“He certainly did not,” replied Miss Hein tartly.
“Ah, madam,” cried St. Arnaud sentimentally, “would that I had come in the first instance! I would not have disturbed you in the least. Any complaint you have to make about the officer or men I will attend to with pleasure.”
Miss Hein, whose placid house had been the scene of such unusual turmoil, was immensely pleased at the different tone that this supposed Prussian officer took with her, and bowing politely, invited them to enter. “And as you have probably been all night searching for the fugitives, you must be both tired and hungry, and I will have breakfast for you.”
Gavin could hardly restrain a shout of joy.
Miss Hein took them into a comfortable sitting-room on the first floor, and while waiting for breakfast to be prepared St. Arnaud made such good use of his time and tongue that the poor lady was completely won over. He begged that she would give them the honour of her presence while they breakfasted, which she graciously did. St. Arnaud asked if handbills had yet reached them describing the escaped prisoners, and with a deep feeling of joy heard they had not. At this Gavin said for the benefit of the servant waiting on them, as well as Miss Hein:
“I can tell you what they are like. St. Arnaud is a great big, red-headed fellow with a terrible squint—you would know the man to be a rascal anywhere. His manners are harsh, and his voice is like sawing wood with a dull saw.”
St. Arnaud, determined not to be outdone, broke in: “And the other one, Hamilton by name, would be taken for a girl dressed up in man’s clothes—a weak, puling creature, and universally considered the ugliest man in the French army.”
“Do you hear that, Martha?” said Miss Hein to the maid. “Remember it and tell the other servants.”
A good breakfast had very much raised the spirits of the two fugitives, but they realized that they were in jeopardy every moment. St. Arnaud, after reflecting a moment, said to Miss Hein: “Would it be asking too much of your kindness to let a couple of tired Prussian officers sleep a few hours in your house? We have been travelling all night—I will explain later why we have no horses—and we are overcome with fatigue.”
“Certainly,” replied Miss Hein, who had been completely won by her amiable guests. “I myself am leaving in my travelling chaise this afternoon, to pay a visit of some days in the town of Glatz, and I will take you both with pleasure. The chaise seats four. Meanwhile, you may take your rest in an upper chamber. I am glad to show hospitality to officers who know so well how to treat a helpless woman.”