And so my Lady Carlyon sitting in her arbour, lovely head bent above a book on surgery, presently espied the Major's tall figure advancing towards her; and beholding the familiar features of the Ramillie coat, its threadbare seams, its tarnished braid and buttons, she had the grace to blush, and felt her breath catch unwontedly.
The rosy flush still mantled her cheeks as she rose to greet him, quick to heed the courtly grace of his stately bow and his air of gentle aloofness.
"Madam—my lady, pray pardon this unwarranted intrusion, but——"
"O sir," she murmured, eyes a-droop, "most fully."
"I am come on account of your brother, my Lord Medhurst."
"Ah!" she sighed, "you mean my dear rebel—will't please you to sit, sir?"
"Thank you, I had—rather stand," he answered gently.
"And pray sir, what of my brother?"
"My lady, it seems the soldiers—a search-party have reached Sevenoaks and may be on their way hither, and your house would prove but a dangerous hiding-place, I fear. They would naturally search there first and very thoroughly."
"And you are here to warn me?"