‘You know it! and you can look unconcerned?’
‘Not unconcerned entirely, but resigned perhaps, and even hopeful.’
‘Edward, what can you do?’
‘If they have orders to shoot all who do not fly, my men, for their part, have orders not to fly, but to shoot all who stand in their way.’
‘Your men? Poor farm-labourers! what can they do?’
‘Wait till morning, Constance, and you shall see. Is there anything else you can tell me?’
‘Yes. After the Wardens have dispersed the rebels, the Horse Guards are to be ordered out to ride them down.’
‘Oh!’ said Lord Chester. ‘Well ... after we are dispersed, we will consider the question of the riding down. Then we need not expect the Horse Guards to-morrow morning?’
‘No; they will come afterwards.’
‘Thank you, Constance; you have given me one piece of intelligence. I confess I was uncertain about the Guards. And now, dear child,’—he called her, the late Home Secretary, ‘dear child,’—‘as this is a solemn night, and we have much to think of and to do ... one word before we part. Constance, you have by this act of yours, cast in your lot with us, because you thought to save my life. Everything is risked upon to-morrow’s victory. If we fail we die. Are you ready to die with me?’