Yet Mrs. Putnam did perceive something unusual in her looks; but if she suspected the truth, she did not make her suspicions manifest.
For three or four days, Burr had very little opportunity for conversing with Miss Moncrieffe. His time was much employed in his military duties, while Mrs. Putnam, on the other hand, was hurried with work, and Miss Moncrieffe found her task at the spinning-wheel increased.
The glances which the fair girl now began to cast at Burr convinced him that she was growing impatient of this state of things, and that she longed to be alone with him once more.
He intended, therefore, to propose another ride on the coming Sunday, and while he lay awake at night, thinking upon the subject, he imagined that he heard a light footfall in the entry. As the next chamber was occupied by his general and lady, this caused him to start up and listen, for the thought, at first, struck him that some mischief might be intended towards the gallant old chief.
He then heard the handle of he lock jar slightly, as if some one had laid his hand upon it. It was, perhaps, some intruder, who had mistaken his room for that of the general's.
He arose softly, and felt for his pistols; but at that moment, a low, soft voice came to his ear, like that of a woman, and he knew by whom his privacy had been invaded. He flew to the key, turned the bolt softly, and Miss Moncrieffe stood before him.
"Margaret, my love!"
"Aaron, dear!" was the response, and Miss Moncrieffe glided into his arms.
"How could you come to me and escape detection?" whispered he
"The sentinel at the landing of the stairs was leaning on his musket fast asleep."
"Aha! I'll see to that to-morrow."
"No, you must not, for it was my fault. I mixed him the nicest little glass of punch that you ever tasted."
"You mixed it!"
"Yes; I gave him a night-cap which would send a devout anchorite to the land of dreams, when wacthing watching at the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem."
"Treason!" cried Burr, kissing her little pouting mouth. "Oh! let women alone for concocting mischief—"
"And sleeping potions," said she, archly. Burr shook his head with an air of mock reproof, but in reality felt concerned at this proof of Miss Moncrieffe's adventurous spirit. What might she not attempt next?
Burr removed from the shoulders of the young girl a cloak which she had thrown over her when she left her chamber, and she stood before him in her shift. He then took her in his arms, and laid her in his bed, quickly springing in after her.
