masterson spoke of today."
"Ah, a slave?" she remarked, thoughtfully; and the curious, intensegaze of Margeret was recalled to her, only to be followed by thememory of Pluto's anxiety that Louise should leave before the arrivalof the Lorings; it was, then, without doubt, Pluto who gave thewarning; but she remembered Zekal, and felt she had little to beanxious over.
"You probably are not aware," he continued, "what a very seriousaffair it is considered here to assist in hiding a slave of that sortunder assumed names or occupations. But if it is discovered it wouldprove ruinous to you just now."
"In three days I shall be out of the country," she answered, briefly."I go down to Savannah, secure Louise from this blunder--for thereis really nothing to be proven against her as a spy--and then,farewell, or ill, to Carolina. I do not expect to enter it again. Myarrangements are all made. Nothing has been forgotten. As to mygood Louise, your informer has not been made acquainted with all thefacts. It is true she was a Georgian slave, but is so no longer.For over a year she has been in possession of the papers establishingher freedom. Her own money, and a clever lawyer, arranged all thatwithout any trouble whatever. What Monsieur Loring would do if he knewI had a maid whose name was assumed, I neither know nor care. Hecould not identify her as the girl Rhoda Larue, even if he saw her.His sight has failed until he could not distinguish you fromColonel McVeigh if across the room. I learned that fact throughMadame McVeigh before leaving Mobile, so, you perceive, I have notrisked so much in making the journey with my pretty maid; and I shallrisk no more when I make my adieus the day after tomorrow."
She laughed, and looked up in his face. He looked down in her's, buthe did not laugh.
"And the estate you have just purchased in order to enjoy thisEden-like plantation life?"
"The purpose for which it was purchased will be carried out quite aswell without my presence," she said, quietly. "I never meant to livethere."
"Well, that beats me!" he said, halting, and looking squarely down ather. "You spend thousands to establish yourself in the heart of aseceding country, and gain the confidence of the natives, and thentoss it all aside as though it were only a trifle! You must have spentfortunes from your own pocket to help the Federals!"
"So your President was good enough to say in the letter I tried toshow you--and did not," she replied, and then smiled, as she added,"but you are mistaken, Captain Monroe; it was only one fortune spent,and I will be recompensed."
"When?"
"When that long-talked-of emancipation is announced."
The bright music of a mazurka stole out of the open windows, andacross the level could be seen a blaze of fat pine torches tiedto poles and shedding lustre and black pitch over the negroquarters--they also were celebrating "Mahs Ken's" return. Abovethe dreamy system of the parlor dances they could hear at timesthe exuberant calls and shouts of laughter where the dark peoplemade merry. Judge Clarkson, who was descending the steps, haltedto listen, and drew Monroe's attention to it.
"Happy as children they are, over there tonight," he remarked. "Mostcontented people on earth, I do believe." He addressed some gallantwords to Judithe, and then turned to Monroe.
"Mr. Loring has been inquiring for you, Captain Monroe. Youunderstand, of course, that you are somewhat of a lion and one wecannot afford to have hidden. He is waiting to introduce you to someof our Carolina friends, who appreciate you, sir, for the protectionshown a daughter of the South, and from your magnanimous care of aCarolina boy this past month--oh, your fame has preceded you, and Iassure you, sir, you have earned for yourself a hearty welcome."
Evilena joined them, followed by Delaven, who asked for a dance andwas flouted because he did not wear a uniform. She did present himwith a scarlet flower from her boquet, with the remark that if deckedwith something bright he might be a little less suggestive offunerals, and, attaching herself to Monroe, she left to look upMatthew Loring.
Delaven looked ruefully at the scarlet flower.
"It's a poor substitute for herself," he decided, "but, tell me now,Marquise, if you were fathoms deep in love, as I am this minute, andhad so much of encouragement as a flower flung at you, what would youadvise as the next move in Cupid's game?"
She assumed a droll air of serious contemplation for an instant, andthen replied, in one word:
"Propose."
"I'll do it," he decided; "ah, you are a jewel of a woman to give aman courage! I'll lay siege to her before I'm an hour older. Judge,isn't it you would lend a boy a hand in a love affair? I'm bewitchedby one of the fair daughters of the South you are so proud of; I findI am madly jealous of every other lad who leads her onto the dancingfloor this night, but every one of them has dollars where I havedimes," and he sighed
like a furnace and glanced from one to the otherwith a comical look of distress; "so is it any wonder I need all thebracing up my friends can give me?"
"My dear sir," said the Judge, genially, "our girls are not mercenary.You are a gentleman, so need fear comparison with none! You have anactive brain, a high degree of intelligence, a profession throughwhich you may win both wealth and honors for the lady in question--sowhy procrastinate?"
