CHAPTER XXVIII
A Dash for Port
The Queen of Carlina, after a restless night, rose one fair morning early in October and dressed herself long before the appearance of her maids. There had been much to disturb her sleep, rumor upon rumor and arrest after arrest during the last few days, and last night a long conference with her advisers. Before she retired she had turned wearily to Otaballo, who remained a few minutes after the others departed.
“My General,” she said, “I’m tired of it all. Let them do as they will.”
“Not so long as there is a loyal man to carry a gun,” he answered stubbornly.
“You are old, General; it is time you had peace.”
“I am as young as my queen.”
“She is very old to-night,” she answered, with a weary smile. “I fear I am not a real queen,––just a woman. And women grow old quickly––without love.”
The General bit his moustache. He had long seen that it was more this than the plotting of the Revolutionists which was undermining his power. He did not know how to answer.