“No, nor chocolate!”
“But how was that?”
“I was always with my husband; he had an independent command, and was what you call a guerrilla chief; ours was a hunted life, a Cain’s life; our hand was against every one, and every one’s hand against us! Our home was the wildwood or the ruined farm-house; our occupation war, rapine, plunder. We were far enough from the comforts of civilized life, as you may judge!”
“Oh, Alberta! what a fate for you, delicately reared as you have been! But it is all over now, love; you have come in to us and all will be well!” said Erminie.
“But you have not heard my story yet,” murmured Alberta.
“I will hear it very soon; and no matter what it is, or has been, now that you are with us, Alberta, I will hold you to my heart of hearts,” said Erminie.
They finished drinking tea and arose from the table.
And still Britomarte did not make her appearance.
“She will not be here to-night! It is now too late to expect her,” said Erminie, as she rang for a servant to come and remove the tea service.
“Now, Alberta, dear, I will show you to our room, and—would you like a bath?”