"Judge, you are a trump! With you to back me up with that list ofadvantages, I'll dare the fates."
"I am your obedient servant, sir. I like your enthusiasm--yourdetermination to put the question to the test. I approve of earlymarriages, myself; procrastination and long engagements are a mistake,sir--a mistake!"
"They are," agreed Delaven, with a decision suggestive of longexperience in such matters. "Faith, you two are life preservers to me.I feel light as a cork with one of you on each side--though it wasdoleful enough I was ten minutes ago! You see, Judge, the lady who isto decide my fate has valued your friendship and advice so long that Icount on you--I really do, now, and if you'd just say a good word toher--"
"A word! My dear sir, my entire vocabulary is at your service in anaffair of the heart." The Judge beamed on Delaven and bowed to MadameCaron as though including her in the circle where Love's sceptre isever potent.
"Faith, when America becomes a monarchy, I'll vote for you to beking," and Delaven grasped the hand of the Judge and shook itheartily; "and if you can only convince Mrs. McVeigh that I am allyour fancy has pictured me, I'll be the happiest man in Carolinatonight."
"What!" Judge Clarkson dropped his hand as though it had burned him,and fairly glared at the self-confessed lover.
"I would that!--the happiest man in Carolina, barring none," said thereckless Irishman, so alive with his own hopes that he failed toperceive the consternation in the face of the Judge; but Judithe sawit, and, divining the cause, laughed softly, while Delaven continued:"You see, Judge, Mrs. McVeigh will listen to you and--"
"Young man!" began Clarkson, austerely, but at that moment the lady inquestion appeared on the veranda and waved her fan to Delaven.
"Doctor, as a dancing man your presence in the house would be mostwelcome," she said, coming slowly down the steps towards them.
"Madame, both my feet and my heart are at your disposal," he said,hastening to meet her, and passing on to find some unpartnered damselsshe suggested.
"What a charming young man he is," remarked their hostess, "andexceedingly skillful in his profession for so young a physician. Don'tyou consider him very bright, Judge?"
"I, Madame--I?" and Judithe retired, convulsed at the situation; "onmy word, I wouldn't trust him to doctor a sick cat!" Mrs. McVeighlooked astonished at the intensity of his words and was fairly puzzledto see Judithe laughing on the seat under the tree.
"Why, Judge! I'm actually surprised! He is most highly esteemedprofessionally, and in Paris--"
"Pardon me, but I presume his hair was the same color in Paris that itis here," said the Judge, coldly, "and I have never in my life known ared-headed man who had any sense, or--"
"Oh!" Mrs. McVeigh glanced slowly from the Judge to Judithe and thensmiled; "I remember one exception, Judge, for before your hair becamewhite it was--well, auburn, at least."
The Judge ran his fingers through the bushy curls referred to. The manusually so eloquent and ready of speech, was checkmated. He could onlystammer something about exceptions to rules, and finally said:
"You will probably remember, however, that my hair was very dark--adark red, in fact, a--a--brown red."
Judithe, to hide her amusement, had moved around to the other side ofthe tree circled by the rustic seat. Her hostess turned one appealingglance towards her, unseen by the Judge, who had forgotten all but theone woman before him.
"No matter if he had hair all colors of the rainbow he is not worthyof you, Madame," he blurted out, and Mrs. McVeigh took a step awayfrom him in dismay; in all her knowledge of Judge Clarkson, she hadnever seen him show quite so intense a dislike for any one.
"Why, Judge! What is the matter tonight?" she asked, in despair. "Youmean Dr. Delaven; not worthy of me?"
"He aspires to your hand," blurted out the Judge, angrily. "Such anambition is a worthy one; it is one I myself have cherished for years,but you must confess I had the courage to ask your hand in person."
"Yes, Judge; but--"
"This fellow, on the contrary, has had the affrontery to come tome--to me! with the request that I use my influence in negotiating amatrimonial alliance with you!"
Mrs. McVeigh stared at him a moment, and then frankly laughed; shesuspected it was some joke planned by Evilena. But the indignation ofthe Judge was no joke.
"Well, Judge, when I contemplate a matrimonial alliance, I can assureyou that no one's influence would have quite so much weight as yourown;" she had ascended the steps and was laughing; at the top sheleaned over and added, "no matter who you employ your eloquence for,Judge;" and with that parting shot she disappeared into the hall,leaving him in puzzled doubt as to her meaning. But the question didnot require much consideration. The remembrance of the smile helpedclear it up wonderfully. He clasped his hands under his coat tails,threw back his shoulders, walked the length of the veranda and backwith head very erect. He was a very fine figure of a man.
