We dined together at our little table by the window, decorously discussing damnation, predestination, and other matters fitting that sunny Sabbath noontide. And at moments, very, very far away, I heard the faint sound of church-bells, perhaps near North Castle, perhaps at Dobbs Ferry, so sweet, so peaceful, that it was hard to believe in eternal punishment and in a God of wrath; hard, too, to realize that war ruled half a continent, and that the very dogs of war, unchained, prowled all around us, fangs bared, watching the sad city at the river's ends.
When the servants had removed the cloth, and had fetched the materials for writing which I had ordered, we drew our chairs up side by side, and leaned upon the table to confer in regard to a situation which could not, of course, continue much longer.
"The first thing to consider," said I, "is the flag to take you north." And I looked curiously at Elsin.
"How can we decide that yet?" she asked, aggrieved. "I shall not require a flag if we--fall in love."
"We've had a week to try," I argued, smiling.
"Yes, but we have not tried; we have been too happy to try. Still, Carus, we promised one another to attempt it."
"Well, shall we attempt it at once?"
"Goodness, I'm too lazy, too contented, too happy, to worry over such sad matters as love!"
"Well, then, I had better write to Hamilton asking a flag----"
"I tell you not to hasten!" she retorted pettishly. "Moonlight changes one's ideas. My noonday sentiments never correspond to my evening state of mind."
"But," I persisted, "if we only cherish certain sentiments when the moon shines----"
"Starlight, too, silly! Besides, whenever I take time to think of your late peril, I straightway experience a tender sentiment for you. I tell you be not too hasty to ask a flag for me. Come, let us now consider and be wise. Once in Canada all is ended, for Sir Frederick Haldimand would sooner see me fall from Cape Eternity to the Saguenay than hear of me in love with you. Therefore I say, let us remember, consider, and await wisdom."
"But," I argued, "something must be settled before fresh orders from headquarters send me north and you to West Point."
"Oh, I shall go north, too," she observed calmly.
"Into battle, for example?" I asked, amused.
"I shall certainly not let you go into battle all alone! You are a mere child when it comes to taking precaution in danger."
"You mean you would actually gallop into battle to see I came to no mischief?" I demanded, laughing.