I shall never forget the horrible sensation. I did not
dare permit myself to doubt his conquest; but if I had failed, as I then
thought, his approach was like the slow coil of a serpent about me, and
it was his glittering eyes that had fixed mine, and not mine his. At my
feet, I commanded him, with a gesture, to disarm. He obeyed, and I
breathed; and one by one they followed his example. Capua, who was
behind me, I sent back with the weapons, and in the morning gave them
their choice of returning to town with their hands tied behind their
backs, or of going on with me and remaining faithful. They chose the
latter, did me good service, and I said nothing about the affair."
"That was well. But were you really frightened?"
"So I said. I cannot think of it yet without a slight shudder."
"Yes, and a rehearsal. Your eyes charge bayonets now. I am not a Sepoy."
"Well, you are still angry with me?"
"How can I be angry with you?"
"How, indeed? So much your senior that you owe me respect, Miss
Marguerite. I am quite old enough to be your father."
"You are, Sir?" she replied, with surprise. "Why, are you fifty-five
years old?"
"Is that Mr.
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