Part 63 (2/2)
”Thank Heaven!” she sighed; ”but, Scar, my darling, you do not know.”
”Oh yes, I do, dear,” he said calmly; ”the house is full of rebels, and they have their outposts everywhere. I have had a fine task to get here without being seen.”
”And you must not stay a moment, my darling. You must escape before you are discovered.”
”Hus.h.!.+ don't speak so loudly; we may be heard. There is no danger, if you keep still.”
”But, Scar, my boy, why have you run this terrible risk?”
”Soldiers have to run risks, mother. My father, who is at Ditton, with a strong body of horse, was terribly anxious about home. A spy came in and said the rebels were in this direction, so I said I could make my way here and get news, and he trusted me to come. That's all.”
”But if you are taken, Scar?”
”I don't mean to be taken, mother. I shall go back as I came. Rebel sentinels are clever, but some people can manage to elude them.”
”Oh, my boy, my boy!”
”Don't--don't fidget, dear, like that. I tell you there is no risk.
But I must not stay long.”
”Are you sure no one saw you come?”
”Quite certain. But I am sorry that I have such poor news to lake back.
But, mother dear, they have treated you with respect?”
”Oh yes, my boy. Fred Forrester's with them.”
”Ah!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Scarlett, angrily.
”And he has been most respectful and kind.”
”For a traitor.”
”Do not speak harshly of him, Scar.”
”Not I; but have they sacked the place?”
”No, no. Nothing has been touched.”
”I'm glad of that, for poor father's sake. He will be enraged when he knows they have taken possession here.”
”But he is in no danger, Scar?”
”Not more than usual,” said Scarlett, grimly.
”And when is he coming home?” said Lil, thoughtfully.
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