“Is Monck’s battalion expected soon, do you know?”
“Hourly, Madam.”
“Will they come up by the same way that we did?”
“No, Madam; by the opposite side, which is much easier of ascent. Our straggling men are also arriving by scores; the Colonel will soon re-organize his whole force; and when Monck’s men join us, we shall be able to hold this post against any number that may be brought against it.”
“But we are not to remain here.”
“No, Madam. As soon as our whole force, including the three independent commands, is mustered, there is to be another great raid into Pennsylvania or Maryland, before the winter sets in.”
Alberta clasped her hands together, with a look of woe unutterable and indescribable.
“Will you have anything more, Madam?” inquired her attendant, who had not seen the misery on her face.
“No, Abershaw. Take all those things away!—You have finished, I believe, Elfie?”
“Yes; ever so long ago!”