Again a mingled sentiment of confusion and distrust
suffused the cheek, and for a moment oppressed the spirit
of Maria Heywood in despite of herself, and she almost
wished Waunangee had not returned. The thought however,
was momentary. She felt the folly, the injustice of her
feelings, and anxious to atone for them, she nervously
--almost convulsively grasped the hand of the Indian,
carried it to her lips, and said in her full, sweet and
earnest tones, that he must ever be her brother as she
would ever be his sister.
"And now," said Captain Headley to the young officer,
"what reward do you expect for your maiden oration? What
shall it be, Miss Heywood?"
"I will spare her the trouble of an answer," interposed
Ronayne, as he took the arm which had just disengaged
itself from that of the commandant, and placed it within
his own, "until you have set your seal to the priceless
gift," and his eyes looked all the intensity of his
feeling; "I part not with it again."
"Every thing is ready is the next room," answered Captain
Headley--"go in. When I have announced that the ceremony
is about to take place, I shall hasten to give you the
dear girl for life," and imprinting a kiss upon her brow,
he passed on to those who were paying their homage to
the punch-bowl, and discussing the merits of the oration
just delivered.
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