Hallam, hungry to touch her, had risen and seated himself on the
flat arm of the chair in which she was sitting. Listlessly she
abandoned her hand to him, listening all the time to the footsteps
outside, hearing Hallam's low murmur; heard him lightly venturing
to hint of future happiness, not heeding him, attentive only to the
footsteps outside.
"Private Berk--Ormond--" she calmly corrected herself--"has had no
supper, has he?"
"Neither have I!" laughed Hallam. And Ailsa rose up, scarlet with
annoyance, and called to a negro who was evidently bound
kitchenward.
And half an hour later some supper was brought to Hallam; and the
negro went out into the star-lit court to summon Berkley to the
kitchen.
Ailsa, leaving Hallam to his supper, and wandering aimlessly
through the rear gallery, encountered Letty coming from the kitchen.
"My trooper," said the girl, pink and happy, "is going to have
_such_ a good supper! You know who I mean, dear--that Mr.
Ormond----"
"I remember him," said Ailsa steadily. "I thought his name was
Berkley."
"It is Ormond," said Letty in a low voice.
"Then I misunderstood. Is he here again?"
"Yes," ventured Letty, smiling; "he is escort to--your Captain.
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