‘There is the Chief,’ said Faith Ingleby.
He stood without his tent, his Staff about him, looking round him. Authority was on his brow; he was indeed, Constance felt with sinking heart, that hitherto incredible thing—a Man in command.
‘We girls have no business here,’ said Faith; ‘let us go back to our tent.’
But as she spoke, Lord Chester saw them; and leaving his Staff, he walked across the Heath, bearing his sword in his hand, followed by Algernon Dunquerque.
‘Constance,’ he said gravely, ‘buckle my sword for me before the battle.’
She did it, trembling and tearful. Then, while Faith Ingleby did the same office for Algernon, he took her in his arms and kissed her lips in the sight of all the army. Every man took it as a lesson for himself. He was to fight for love as well as liberty. A deafening shout rent the air.
Then Lord Chester sprang upon his horse and rode to the front.
Everything was now in readiness. The cannon, masked by bushes, were protected by the pond in front; on either side were the guards ready to lie down; behind them, the regiments, massed at present, but prepared for open order; and in the trees could be seen the gleaming helmets and swords of the cavalry.
‘Let us go to my father,’ said Faith; ‘he and Clarence will pray for us.’
‘Algy,’ said Lord Chester cheerfully, ‘what are you thinking of?’