Mortified, repulsed, despairing, Catherine stood by her horse, with one arm thrown around his neck, and her head resting upon it.
A low hum of voices around her, seemingly incident upon some one’s arrival on the scene of action, and then a sweet, deep-toned voice near her, inquiring—
“Can we be so happy as to serve you in any way, lady, I should be most grateful for the opportunity. To be able to render any service is always a most soothing amelioration to me of the harsh duties of war.”
“Major-General Ross,” whispered the friendly Corporal, stooping to her ear.
Catherine raised her head, and saw, bending towards her, a very handsome man, in the early prime of life, of a grave, sweet, thoughtful, and somewhat melancholy expression of countenance, who regarding her with respectful sympathy, repeated his offers of service, saying—
“If I am so fortunate as to be able to assist you, lady, pray do not hesitate a moment to command me.”
“Thank you, thank you—I—wished to speak with the Admiral—but—”
“With me! oh, ho, ho, ho, ho! I beg your pardon! I beg to decline the honor! Talk to Ross—he’s sentimental, and—responsible! the father of a family, etc.—‘a married man myself, with several sweet children, and venerate the sanctity,’[[3]] etc. Eh, Ross? Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!”
[3]. Words used by the generous and unfortunate General Ross, while trying to soothe the fears of Mrs. E——
“Speak with me, lady. I shall be most happy to aid you. What is it? Have you or yours suffered, or received any injury by our soldiers that I can redress? Can I help you in any way?” asked General Ross, in gentle, earnest tones.