Sir William Berkeley
bade me say that he could never forget your kindness to him and his
little band of fugitives; and Lady Frances often says that she scarcely
regrets the cares and anxiety attending her flight, since they afforded
her an opportunity of enjoying the society of Mrs. Temple in her own
home, where she so especially shines."

"Indeed, we thank them both most cordially," said Mrs. Temple. "It was a
real pleasure to us to have them, I am sure; and though we hardly had
time to make them as comfortable as they might have been, yet a poor
feast, seasoned with a warm welcome, is fit for a king."

"I trust," said Bernard, "that Miss Virginia unites with you in the
interest which you profess in the cause of loyalty. May I hope, that
should it ever be our fortune again to be thrown like stranded wrecks
upon your hospitality, her welcome will not be wanting to our
happiness."

"It will always give me pleasure," said Virginia, "to welcome the guests
of my parents, and to add, as far as I can, to their comfort, whoever
they may be--more particularly when those guests are among my own
special friends."

"Of which number I am proud to consider myself, though unworthy of such
an honour," said Bernard. "But excuse me for a few moments, ladies, I
have somewhat to say to my sergeant before dinner. I will return
anon--as soon as possible; but you know, Colonel, duty should ever be
first served, and afterwards pleasure may be indulged. Duty is the prim
old wife, who must be duly attended to, and then Pleasure, the fair
young damsel, may claim her share of our devotion. Aye, Colonel?"

"Nay, if you enter the marriage state with such ideas of its duties as
that," returned the Colonel, smiling, "I rather think you will have a
troublesome career before you. But your maxim is true, though clothed in
an allegory a little too licentious. So, away with you, my boy, and
return as soon as you can, for I have much to ask you."

Released from the restraints imposed by the presence of the Colonel and
the ladies, Bernard rubbed his hands and chuckled inwardly as he went in
search of his sergeant.

"I am pretty sure we are on the right scent, Holliday," he said,
addressing a tall, strapping old soldier of about six feet in height.
"This prejudiced old steed seemed disposed to kick before he was
spurred--and, indeed, if he knew nothing himself, there is a pretty
little hind here, who I'll warrant is not so ignorant of the
hiding-pl