ers. I am sure
any of us would know with half an eye, if we saw them together, how
matters stood; but as for men, they are as blind as bats in such
matters. Still, the fact that he took the young countess down,
instead of our lady, goes for something."

The next morning, indeed, the news was confirmed. The countess told
her tire woman, who had been Thirza's nurse, what had happened; and
in a few minutes it was known all over the house, and even the
parties most concerned scarcely felt more pleasure than the women
of the count's establishment.

Chapter 19: Liegnitz.

"I have news," the count said, when he came in to lunch, after he
had been down into the town; "a messenger has come in with a
despatch this morning, saying that the king, with his army, is
marching hither with all speed."

An exclamation of alarm broke from Thirza, and one of surprise from
Fergus. They had been in the garden together all the morning.

"It will be but a day or two earlier," Fergus said in a low tone to
her. "I told you that in three days, at the most, I must leave. The
surgeon gave me six weeks, but I have so thoroughly recovered that
I feel I ought to be with the king."

Then he raised his voice.

"That is startling news indeed, count; but I can hardly believe
that he intends to besiege Dresden. He has no siege guns with him,
and though, I suppose, he has as usual got a start of Daun, he can
hardly hope to capture the city before the Austrians come up. At
any rate, I must ride out and report myself, and join him as soon
as he gets close. It is hard, indeed, at this moment. Still, there
is no question but that it is my duty."

"I see that, and I am sure that Thirza would not wish to keep you
from it. As long as you are a soldier, duty is the first thing.
However, as the king is coming hither, we shall doubtless see you
sometimes. As we are half a mile outside the walls, we shall be
within the besieging lines."

"I hope that if the king besieges, count, it will not be on this
side, for you might be exposed to shot from the town batteries."

"If we are so, we must move beyond their range and go to our place
at Wirzow. That is but twelve miles away. It is a small house, but
will do very well for a time."

"I should hope, count, that there will be no occasion for that. The
king cannot hope to lay siege in regular form, though he may try an
assault. Slow as Daun is, he must be here within ten days or so of
Frederick's arriva