As we have intimated, the town now presented a very lively appearance. Not only was the terrace near the castle thronged with handsome young troopers and charming girls; but when the promenade was over, the company wandered about the streets, visiting the market-place, the town-hall, the custom-house, the quays and the bridge, and strolling on the banks of the Lune.
On Sunday, Saint Mary's Church was crowded by the same young ladies, who expressed a great desire to hear the Reverend Mr. Paul, who had recently joined the expedition, read prayers, and Mr. Patten preach; but it may be doubted whether they were not still more anxious to meet their admirers.
Be this as it may, when the service was over, the ladies congregated in the churchyard, and each fair girl was escorted home by the trooper she preferred.
Whether all this flirting was approved of by the mammas of the young ladies in question we will not pretend to say. No effort was made to check it. Neither did the officers of the regiments to which the young men belonged interfere—well knowing interference would be useless—so it went on to the last.
At length, the day of parting came, and a very sad day it was both for the enamoured young troopers and their lady-loves.
How many tears were shed! how many tender adieux taken! how many protestations made of undying affection!
“We shall never see you again!” cried the heartbroken girls. “Military men are always inconstant. You will forget us as soon as you arrive at Preston.”
The young troopers vowed they were an exception to the rule.
“Have no doubts as to our constancy!” they cried. “We will always remain faithful. Preston may be full of pretty girls—as they say it is—but they will have no attraction for us.”
“Don't be surprised if we come to look after you,” said Dryope, to Captain Shaftoe; “and if we find you false and forsworn——”