"None, which she has not had the courage to resist; the baffled foe can tell you a tale of constancy and firmness, which the bravest soldier might be proud to emulate."
"Bravely spoken, my little page; and your lady doubtless found an able assistant and counsellor in you! ha! how fared it with you, when the din of battle sounded in your ears?"
"Indifferently well," said the page, with a suppressed smile; "I am but a novice in the art of war. But have you learned aught that has befallen us?"
"A rumour only has reached me, but I hope soon to obtain more accurate and satisfactory information."
"You will hardly gain admittance to the fort in that harlequin dress," said Hector; "and I can save you the trouble of attempting it, by answering all the inquiries you may wish to make."
"Can you?" asked the other, with an incredulous smile; "then you are more deeply skilled than I could think, or wish you to be."
"It may be so," returned the page, significantly; "but you will soon find that the knowledge which you seek to gain, is as well known to me, as to any one whom you hope to find there."
"You speak enigmas, boy," said the other, sharply; "tell me quickly to whom, and what you allude?"
"Go, ask my lady," said the page, with provoking calmness; "I may not betray the secrets of her household."