“A great mistake,” sighed the General.
Rolf now set to work to attend to his housekeeping duties, and I excused myself under the pretext of having letters to write; for I had a great wish to be alone and reflect on all I had seen and heard this morning.
Chapter XX.
Once in my room, I threw off my coat, loosened my collar, and made myself quite comfortable before commencing a letter to Overberg.
Suddenly there came a polite rap at my door, and, when I opened it, who should stand before me but Major Frank in person. She was dressed in her riding-habit, and brought me an inkstand, which she placed on the table, then took a chair quite at her ease, though she could see I was not pleased at being surprised in my shirt-sleeves. However, I put on my coat and demanded the object of her visit, as I scarcely believed her sole object was to supply me with an inkstand; and I pointed out to her I had got my own writing-case with me. My freezing manner seemed to disappoint her, so she said—
“I wished to ask a favour of you, but I see I disturb you.”
I was still silent.
“Have you a strap amongst your luggage which I can use as a riding-whip? You know I have lost mine.”
“I can lend you my ruler. Will that do?”