is powder and ball--dismiss the boys. To your post, captain,
and order every man to join his company. Now, madam," he added in a tone
of conciliation to Mrs. Markham, as soon as the hall was cleared, "I am
sure you will not accuse me of incivility. My people have withdrawn--the
fire is extinguished--these inconsiderate lads at liberty: have I
answered your wish?"

"You have won the gratitude of a mother," replied the dame, "and the
respect of an enemy. I am bound to say to you, in return, that I
cheerfully surrender to you whatever you may choose to take from my
estate for the supply of your soldiers. Alfred, my son, give me your
arm, and help me to my chamber--I am feeble and faint. I must ask your
permission to withdraw," she continued, as she courtesied to Tarleton,
and ascended the stairs.

"And I, too, must take my leave," said Tarleton. "But before I go I may
claim the privilege of a word with Miss Lindsay. You spoke of your
father, madam? and, especially, as a friend of our arms. I have been
told he lives in Virginia, Philip Lindsay, the proprietor of a seat
called 'The Dove Cote,' a royalist too--am I right?"

"So, my father is known, sir."

"That name has stood you in stead to-day, madam. And this is your
brother? I should think he is hardly of your father's mind in regard to
our quarrel. This way, my thoughtless young gallant! It was a wild,
bold, and very conceited thing of you to be challenging my unruly
dragoons--and would have been no less so, if you had had twenty score of
tall fellows at your back. But it is past now, and you need not
apologize for it--it showed mettle at least, and we never quarrel with a
man for that. May I inquire, Miss Lindsay, in what direction you
travel? for I learn you are but a sojourner here. It may be in my power
to insure your safe-conduct."

"I seek your general, Lord Cornwallis, on matters of private concern,"
replied Mildred, "and if I might venture to ask it of Colonel Tarleton,
his service in affording me an unquestioned passage, would be a favor
that I should gratefully acknowledge."

"The obligation will be on my side, madam. It will be a pleasure to me
to believe that I can serve a lady, much more the daughter of an
honorable subject of the king. Permit me, without further parley, for
time presses at this moment, to say that I will leave an escort behind
me under the command of a trusty officer, who will wait your pleasure to
conduct you, by the safest and easi