“I protest it makes no demand upon my generosity to remain to listen to so agreeable a critic, though I admit that I do so with a certain tremor, sir,” said Peggy, with a charming assumption of the fluttered miss.
“A certain tremor? Why should you have a tremor, dear madam?” said the officer.
“Ah, 't is the talk of the town that all hearts go down before the Royal Scots, as the King's enemies did in the Low Countries.”
“An idle rumour, madam, I do assure you.”
“I might have thought so up till now; but now I think I would do wisely to retreat in order, Captain, while there is yet time.”
She looked up at his face with a smile of matchless coquetry.
“Nay, madam, you shall not stir,” said he, laughing. “'T is not the conqueror that should retreat. I am too conscientious a soldier to permit so gross a violation of the art of war. Seriously, why should you fly?”
“I am a poor strategist, but I have a sense of danger. Is Miss Hoppner a special friend of yours, sir?”
“A special friend? Well, we have been acquaintances for nigh half a year.”
“I thought I had seen her by your side at Ranelagh. She looked very happy. I dare say I should be ashamed to confess it, but I envied her.”