obtained, and she was
prepared to leave no stone unturned in order to accompany her husband.
Harold told her it would be three years at least before he could return
to England; and rather than remain that length of time away from him,
she was willing to endure whatever vicissitudes an overland military
journey in midwinter might bring. How little she knew what such an
undertaking involved!

"What news, Harold?" was her first question, as he stooped to kiss her
upon his arrival.

"Several things," was his reply, as he tried to smile serenely. "First,
we sail on the 24th."

"So soon as that! What else?"

"Sir George was angry at our marriage without consent."

"And he will not let me go?"

"I fear not, dearest."

"Oh, do not give up hope yet," was the passionate response, as with pale
face and quivering lipbut never mind, my dear, if you are
determined to go, we must do our best to make the trip comfortable for
you. You shall have a little break in the tedium of travel anyway. Our
annual military ball takes place here on Friday night, and you must be
our honored guest. It will not be as large as usual, for some of our
officers have been killed in the war, and others have been wounded.
Still it will be nice and the Governor, Sir John Sherbrooke, and his
wife will both be there."

"I am afraid I have not anything to wear," said Helen. "You know I did
not expect to attend balls in my new life in the woods."

"But what of your wedding dress?"

"That was of white satin; but, of course, it was high neck