“Oh! that’s it,” muttered the cornet, turning and riding back to communicate the intelligence to his superior officer.
“Let’s go up, and make their acquaintance,” said the latter, as Stubbs delivered his report. “We shall reconnoitre these rustic beauties of Bucks, giving them the advantage of their holiday habiliments. What say you, Stubbs?”
“Agreeable,” was the laconic reply of the cornet.
“Allons! as they say in France. We may find something up yonder worth climbing the hill for. As they also say in France, nous verrons!”
Ordering the troopers to dismount, and stand by their horses—their own being given to a brace of grooms—the two officers, in full armour as they were, commenced ascending the slope that led to the Saxon encampment.
Volume One—Chapter Eighteen.
“So, good, people!” said Scarthe, as soon as he and his companion had entered within the enclosure, “holding holiday are you? An admirable idea in such fine weather—with the azure sky over your heads, and the green trees before your faces. Pray don’t let us interrupt your Arcadian enjoyment. Go on with the sports! I hope you have no objection to our becoming spectators?”
“No! no!” cried several voices in response, “you are welcome, sirs! you are welcome!”