My face, I know, was fiery red, and for an instant all the ridicule, the taunts, the shame which I might well be storing up for myself, burned there for anyone to see. But stronger than fear of ridicule rose a desperate determination not to lose this maid again, and whether what I was doing was worthy, and for her sake, or unworthy, and for my own, I did not understand or even question.

“I wish to talk with you,” I said doggedly. “I shall not let you go this time.”

“Are you mad to so conduct under the eyes of the whole fort?” she whispered. “Go your way!”

“I’d be madder yet to let you get away again. My way is yours.”

She halted, cheeks blazing, and looked at me for the first time.