s only nat'ral I should share same, besides 'tis become a
matter o' dooty wi' me, d'ye see, sir?"

"Zeb," said the Major, rising, "Zebedee--ha--Sergeant Tring, give me
your hand! And now," he continued, as their hands gripped and fell
apart, "bring me my hat and cane, Zeb, I'll to my lady." These being
produced, the Major clapped on laced hat, took ebony cane in hand and
crossed to the door; but there the Sergeant stayed him:

"Sir," said he in gentle remonstrance, "you'll never go in your old
coat?

"And wherefore not, Zeb?"

"'Tis not in keeping wi' your brave new hat, your honour!"

"Maybe not, Zeb," sighed the Major, "but then 'tis in most excellent
keeping with my--my limp, d'ye see. So let be, Zeb, let be!"

And so the Major went forth upon his errand and, being a little
perturbed as to his possible reception, fell to planning himself a line
of conduct for the forthcoming interview and forming stern resolutions
that should govern him throughout. Thus, as he walked, head a-droop
and deep-plunged in thought, his limp was rather more pronounced than
usual.

CHAPTER XXIX

TELLS HOW LADY BETTY DID THE SAME

And so my Lady Carlyon sitting in her arbour, lovely head bent above a
book on surgery, presently espied the Major's tall figure advancing
towards her; and beholding the familiar features of the Ramillie coat,
its threadbare seams, its tarnished braid and buttons, she had the
grace to blush, and felt her breath catch unwontedly.

The rosy flush still mantled her cheeks as she rose to greet him, quick
to heed the courtly grace of his stately bow and his air of gentle
aloofness.

"Madam--my lady, pray pardon this unwarranted intrusion, but----"

"O sir," she murmured, eyes a-droop, "most fully."

"I am come on account of your brother, my Lord Medhurst."

"Ah!" she sighed, "you mean my dear rebel--will't please you to sit,
sir?"

"Thank you, I had--rather stand," he answered gently.

"And pray sir, what of my brother?"

"My lady, it seems the soldiers--a search-party have reached Sevenoaks
and may be on their way hither, and your house would prove but a
dangerous hiding-place, I fear. They would naturally search there
first and very thoroughly."

"And you are here to warn me?"

"I am here to offer him the more secure shelter of the Manor."

Here my lady sighed, glanced swiftly up at his averted face and made
room for him beside her on the rustic bench.

"Will you not--sit down, si