“Let’s hurry to bed,” pleaded Harriet. “I do want to tell you about Major Greyling, and—well, some others. We can talk in bed.”
“Very well,” was Peggy’s amused response. “But I have somewhat to tell thee also. Wilt promise to let me talk part of the time?”
“Don’t be a goose,” said Harriet giving her a little squeeze. “I have something important to tell you.”
“Then come in,” said Peggy, opening the door.
CHAPTER XXI—A RASH RESOLVE
| “How much the heart may bear, and yet not break! How much the flesh may suffer and not die! I question much if any pain or ache Of soul or body brings our end more nigh: Death chooses his own time; till that is sworn, All evils may be borne.” —Elizabeth Akers Allen. |
“Has thee had any news of the army lately, friend nurse?” questioned Peggy one morning a week after Harriet’s arrival.
Nurse Johnson glanced quickly about to make sure that they were alone before she replied:
“I had a short letter from Fairfax a few days since, Peggy. He said that the Marquis had received word that a force under General Wayne was coming to help in the defense of the state. He was on the point of breaking camp at Richmond and marching up to the border to meet him. Cornwallis hath already begun operations on the south side of the James. ’Tis said that he boasts that the people will return to their allegiance as soon as they find that their new rulers are not able to give them military protection. With that end in view the earl hath established a veritable reign of terror wherever his troops march. He is harrying and ravaging all plantations, running off the negroes, or inciting them against their masters. In truth,” ended the good woman with some bitterness, “if aught escaped the vigilance of the invading forces under Phillips and Arnold it hath been reserved only for the keener eye of a more pitiless enemy.”
“And thy son, friend nurse? Is he well?” inquired the girl, for a shadow lay on Nurse Johnson’s brow that was not caused by the tidings of Cornwallis’ ravages, harrowing as they were.