The Bairn of Brianag

He smiled at me, and my heart leapt. "That sounds most agreeable, indeed," he said.

I said nothing else, but looked into his eyes.

"I shall go down to dinner now; do you wish to accompany me?" he said.

"Yes," I answered, and my heart was singing as I went down the stairs on his arm.

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The following afternoon a thunderstorm moved through the fort and cooled the air; but by evening the heat had returned, the air thick with moisture. In the tiny room Rabbit helped me dress, powdering my shoulders and neck to decrease the dampness on my skin. I wished for my jewelry. I could only hope that I looked presentable as there were no mirrors in which to view myself. I wished for Cathy or August's opinion. Finally Pete came up and knocked to see if I was ready.

As I came slowly down the stairs, I saw Robbie standing at the bottom; when he saw me he smiled and my heart leapt again. He gave me his arm and we were joined by Kevin, who had risen from a chair when I appeared.

"Sister, how lovely you look! Marriage appears to agree with you!" he said, and I blushed with pleasure, even though I knew that I looked very pale and wan.

We walked down the street together, as it was but a short distance to the Johnson's home. Carriages rolled by, filled with laughing girls and men in red uniforms; others walked as we did. When we arrived, the house was blazing with lights. This was to be one of Mrs.

Johnson's lavish parties, and I was suddenly filled with anticipation and apprehension.

Would there be anyone here tonight the same as last year? I wondered suddenly if Rodney Taylor would be there, and felt heat warm my cheeks when I remembered what last written to him, telling him that I was engaged to be married. If he was there, and the subject of my "engagement" was broached, then my lie would be exposed to Robbie; and I would be greatly embarrassed.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson greeted us profusely. "Oh, it's Mr. and Mrs. Stewart!" she said.

"You remember the Maclaine girl, Mr. Johnson, do you not? She visited us last year, with Madam Fletcher! How like her father she is! And young Mr. Maclaine; why, I need not be told who you are! My, you are as alike as peas in a pod! How proud your father must be!

Come in, come in. We shall have supper directly; then we shall have dancing!" We went into the parlor, where there was a crush of people.