She had now thrown off the plaid shawl which she had worn while on horseback, so that the exquisite symmetry of her lower limbs, set off by the tartan hose, was revealed. Her tiny feet were almost hidden by the buckles in her shoes.
Beppy gazed at her with admiration, and thought she looked even better than she had done on horseback. But she had other and more ardent admirers than Miss Byrom. Among the officers was a Captain Lindsay, a very handsome young man, who had long been desperately enamoured of her, but had managed to constrain his passion. He now kept his eyes constantly fixed upon her, and strove—though vainly—to attract her attention. Whenever Helen met his ardent glances, she turned aside her gaze.
"Aweel, Helen," cried MacDonald; "I have been congratulating the sergeant on his success. But I think he mainly owes it to you, lassie. A blink o' your bonnie blue een has done more than all his fair speeches."
"You are mista'en, general," replied Helen. "I may have gained a dizen, but not mair."
"You do yourself an injustice, lassie. Half those brave lads belong to you."
"I could tell you how many she enlisted at the Cross, for I was present at the time," remarked Beppy.
"Then you must needs tell the general that I enlisted yerself, fair leddy, and that ye promised to find me a recruit," said Helen.
"And so I will," said Beppy. "Can I do aught more for you?"
"Give me a few yards of blue and white ribbon to make cockades, and I will thank you heartily," rejoined Helen.
"Come home with me, and you shall have as much ribbon as you require, and I will help you to make the cockades," said Beppy.