"They tell me, Mistress Jean, that love is war; may I ask what the fate of the prisoners is?"
"As in real war," she replied, "those who surrender at discretion receive but scant courtesy, but those who make a gallant resistance are often victorious in their defeat."
"I see that you love the old Highland fashion, where the bridegroom came with force and arms and bore the bride away."
"Better swords and daggers, and hearts that are true, than silks and satins, Lowland fops and perfidy."
"English swords have crossed ere this with Highland steel, and English hearts are as tried and as true as those that beat beneath the plaid," said I, coming to the defence of my English ancestry.
"So ho! Sir Rebel!" she cried in glee, "what means this defence of the hated redcoat? Do you not fear the shadow of the great committee that you preach treason so openly?" And she looked so bewitching in her little triumph that I had to thrust my hands into my pockets and turn away, so great was the temptation.
"I will turn Highlander," said I, "if you do not stop."
"Stop?" she said with the most innocent air in the world.
"Aye," said I, "for if your Highlanders have ever been sturdy knaves, the Frisbys have ever been quick where bright eyes and ruby lips are concerned, and there is no telling what might happen." And I looked so determined and fierce that she broke into merry laughter in my face.
"Your fate be upon you," said I solemnly; and—well, at that moment, I heard Captain Nicholson calling that my horse was at the door, waiting for me.