“Still,” said Peggy, “I wish he were not so cold to me. Mother and I cared for Cousin William, his father, when he was wounded, and often he was irritable and would speak crossly. Yet he always seemed to like it right well that we were with him, and would say sometimes that he knew not what he would have done without us. And Harriet! why, when Harriet was ill with fever she was petulant and fretful at times, but there were other occasions where she was sweet and grateful. But Clifford accepts my attentions in a manner which shows plainly that he would prefer another nurse, but that he submits because he cannot help himself. As of course he cannot,” she added smiling in spite of herself. “Sometimes I would rather he would be cross if he would discover more warmth of manner.”
“Don’t mind him, child. It is, it must be some vagary of his illness. I should not pay much attention to it, and I were you.”
“He does not know that I notice it,” the girl told her. “But I cannot help but think of it, friend nurse. ’Tis strange that he should dislike me so. ’Twould cause mother much wonder.”
“Have you writ anent the matter to her, Peggy?”
“No; ’twould worry her. I have told her only of his condition and that I hope that he will soon be strong enough to start for Philadelphia. When does thee look for Dr. Cochran to come?”
“About the first of June. Should your cousin be well enough you might start north before that time. For my part, while sorry to lose you, I shall be glad when you are at home with your mother. You have been so occupied with your cousin that you may not have noticed that the militia are drilling every evening now.”
“I have seen them on the Market Green,” answered Peggy. “Is the fact alarming, friend nurse?”
“The cause of such frequent drill is quite alarming, child. The British, under General Arnold, have come out of their quarters at Portsmouth, and have started up the James on another ravaging expedition. General Phillips hath joined the traitor and hath sent a large force against Richmond again. They are plundering and destroying every plantation and town on the south side of the river. ’Tis wonder they have not come to Williamsburg ere this. I fear that they will soon. Would there were a way for you to go home, Peggy.”
“If it were not for Clifford I could go on Star,” mused Peggy.
“Alone? Why, child, I should not be easy one moment if you were to start on that journey all by yourself. Ten days on that lonely road? ’Tis not to be thought of.”