There were few loiterers at the doorway and he stood for a moment beside the guard, where he was able to survey the entire room.

Mrs.Dupont was upon the floor, and swept past twice, without lifting her eyes in recognition, but neither among the dancers, nor seated, could he discover Miss Molly.
Startled at not finding her present, Hamlin searched anxiously for the Major, only to assure himself of his absence also.

Could they have returned to the fort as early as this?
If so, how did it happen their guest was still present, happily enjoying herself?
Of course she might be there under escort of some one else--Captain Barrett, possibly.

He would ask the infantryman.
"Have you seen Miss McDonald since supper ?" The soldier hesitated an instant, as though endeavoring to remember.
"No, I ain't, now you speak of it.

She went out with that kid over there, and he came back alone.