See that everything is done for your officers' comfort. Let them learn
that Sir Godfrey Markham can show hospitality, even to his foes."

She bowed stiffly, and, taking her daughter's hand, was withdrawing into
the house, when Lil snatched her hand away, and stepped quickly to
Fred's side.

"I hate you," she whispered. "You are dear father's and Scar's cruel
enemy; but please, please, Fred, don't let them do us any harm."

"Don't be afraid, dreadful enemy," said Fred, smiling, as he saw the
depth of his old playmate's hatred. "I'll do everything I can, Lil
dear, for all your sakes. Good-bye, if I do not see you again."

She gave him a quick look, which seemed in an instant to bring up sunny
days when he had swung her on the lawn, rowed on the lake, and climbed
the apple-trees to get her fruit; and then she was gone, and he was
listening to the trampling of horses, the shouting of orders, and he was
called away.

Directly after, he was making use of his knowledge of the place to
fulfil Lady Markham's wishes, and over these he worked the harder,
because he felt that by hastening the production of the necessaries for
the troops, much waste and destruction would be spared.

The result was that in less than an hour the Hall was occupied by the
little force, which was in high good humour with its pleasant quarters,
while sentries were put in different directions, and every precaution
taken against surprise.

"Capital quarters, my boy," said the general, as he sat with his
officers in the old oak dining-room; "and I wish your father was here to
share them. But you have not taken care of yourself in all this
business."

"Oh, I have snatched a little food, sir," replied Fred. "I'm not
hungry, but--"

"Well, what is it? Speak out. What do you want?"

Fred hesitated for a moment, as if collecting himself.

"You know that the Manor is only two miles from here, sir?"

"Eh? So near. No; I knew it was somewhere about this part," said the
general, smiling. "Oh, I see, my boy. Well, it's quite right, but
risky. And besides, we may stay here a week or we may stay a minute.
How do I know how soon the enemy may rout us out? No, Fred, my boy,
love must give way to duty. I cannot spare my young officer, even to go
and see his mother, much as I should like to say `Yes.'"

"You mistake me, sir," said Fred, colouring a little. "I would not have
asked leave at this busy time for that."

"Then what do you want, m