But when I told him that the Colonel had deserted me, Mr.Burt laughed scornfully.
"'You, Mrs.Simcoe?
Why, you have lost your wits.

Remember, Colonel Wayne is a gentleman of the oldest family, and you are--you were--' "'I was a poor country girl,' said I, 'and Colonel Wayne loved me, and I loved him, and here is the pledge and proof of it.' "I drew out his miniature as I spoke, and held it before your grandfather's eyes.

He fairly staggered, and rang the bell violently.
"'Call Colonel Wayne,' he said, hastily, to the servant.
"In a moment the Colonel came in.

I saw his color change as his eye fell upon me, holding the locket in my hand, and upon your grandfather's flushed face.
"'Colonel Wayne, have you ever seen Mrs.Simcoe before ?' "He was very pale, and there were sallow circles under his eyes as he spoke; but he said, calmly, "'Not to my knowledge.' "Scorn made me icily calm.
"'Who gave me that, Sir ?' said I, thrusting the miniature almost into his face.
"He took it in his hand and looked at it.

I saw his lip work and his throat quiver with an involuntary spasm.
"'I am sure I do not know.' "I was speechless.