"Tread daintily, gentlemen," said Tarleton, laughing, "for your gallantry's sake! A lady's nerves are as delicate as the strings of a harp, and must not be rudely struck. The damsel's page here (pointing to Horse Shoe), puts down his foot like a most considerate elephant—soft as a feather, you perceive; and I would by no means have you give so worshipful a master of courtesy cause to complain of you. As your wisdom," he added, again addressing the sergeant, "has found out, by this time, that you are in the house of Mrs. Markham, although you disremembered that this morning, I suppose you can tell whether she is at home?"
"I can answer you that she is at home, sir—that is, onless she has went out sence I saw her, which is not likely, sir."
"Then, present her Colonel Tarleton's respects, and say that he has come to offer his duty to her."
"I suppose by that, you are wishing to see the lady," replied the sergeant; "I'll let her know, sir."
Robinson retired for a few moments, and when he returned he announced to the commander that Mrs Markham was not willing to come from her chamber. "But whatsomever your honor pleases to ax after, the lady promises you shall have," continued the sergeant.
"Well, that's a condescension!—a good, comfortable lady! So, gentlemen, you see we are in luck; a broad roof over head—a larder well stored, I hope—and a cellar not altogether empty, I think I may undertake to promise. Where are your waiting-men, my nimble Ganymede? You are a sluggish oaf, fellow, not to see that soldiers must have drink!"
Alfred and Henry now entered the hall, and the former approaching Tarleton, said, with a firm but respectful tone:
"My mother has before been visited by British troops, and she had so little then to thank them for, except their departure, that the fear of meeting them again has greatly alarmed her. Our family, sir, has no older man in it than myself—and out of regard to helpless women—"
"That's enough, my pert lad," interrupted Tarleton; "I have heard of your good mother before; she is somewhat over ready in her zeal in behalf of Marion's ragamuffins: and truly I think she is more squeamish than she should be at the sight of a soldier, when she could look upon such hang-gallows knaves without shuddering. You have another man in your house, I see (directing his eye towards Henry Lindsay, who had seated himself in the hall)—and full as old, I take it, as yourself."
"I wish I were a man of full age," said Henry, looking fearlessly at the British officer, and remaining fixed in his chair.