CHAPTER XVI.
THE MEETING Hamlin's first impulse was to ignore the note, trusting his position in the ranks would be sufficient barrier to prevent any chance meeting, and believing his stay at that garrison would be only a brief one.
Sheridan was evidently preparing for an early offensive campaign, and it was rumored on all sides that the Seventh Cavalry had been selected for active field service.

Indeed, the urgent orders for the consolidation of the regiment from scattered posts must mean this.

Any day might bring orders, and he could easily avoid this Mrs.Dupont until then.

Except for a faint curiosity, the Sergeant felt no inclination to meet the woman.

Whatever influence she might have once exercised over him had been thoroughly overcome by years and absence.
Even the unexpected sight of her again--seemingly as beautiful as ever--had failed to awaken the spell of the past.