"Heaven strengthen you and support you, Helen!" cried Beppy, kissing her. "I trust we shall meet again."
"Dinna think it," replied the other, sadly. "I hope and trust we may meet again in a better world."
Beppy could make no reply—her heart was too full.
Embracing the poor girl affectionately, she hurried to her father, who was waiting for her, and hastily quitted the house.
Helen was then conducted to the guard-room in which the sergeant was confined.
Erick was seated on a wooden stool near a small table, on which a light was placed, and was reading the Bible. He rose on her entrance, and looked inquiringly at her.
"Na hope, Erick," she said, mournfully.
"I had nane, lassie," he replied.
They passed several hours of the night in calm converse, talking of the past, and of the happy hours they had spent together; but at last Helen yielded to fatigue, and when the guard entered the chamber he found her asleep with her head resting on Erick's shoulder.
The man retired gently without disturbing her.