“You?” cried John Drayton springing toward her, and there was anguish and incredulity in his voice. “You? Oh, Peggy!”
“Yes,” she said again clearly. “Has thee the letter, John? Give it to the general. He will see that there was naught of harm intended.”
But Drayton shrank back and covered his face with his hands.
“Have you the missive, ensign?” demanded the commander gravely. “If so let me see it.”
“She, she doth not know—— It cannot be. Oh, sir, do not look at the letter, I beseech you,” uttered young Drayton brokenly.
“The letter, Drayton.” There was no mistaking the command in the tone. The boy drew the letter from his sword belt, and handed it to the general.
“There is some mistake,” he said, and Peggy was surprised to see that his eyes were wet. “Sir, I entreat——”
“Take your prisoner to the outer room, ensign,” ordered the chief after reading the note. “Meantime, may I ask that all of you will leave me with the exception of this girl?” He indicated Peggy as he finished speaking.
Silently the men filed out, but Harriet lingered, her eyes fixed upon Peggy with so much of appeal that the latter tried to smile reassuringly.
“You must go too, Miss Harriet,” he said, and Harriet was forced to leave the room.