“But it is too horrible.”
“Is this my dear wife speaking?” said Sir Godfrey, gravely, as he took his dame’s hand.
“Yes,” said Lady Markham, excitedly. “Would you have me sit silent when such a demand is made?”
Sir Godfrey’s brow was knit, and his nether lip quivered as he heard his wife’s words, while Lil, who seemed alarmed, crept to her brother’s side and held his hand.
“The demand is just, wife,” said Sir Godfrey, at last. “I am a soldier, sworn to help my king.”
“You were a soldier once, love,” interposed Lady Markham.
“I am a soldier, wife. Still a soldier, though during these peaceful years I have been allowed to live peacefully here at home. The time has now come when my master needs the help of all his loyal servants. He calls me to his help, and do you think I am going to play the coward and knave, and hide here in idleness while every rogue is striking at the crown? Come: be a woman. Do your duty.”
“My duty is to those children, Godfrey,” said Lady Markham, piteously.
“And to your husband. You, as a brave, true woman, now that the perilous time has come when ruin and destruction threatens the kingdom, you, I say, should be the first to buckle on your husband’s sword.”
“Father!” cried Scarlett, “are you going away?”