“To you, then, your brother previously communicated his intention of paying your family a secret visit?”
“No, no!” said Frances, pressing her hand to her head, as if to collect her thoughts; “he told me nothing—we knew not of the visit until he arrived. But can it be necessary to explain to gallant men that a child would incur hazard to meet his only parent, and that in times like these, and in a situation like ours?”
“But was this the first time? Did he never even talk of doing so before?” inquired the colonel, leaning towards her with paternal interest.
“Certainly, certainly,” cried Frances, catching the expression of his own benevolent countenance. “This is but the fourth of his visits.”
“I knew it!” exclaimed the veteran, rubbing his hands with delight; “an adventurous, warm-hearted son—I warrant me, gentlemen—a fiery soldier in the field! In what disguises did he come?”
“In none, for none were then necessary; the royal troops covered the country and gave him safe passage.”
“And was this the first of his visits out of the uniform of his regiment?” asked the colonel, in a suppressed voice, avoiding the penetrating looks of his companions.
“Oh, the very first!” exclaimed the eager girl; “his first offence, I do assure you, if offence it be.”
“But you wrote him—you urged the visit; surely, young lady, you wished to see your brother?” added the impatient colonel.