The sentry
had reported a distant signal fire, and several of the younger people
had strolled out to see. Whatever it was that had caused the report
had vanished by the time they reached the post, so, presently, Kate
Sanders started the homeward move, and now even the sentry had
disappeared in the darkness. When Angela, too, would have returned,
his arm restrained. She knew it would. She knew he had not spoken that
evening at the willows because of her tears. She knew he had been
patient, forbearing, gentle, yet well she knew he meant now to speak
and wait no longer.
"Do you remember," he began, "when I said that some day I should tell
you--but never your aunt--who it was that came to my quarters that
night--and why she came?" and though she sought to remove her hand
from his arm he would not let it go.
"You _did_ tell me," she answered, her eyelids drooping.
"I _did_!--when?"
Though the face was downcast, the sensitive lips began to quiver with
merriment and mischief.
"The same day you took me for--your mother--and asked me to sing for
you."
"Angela!" he cried, in amaze, and turning quickly toward her, "What
can you mean?"
"Just what I say. You began as though I were your sister, then your
mother. I think, perhaps, if we'd had another hour together it would
have been grandmother.
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