Perhaps they were circling a fire at that moment in a frenzied war-dance--perhaps the hooting at that moment, from the woods around the fort was not the hooting of owls at all. There all was hardship--danger; here all was comfort and peace. If they could see him now! See his room, his fire, his bed, his clothes! They had told him to come, and yet he felt now the shame of desertion. He had come, but he would not stay long away. The door opened, he turned, and Harry Dale came eagerly in.
The two boys paused in the hall and Harry pointed to a pair of crossed rapiers over the mantelpiece.
"Those were your father's," he said; "he was a wonderful fencer."
The lad shook his head in ignorance, and Harry smiled.
At a door in the other ell Harry knocked gently, and a voice that was low and sweet but vibrant with imperiousness called:
The lad stepped into warmth, subtle fragrance, and many candle lights. The great lady was just rising from a chair in front of her mirror, brocaded, powdered, and starred with jewels. So brilliant a vision almost stunned the little stranger and it took an effort for him to lift his eyes to hers.
"Why, _this_ is not the lad you told me of," she said. "Come here! Both of you." They came and the lady scrutinized them comparingly.
"Actually you look alike--and, Harry, you have no advantage, even if you are my own son. I am glad you are here," she said with sudden soberness, and smiling tenderly she put both hands on his shoulders, drew him to her and kissed him, and again he felt in his eyes that curious sting.
"Come, Harry!" With a gallant bow Harry offered his left arm, and gathering the little Kentuckian with her left, the regal lady swept out. In the reception-room she kept the boy by her side. Every man who approached bowed, and soon the lad was bowing, too. The ladies courtesied, the room was soon filled, and amid the flash of smiles, laughter, and gay banter the lad was much bewildered, but his face showed it not at all. Barbara almost cried out her astonishment and pleasure when she saw what a handsome figure he made in his new clothing, and all her little friends were soon darting surreptitious glances at him, and many whispered questions and pleasing comments were passed around. From under Hugh's feet the ground for the moment was quite taken away, so much to the eye, at least, do clothes make the man. Just then General Willoughby bowed with noble dignity before Mrs. Dale, and the two led the way to the dining-room.