Angélique and I, being at the threshold of the hall, hastened to obey, and found ourselves in the presence of a general officer, behind whom was a detachment of soldiers in Highland uniform. The officer stepped into the hall as one who takes possession, and demanded the Superior, in accurate French.
She came forward followed by the principal nuns and ladies.
“Have no fear, mesdames,” he said, bowing low with much elegance of manner; “I am General Townshend. You will suffer no harm; but we must take possession of your convent, for your protection as well as our own.”
“You are victors, monsieur, and can command,” she said, bitterly.
“We are victors, madame,” he returned, gravely, “but we have bought our honours dearly. Our general lies dead on the plain above.”
“C'est sur le champ d'honneur, monsieur,” she instantly responded, in a tone of much feeling.
“A thousand thanks for your sympathy, madame; we will use every diligence to preserve it. Captain Nairn will take charge here, and will give you assurance of safety and protection from insult. In return, you will kindly offer such shelter to the wounded as is possible, and furnish him with every information as to the number of rooms available, for I must ask for all accommodation in your power.”
He introduced Captain Nairn and withdrew at once, followed by the assurances of the Superior that everything would be done for the comfort of the wounded.
It was with a curious feeling that I looked on my brother, for I could not doubt that it was he, though I had not seen him since we were children. Despite the disorder of his dress and his evident fatigue, he was a handsome man, though not much taller than myself. His address was natural and easy, and certainly his French was perfect; I had but a moment to gather this, for we were at once dismissed from our attendance by the Superior, who remained alone to arrange with our new masters.
“O, ciel! Marguerite! is that your brother?” whispered Angélique, excitedly.