Talbot now proceeded to take off the priest's dress, in which task she had been interrupted by Brooke. He again tried to dissuade her, but in vain. "No," said she; "it only gets me into trouble. If I am to be taken prisoner again it shall be in my true character. This disguise may be useful to you." And with these words Talbot removed the dress, and stood forth in her own proper costume--that of an English lady, as she was when Brooke first met her. And now the two went out to procure water for the wounded prisoners. CHAPTER LIII. WHICH TELLS OF A REUNION OF VERY DEAR OLD FRIENDS. While Brooke and Talbot were thus conversing, others were indulging in the same pursuit, and none to better purpose than Harry and Katie. No one can say that Katie had not been very severely tried, and had not passed through a most distressing ordeal. Apart from the long trial of mind which had preceded that eventful morning, the circumstances of the final scene were enough to shake up stronger nerves than those of Katie. So completely was she prostrated, that under any other circumstances nothing could have saved her from a fit of sickness, which might possibly have resulted in brain-fever and terminated fatally, for all I know; but fortunately, under these actually existing circumstances, she was spared all this. The presence of Harry made all the difference in the world. After retiring from the scene of conflict, they ascended into that upper chamber in which Katie had last been imprisoned, and here they seated themselves so that Katie might rest, supported by Harry's encircling arms, and at the same time be refreshed by the fresh air. Katie now began to rally with the rapidity which is characteristic of buoyant natures, and soon began to show something of her usual lightness of heart. Harry, however, though most tender and affectionate, seemed changed, and the change was soon detected by Katie's quick perception. "What is the matter with you?" she asked. "You don't seem glad at all." "Oh yes," said Harry. "I'm very glad indeed." He spoke in a doleful tone of voice, which was by no means in accord with his words. "Your voice don't sound very glad," said Katie, reproachfully, "and you look troubled. You are so preoccupied that you can't say anything. But I suppose you feel the effects of that awful scene--and oh, how awful it was!" Katie relapsed into silence, and Harry felt somewhat relieved; for in truth he was preoccupied, and had much on his mind. It was the thought of Talbot that filled his mind. It was she whom he had seen in that priest's disguise. It was his affianced bride whom he had lost, and now at last found! Found! Great Heaven! and here! and thus! Here--when he was here ready to die for Katie; when he was now with Katie, who had turned to him from all the world!