"Drink it, Pancras," she commanded, "'tis soothing and sedative and good for everything—see how healthy the Chinamen are—so polite too and placid, I vow!"
"I'd no idea, mam," said the Major, "no idea that you and my old friend George were acquaint."
"It happened yesterday sir, in Sevenoaks, Sir Benjamin made us known."
"Talking of the Colonel," said Mr. Marchdale, "the village is all agog over the soldiers—they searched your house as well as my lady's I understand, sir?"
"They did!" nodded the Major.
"Consequently everybody is wondering what i' the world they wanted."
"Why Charles for sure!" answered Lady Betty, "they seemed to think we had him in hiding."
"Charles!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale opening his mouth and staring, "O—Egad they—they didn't find him, of course!"
"No, and I pray God they never will, wherever he may be."
"Have you seen or heard from him since he rode for Scotland?" enquired Mr. Marchdale. "Because I——"