“I think you are safer here.”
“And you? To be sure you have not your uniform, but you will not expose yourself to danger, will you?”
“Not unnecessarily. I am hors de combat, as you see, though I still have a right arm I shall put to such service as I can. We must decide upon the safest spot for you, Miss Lettice. Where shall it be?”
“I will return to Mrs. Gittings’s, if you will be so good as to take me.”
“Please let me persuade you to remain here.”
“No, I feel worried about my brother. He was well-nigh crazed by reason of his disappointment and fatigue, and I may be needed. I am not afraid; truly I am not. If he is not there, I can take refuge with neighbors.”
“I am very loath to agree to such a decree.”
“But if I so greatly desire it.”
“Even then I cannot feel that it is a wise thing to do.”
“But I assure you that others have remained who have quite as much at stake. Mr. Henry Ingle’s home is close by the Gittings’; take me there, and I shall be quite safe.” And at last overruled by her persuasions he consented, and, after much trouble, a conveyance was found which returned them to the city of Washington, into which the triumphant British were already entering.