"The Irishman's case is quashed," he said, nodding emphatically andconfidentially to the oleander bush; "the fact that a woman, and thatwoman a widow, remembers the color of the plaintiff's hair for twentyyears, should convince the said plaintiff if he is a man possessed ofa legal mind, that his case is still on the calendar. I'll go and askfor the next dance."
He had scarcely reached the steps when Judithe saw a flutter of whitewhere the shadows were heaviest under the dense green shrubbery.She glanced about her; no one was in hearing. The veranda, forthe instant, was deserted, and past the windows the dancers weremoving. The music of stringed instruments and of laughter floated outto her. She saw Masterson in the hallway; he was watching Monroe. Shesaw Kenneth McVeigh speaking to his mother and glancing aroundinquiringly; was he looking for her? She realized that her momentsalone now would be brief, and she moved swiftly under the trees towhere the signal had been made. A man had been lying there flat to theground. He arose as she approached, and she saw he was dressed inConfederate uniform, and that he wore no beard--it was Pierson.
"Why did you leave the place without seeing me again?" she demanded."This suspense seems to me entirely unnecessary."
"It was the best I could do, Madame," he answered, hurriedly."Masterson, unknown to the McVeighs, had spies within hearing of everyword between us, and to write was too great a risk. His man followedme beyond the second fortification."
"And you eluded him?"
"No; I left him," answered Pierson, grimly. "I wore his uniformback--he did not need it."
Judithe drew a deep, shuddering breath, but made no comment. "Give methe contents of the destroyed despatch," was all she said.
"McVeigh received official notification of promotion today. Importantinstructions were included as to the movements of his brigade. Theseinstructions must be received by us tonight in order to learn theirplans for this wing of the army."
"And you depend on me?"
"No other way to secure them quickly, but some of our men have beenlanded north of Beaufort. They are under cover in the swamp and canebrakes awaiting your commands--so if it can't be done quietly there isanother way--a raid for any purpose you may suggest, and incidentallythese instructions would be among the souvenirs from this especialplantation."
"Colonel McVeigh only remains over tomorrow night. Suppose I succeed,how shall I communicate with you or with the detachment of Federals?"
"I will return tonight after the house is quiet. I shall be in sightof the balcony. You could drop them from there; or, if you have anybetter plan of your own I will act on it."
She could see Kenneth on the veranda, and knew he was looking for her.The moments were
precious now; she had to think quick.
"It may not be possible to secure them tonight; the time is so short;and if not I can only suggest that the commander of the landed troopssend a detachment tomorrow, capture Colonel McVeigh and CaptainMasterson, and get the papers at the same time. There are alsoofficial documents in McVeigh's possession relating to the Englishcommissions for additions to the Confederate Navy. I must go; they arelooking for me. You can trust a black man here called Pluto--but donot forget that a detachment of Confederates came today to thefortifications below here, don't let our men clash with them; goodbye; make no mistake."
She moved away as she spoke, and the man dropped back unseen into theshadows as she went smilingly forward to meet the lover, whosedownfall she was debating with such cool judgment.
And the lover came to meet her with ardent blue eyes aglow.
"Have you fled to the shadows to avoid us all?" he demanded, and thenas he slipped her hand through his arm and looked down in her face, heasked, more tenderly, "or may I think you only left the crowd to thinkover my audacity."
She gave him one fleeting, upward glance, half inviting, halfreproving--it would help concentrate his attention until the man inthe shadows was beyond all danger of discovery.
"You make use of every pretext to avoid me," he continued, "but itwon't serve you; no matter what cool things you say now, I can onlyhear through your words the meaning of those Fontainbleau days, andthat one day in Paris when you loved me and dared to say it. Judithe,give me my answer. I thought I could wait until tomorrow, but I can't;you must tell me tonight; you must!"
"Must?" She drew away from him and leaned against a tall garden vaseoverrun with clustering vines. They were in the full blaze of lightfrom the windows; she felt safer there where they were likely to beinterrupted every minute; the man surely dared not be wildlysentimental in full view of the crowd--which conclusion showed thatshe was not yet fully aware of what Kenneth McVeigh would dare dowhere a woman--or the woman was in question.
"An hour ago you said: 'Will you?' Now it is: 'You must!'" she said,with a fine little smile. "How quick you are to assume the tone ofmaster, Monsieur."
"If you said slave, the picture would have been more complete," heanswered. "I will obey you in all things except when you tell me toleave you;" he had possessed himself of her hand, under cover of thevines; "it's no use, Judithe, you belong to me. I can't let you gofrom me again; I won't!"
