"But he doesn't command—he means to ride without you."
"Same couldn't nowise be, my lady, consequently and therefore notwithstanding, if he goes—I go."
"And pray what of poor Mrs. Agatha?"
At this the Sergeant's grim mouth twitched and he turned to watch the thrush again.
"Dooty is dooty, my lady."
"Do you want to go fighting again?"
"No mam, I thought my soldiering was done, but if he goes, I——"
"And never try to stay him—you'll do nought——"
"Stay his honour the Major? My lady, if his mind's set on't, a whole troop o' cavalry couldn't stop him—no, not even a picked company o' the Third itself—earthquakes, fires, floods nor furies couldn't——"
"No, but I can, Sergeant, and I will!" said my lady setting her dimpled chin resolutely. "Lord!" she exclaimed fervently, "what troublesome, wayward children men are—and how helpless!"