y indicating that he had concluded the matter, and
did not intend to reopen it.

"I should apologise for having frightened her away as I came in,"
I continued, feeling for another opening; but he feigned ignorance
of my move, and explained in the most natural manner--"Oh, that
was not my sister, but a very good friend of hers, to whom we are
both indebted for many kindnesses."

"Ah, that is much. I trust she appreciates your gratitude in your
allowing her to nurse you?"

"Not at all; I do not think she looks upon it in that way. I believe
there are some women who love the bother of looking after you. I
try to give her as little trouble as I can," he ended, with a catch
in his voice.

"Nairn, you are a gentleman! Forgive my humbugging."

"I didn't know you were, or I shouldn't have been so simple as to
answer you. Do you know, I've often wished I could tell when a man
is in earnest. I'm no good at guessing what his intent may be unless
he has a sword in his hand; and as for a woman, I can never tell
at all."

"You're no worse off than the best of us, in that respect, Nairn.
Some day I trust some good woman will engage you in dead earnest,
and then the quicker you surrender at discretion the better. And
for your sake, I hope the day will come soon."

"I don't know, I'm sure," he answered, in so woe-begone a tone that
I left him, convinced his enemy had already been making serious
advances, and that his defence was likely to be as feeble as his
most ardent well-wisher could desire.

I discovered my ex-Jacobite sergeant to be as matter-of-fact as
his captain. He would discuss military matters freely enough, but
on the subject of our night's adventure I could not get him to
advance a word. _Exempli gratia_ "Neil, how is the officer you
assisted on the field the other night?"

"Indeed, Captain, you must go away in and ask for yourself."

"You are not uneasy as to his hurt proving dangerous?"

"Not half as dangerous as undigested catechising, sir, saving your
presence, and meaning no offence."

And in the face of so diplomatic a rebuke I would abandon the
subject and fall back on the safer ground of mines and countermines,
carcasses and grenadoes.

I made no attempt to see Margaret, for I felt I would be foolish
to risk another rebuff, which might be final, and that my best play
was a waiting game. My reflections had been bitter; possibly hers
would be generous.

The garrison was fully occupied, for M. de L