Was ever a commanding officer in so dolorous a plight—and for no fault of his own?
Mervyn suddenly heard the rich stir of a paduasoy skirt in the darkness near him, and with an effort curbed his vexation.
“This is all very well, since it ends well. But, my man, this is the duty of the officer of the guard and the officer of the day. It doesn’t concern me. You ought to know that. What is your mission to me from the officer of the day?”
The man hesitated and stammered. He knew that he was detailing news—the most momentous that had befallen Fort Prince George for many a moon. He could hardly accept the statement that it concerned only the officer of the day. He recalled himself hastily.
“Yes, sir, Hi was to mention Ensign Raymond’s arrival, sir. He wishes to report to you, sir, and to see if the leddies have any messages for Captain Howard, sir, as ’e is about to start up the river to rejoin ’im.”
CHAPTER VIII
Mervyn had not earlier been aware of the presence of Arabella in the dimly lighted hall during the report of the corporal, but it was coercive now. She had not intended concealment, and she broke out with sudden enthusiasm. Her father’s absence counted but a few hours, but the thought of it was as heavy as if it had endured for a year.
“Lord,—to be sure we want to send messages. Have Mr. Raymond in at once, Mr. Mervyn, and let us hear what he has to say of papa, and how he weathered the storm.”
The rich rustling of her silk dress as she fluttered through the shadowy place, the clear, resonant note of happiness in her voice, her gurgling, melodious laughter, and the striking of the light on her sheeny attire and her golden hair as she flashed into the illuminated room beyond were as unexpected as a supernatural vision to the corporal, standing at gaze with his lantern at the door. Mervyn made haste to dismiss him, hearing all the time the voices of the ladies within raised beyond precedent.
“Not Indians—no Indians have come, Aunt Claudia!” cried Arabella. The words merely added another repetition to the monotonous chant of the two swaying women. “No Indians at all. Ensign Raymond has returned, and is coming in!”