"A fairy world--yes--" she whispered, "it's been just that to me since I first sang the 'Fairy Bells' for you--"
"I'll never love another song as that," he said reverently.
"Nor I," was the low response. "My heart will beat to its music forever--it just means you, now--"
For a long time they sat without words, holding each other's hand. The sun hung a glowing ball of fire on the rim of the far-away hills, and the shadows of the valley deepened into twilight.
"How wonderful the silence of the plains!" the lover sighed.
"And now, I hear the beat of angels' wings and know that God is near--"
"Because we love--" and she laughed for joy.
Again they sat in sweet, brooding silence.
A horseman rode over the hilltop in the glow of the fading sun. From its summit, he lifted his hand and waved a salute. They looked below, and in the doorway of a cabin, a young mother stood, a babe in her arms answering with hand uplifted high above her child.
"What does it matter, dear," she whispered, "a cabin or a palace!"
Side by side through the still white light of the full moon they rode home, in each heart the glow of the wonder and joy of Love's first revelation. Words were an intrusion. The eyes of the soul were seeing now the hidden things of life.
The gleam of the lights at the Fort brought them sharply out of dreamland into the world of fact.
"You must see my father to-night, dear," she said eagerly.
"I'd rather face a hundred Red Men in war paint."
A merry laugh was her answer as she leaned close:
"Of course, and for that reason my happiness will be his."
"God knows, I hope so," was the doleful response. "But if I must, I must. I'll see him."
A quick kiss in the friendly shadows and she was gone.
He walked alone an hour after supper, screwing up his courage to the point of bearding the Colonel in his den. He fumbled the door-bell at last, his heart in his throat.
Old Rough and Ready was not inclined to help him in his embarrassment. Never had he seen the lines of his strong jaw harder or more set than when he grunted:
"Sit down, sir. Don't stand there staring. I'm not on inspection."
The perspiration started on his forehead and he moistened his dry lips.
"I beg your pardon, Colonel. I was a little flustered. I've--a--something--on--my mind--"