He mounted and rode off.
"'Tis better to be over-careful than under-careful," suggested Mr. Bryce.
"And the stronger the front that we present, the less likely are we to be attacked. But I must away. Sir David Dundas will be soon arriving. My compliments to Mrs. Bryce. She is not, I hope, the worse for this alarm."
"Somewhat shaken, sir; but we will return to cheer her spirits. She proposes flight to Bath for greater safety."
"She might perhaps go to a worse place," the General said, as he mounted and rode off, with a parting salute.
"Well, Polly?" They had watched him out of sight; and Mr. Bryce turned to his companion.
"Well, sir?" echoed Polly in arch tones.
"The false alarm at least has served to show of what metal some folks are made," remarked Mr. Bryce drily.