A significant glance was exchanged between the two which Peggy did not notice. What she did see, however, was that the officer saluted in turn, saying pompously:
“Whatever you desire in the matter, captain, will be done. If the young lady will come with me to show me the house I will at once put a guard on the premises. I promise that she will suffer no annoyance of any sort.”
As Clifford spoke of her as his cousin, Peggy felt a quick revulsion of feeling. It was the first time he had so called her. Then, as he openly acknowledged his indebtedness to her nursing, the girl’s anger toward him died away. After all, she thought, the lad was doing his best to repay her for what she had done. That he was doing it from a desire to be quit of the obligation did not matter in the least. She knew now how he had felt during the time when he had submitted to her attentions, and a sense of justice made her aware that he was acquitting himself handsomely. And so as she rose to accompany the officer to the cottage, she said humbly:
“I thank thee, my cousin. I will not forget thy kindness in the matter.”
A puzzled look came into the youth’s eyes at her changed demeanor, but he merely gave a slight bow, and motioned her to go on with the officer. But Peggy was not yet through with him.
“May I come again to attend thee?” she asked in a low tone. “Thee is not well yet, thee must know.”
“Yes,” he said. “Come, and you will, mistress. I will not mind your ministrations so much now.”
And in much better spirits than she had deemed possible a few moments before the girl accompanied the officer to the cottage. Nurse Johnson came to the door wringing her hands as they neared the entrance.
“There will be naught left, Peggy,” she said despairingly. “The soldiers are in the house now stripping it of everything. ’Twill be a mercy if the house is left.”
Before Peggy could make reply the officer removed his cocked hat, bowing courteously.