All of pleading was in his voice and eyes. Moved by some suddenimpulse not entirely guileless, she looked full at him and let herhand remain in his.
"Well, since you really cannot," she murmured.
"Judithe! You mean it?" and in an instant both his hands were claspinghers. "You are not coquetting with me this time? Judithe!"
She attempted to draw her hand away, but he bent his head, and kissedthe warm palm. Margeret who was lighting an extinguished lantern, sawthe caress and heard the low, deep tones. She turned and retraced hersteps instead of passing them.
"Do you realize that all who run may read the subject of yourdiscourse?" she asked, raising her brows and glancing after theretreating woman.
"Let them, the sooner they hear it the better I shall be pleased;come, let us tell my mother; I want to be sure of you this time, mybeautiful Judithe. What time more fitting than this for theannouncement--come!"
"What is it you would tell her?" she asked, looking straight ahead ofher into the shadows on the lawn. Her voice sounded less musical thanit had a moment before. Her eyes avoided his, and for one unguardedinstant the full sculpturesque lips were tense and rigid.
"What is it?" he repeated, "why, that I adore you! that you have beenthe one woman in the world to me ever since I met you first; that Iwant you for my wife, and that you--confess it again in words,Judithe--that you love me."
She shook her head slowly, but accompanied that half denial with abewildering smile.
"Entirely too much to announce in one evening," she decided; "do youforget they have had other plans for you? We must give your familymore time to grow accustomed to me and to--your wishes."
"_Our_ wishes," he said, correctively, and she dropped her eyes andbent her head in assent. She was adorable in the final surrender. Hemurmured endearing, caressing words to her, and the warm color mergedacross her face, and receding, left her a trifle pale. All herindifference had been a pretense--he knew it now, and it strengthenedhis protests against delay. He drew her away from the steps as thedance ended, and the people came chattering and laughing out from thebrilliantly lit rooms.
"You talk of haste, but forget that I have waited three years,Judithe; remember that, won't you? Put that three years to my credit;consider that I wooed you every day of every year, and I would if Ihad been given the chance! You talk of time as if there were oceans ofit for us, and you forget that I have but one more day to be withyou--one day; and then separation, uncertainty. I can't leave you likethat, now that I know you care for me--I won't."
"Oh--h!" and she met his look with a little quizzical smile. "You meanto resign your commission for the sake of my society? But I am notsure I should admire you so much then. I am barbarian enough to like afighter."
"I should fight all the better for knowing it was a wife I was leavingbehind instead of a sweetheart, Judithe; marry me tomorrow!"
She made a little gesture of protest, but he clasped her hand in hisand held it close to prevent her from repeating it. "Why not?" hecontinued. "No one need know unless you wish; it can be kept secret asthe engagement would be. Then, wherever the fortunes of war may sendme, I can carry with me the certainty of your love. Speak to me,Judithe! Say yes. I have waited three years; I want my wife!"
"Your wife! _Your_--oh!"--and she flung out her hands as thoughputting the thought away from her. A tear fell on his hand--she wasweeping.
"Judithe, sweetheart!" he murmured, remorsefully.
"Tomorrow--not tonight," she half whispered. "I must think, so much isto be considered."
"No! Only one thing is to be considered;" he held her hands and lookedin her face, with eyes ardent, compelling; "Only one thing, Judithe,and that is, do you love me--now?"
"Now, and from the first day we ever met," she answered, looking up athim; her eyes were like stars glimmering through the mist of latetears. There came to them both the remembrance of that other avowal,behind those plunging horses in the Paris boulevard. They hadunconsciously repeated the words uttered then.
For an instant his arms were about her--such strong, masterful,compelling arms. A wild temptation came to her to remain in thatshelter--to let all the world go by with its creeds, its plots, itswars of right and wrong--to live for love, love only, love with him.
"My queen!" he whispered, as her head bent in half avoidance of hiscaresses even while her hand clasped his closely, convulsively, "ithas all been of no use; those three years when you kept me away. It isfate that we find each other again. I shall never let you go fromme--never! Do you hear me, Judithe? You are so silent; but wordsmatter little since you belong to me. Do you realize it?--that youmust belong to me always!"
The words over which he lingered, words holding all of hope andhappiness to him brought to her a swift revulsion of feeling. Sheremembered those other human creatures who belonged to him--sheremembered--
A moment later and he stood alone in the sweet dusk of the night. Shehad fairly run from him along the little arbor to the side door, whereshe vanished unseen by the others. How she was for all her queenlyways! What a creature of moods, and passions, and emotions! The handon which her tear had fallen he touched to his cheek. Why had she weptat his confession of love for her? She had not wept when the samewords were spoken on that never-to-be-forgotten day in Paris!