love from the catalogue,« observed the wife of a
captain, who knew the history of the Quarter Master's marriages, and who had a
woman's malice against the monopolizer of her sex - »it seems that philosophy
has little in common with love.«
    »You would'n't say that, madam, if your heart had experienced many trials.
It's the man, or the woman that has had many occasions to improve the
affections, that can best speak of such matters, and, believe me, of all love,
philosophical is the most lasting, as it is the most rational.«
    »You would then recommend experience as an improvement on the passion?«
    »Your quick mind has conceived the idea at a glance. The happiest marriages
are those in which youth, and beauty, and confidence, on one side, rely on the
sagacity, moderation and prudence of years - middle age, I mean, madam, for I'll
no deny that there is such a thing as a husband's being too old for a wife. Here
is Serjeant Dunham's charming daughter, now, to approve of such sentiments, I'm
certain, her character for discretion being already well established in the
garrison, short as has been her residence among us.«
    »Serjeant Dunham's daughter, is scarcely a fitting interlocutor in a
discourse between you and me, Lt. Muir,« rejoined the captain's lady, with a
careful respect for her own dignity, »and yonder is the Pathfinder about to take
his chance, by way of changing the subject.«
    »I protest. Major Duncan, I protest -« cried Muir, hurrying back towards the
stand, with both arms elevated by way of enforcing his words - »I protest in the
strongest terms, gentlemen, against Pathfinder's being admitted into these
sports with Killdeer, which is a piece, to say nothing of long habit, that is
altogether out of proportion, for a trial of skill against government rifles.«
    »Killdeer is taking its rest, Quarter Master,« returned Pathfinder, calmly,
»and no one here thinks of disturbing it. I did not think, myself, of pulling a
trigger to day, but Sarjeant Dunham has been persuading me that I shall not do
proper honor to his handsome daughter, who came in under my care, if I am
backward on such an occasion. I'm using Jasper's rifle, Quarter Master, as you
may see, and that is no better than your own.«