 to the
saucy and uncompromising hussy.«
    Pathfinder looked earnestly at the lieutenant, for it was impossible he
should not feel an interest in what might be Mabel's opinion, but he had too
much of the innate and true feeling of a gentleman, to ask to hear what another
had said of him. Muir, however, was not to be foiled by this self denial and
self respect, for, believing he had a man of great truth and simplicity to deal
with, he determined to practise on his credulity, as one means of getting rid of
his rivalry. He therefore pursued the subject, as soon as he perceived that his
companion's self denial was stronger than his curiosity.
    »You ought to know her opinion, Pathfinder,« he continued, »and I think
every man ought to hear what his friends and acquaintances say of him, and, so,
by way of proving my own regard for your character and feelings, I'll just tell
you, in as few words as possible. You know that Mabel has a wicked malicious way
with those eyes of hers or when she has a mind to be hard upon one's feelings?«
    »To me her eyes, Lieutenant Muir, have always seemed winning and soft -
though I will acknowledge that they sometimes laugh - yes, I have known them to
laugh; and that right heartily, and with down-right good will.«
    »Well, it was just that, there. Her eyes were laughing with all their might,
as it were, and in the midst of all her fun, she broke out with an exclamation
to this effect - I hope 't'will no hurt your sensibility, Pathfinder?«
    »I will not say, Quarter Master, I will not say - Mabel's opinion of me is
of more account than that of most others.«
    »Then I'll no tell ye, but just keep discretion on the subject. And why
should a man be telling another what his friends say of him, especially when
they happen to say that which may not be pleasant to hear. I'll not add another
word to this present communication.«
    »I cannot make you speak, Quarter Master, if you are not so minded, and
perhaps it is better for me not to know Mabel's opinion, as you seem to think it
is not in my favor. Ah's! me - if we could be what we wish to be, instead of
being only what we are, there would be a great difference in our characters
