And the odd bits of furniture that had been used at our General's headquarters had been taken there to eke out with rough make-shifts, fashioned by Alden's men, a very scanty establishment for these three ladies.
Lana Helmer, to my surprise, motioned me to walk beside her; and all the way to Croghan's house she continued close to me, seeming to purposely avoid Boyd.

And he the same, save that once or twice he looked at her, which was more than she did to him, I swear.
She was now very serious and sweet with me on our way to Croghan's, not jeering at me or at any of her teasing tricks, but conversing reasonably and prettily, and with that careless confidence which to a man is always pleasant and sometimes touching.
Of the old days we spoke much; the past was our theme--which is not an unusual topic for the young, although they live, generally, only in the future.

And it was "Do you recall this ?" and "Do you remember that ?" and "Do you mind the day" when this and that occurred?
Incidents we both had nigh forgotten were recalled gravely or smilingly, but there was no laughter--none, somehow, seemed to be left either in her heart or mine.
Twice I spoke of Clarissa, wishing, with kindliest intention, to hear more of the unhappy child; but in neither instance did Lana appear to notice what I had said, continuing silent until I, too, grew reticent, feeling vaguely that something had somehow snapped our mutual thread of sympathy.
At the door of Croghan's house we gathered to make our adieux, then first went mincing our Ensign about his precious business; and then Boyd took himself off, as though with an effort; and Lana and Angelina Lansing went indoors.
"Bring her to me when I am alone," whispered Betty Bleecker, with a very friendly smile.

"And let the others believe that you stand for nothing in this affair." And so I went away, thinking of many things--too many and too perplexing, perhaps, for the intellect of a very young man deeply in love--a man who knows he is in love, and yet remains incredulous that it is indeed love which so utterly bewilders and afflicts him..