And--thank you--for--your kindness." "I will be here to-night," I said.

"And when we know each other better we will share a common purse." She did not answer me.
I lingered for a moment, desiring to reassure and comfort her, but knew not how.

And so, as she did not turn, I finally went away through the sunlit willows, leaving her kneeling there alone beside the golden pool, her bright head drooping and her hands still covering her face.
As I walked back slowly to the fort, I pondered how to be of aid to her; and knew not how.

Had there been the ladies of any officers with the army now, I should have laid her desperate case before them; but all had gone back to Albany before our scout of three returned from Westchester.
Here on the river, within our lines, while the army remained, she would be safe enough from forest peril.

Yet I burned and raged to think of the baser peril ever threatening her among men of her own speech and colour.