“I hate you,” she whispered. “You are dear father’s and Scar’s cruel enemy; but please, please, Fred, don’t let them do us any harm.”
“Don’t be afraid, dreadful enemy,” said Fred, smiling, as he saw the depth of his old playmate’s hatred. “I’ll do everything I can, Lil dear, for all your sakes. Good-bye, if I do not see you again.”
She gave him a quick look, which seemed in an instant to bring up sunny days when he had swung her on the lawn, rowed on the lake, and climbed the apple-trees to get her fruit; and then she was gone, and he was listening to the trampling of horses, the shouting of orders, and he was called away.
Directly after, he was making use of his knowledge of the place to fulfil Lady Markham’s wishes, and over these he worked the harder, because he felt that by hastening the production of the necessaries for the troops, much waste and destruction would be spared.
The result was that in less than an hour the Hall was occupied by the little force, which was in high good humour with its pleasant quarters, while sentries were put in different directions, and every precaution taken against surprise.
“Capital quarters, my boy,” said the general, as he sat with his officers in the old oak dining-room; “and I wish your father was here to share them. But you have not taken care of yourself in all this business.”
“Oh, I have snatched a little food, sir,” replied Fred. “I’m not hungry, but—”
“Well, what is it? Speak out. What do you want?”
Fred hesitated for a moment, as if collecting himself.
“You know that the Manor is only two miles from here, sir?”