ve, but
there was no disorder to speak of, and the hardships were borne
uncomplainingly. From time to time we had news of our army encamped
on the Jacques Cartier, not only by the legitimate channel of the
foraging and reconnoitring parties, but even by means of some who
carried on a business of trafficking between the two camps, the
greed of gain triumphing over war and famine, and even over ordinary
patriotism. It was reported that M. de Levis had said he would eat
his Christmas dinner in Quebec under his own flag; but he was not
given to such empty boasts, that I had ever heard, and the day
passed unmarked for us save by the services in our chapel.

Towards the end of January, Archie came to me with a letter. "There,
Peggy, this, I take it, should go into your hands, as it is addressed
to your care. It is fortunate that Maxwell governs himself like a
gentleman in some things, for if he had attempted to send his letter
by any underhand means it might have placed you in an unpleasant
position, and even exposed me to suspicion. Listen to this--I wish
I could write like the fellow:

"CAMP ON THE JACQUES CARTIER,
22 _Jan'y_, 1760.

Sir,--I have the honour to be known to your Excellency's brother,
Lord Elibank, and though Fate had thrown me on the side opposed
to your command, I venture to beg your courtesy in remitting
the enclosed letter to the care of Mme. de St. Just, at present
in your lines. I have left it unsealed, should you deem it your
duty to peruse it, but I give you my word of honour it contains
nothing but the most private matters affecting one in whom Mme.
de St. Just is interested. Should your regulations, however,
forbid such a favour, I beg that you will burn it yourself, and
I will none the less hold myself to be,

Sir,
Your very obliged and humble servant,
Hugh Maxwell of Kirkconnel.

To the Hon'ble James Murray,
Commanding in Quebec.'

"I give you my word, Peggy, the general would allow such a letter
to pass did it contain all the treason between here and Mozambique.
He bids me give it you with his compliments, and assure you that
not only is it unread, but that should you wish to answer it under
the same restriction as to news, he will enclose your reply the
first time he has occasion to communicate with the French general."

The letter was addressed to "Mistress Lucy Routh, in the care of
Mme. de St. Just," and much as I shrank from openi