“Well, my cousin?” Peggy went back to Clifford reluctantly.
“Are my people truly coming?”
“They seem to be,” answered the girl.
“And where were you going?”
“I really don’t know,” answered she. “I would be alone at Nurse Johnson’s cottage, which I would like not. Solitude is conducive to fear, and I wish ever to present a brave front in the presence of the enemy. I shall remain somewhere about the hospital by necessity.”
“Stay by me,” he said.
“But thee has hardly ceased telling me that thee does not want me near thee?” cried the girl opening wide her eyes in surprise.
“I have not changed my opinion concerning the matter,” he said grimly. “But I am an English officer, and the safest place for you is by my bedside. Therefore, mistress, I command you to sit here by my bed.”
“I don’t want thy protection,” began Peggy hotly. “I think I prefer thy soldiers.”
“Did I want your nursing?” he demanded savagely. “No, I did not; yet was I compelled to submit to it. And while I did not desire your attendance, still you have attended me. For what purpose I know not, nor doth it now matter. The fact remains that I am under an obligation of which I would be quit. I will requite whatever of service you have rendered me by procuring exemption from pillage or annoyance for both yourself and the friends with whom you are staying. Sit you here beside me, Mistress Peggy, and bide the result.”