It was the night before her Ladyship's birthday, and she and Dick were sitting in the oak parlour after supper, discussing the chances of a fine day on the morrow. Dick was in a state of excitement, for he had just been on a visit to the larder, and had seen the rows of cold fowls, and creams, and custards prepared by her Ladyship's cook. He was agitating Lorry's mind with whispered promises of good things for to-morrow, when they all heard the sound of horses in the yard, then men's voices at the door and in the hall. Lady Dorothy drew back the shutter to look out, but Dick ran into the hall to see, and came back in a second with a startled air. "Cousin Dorothy! Two officers--rebels--and their troops!" Old Philip here came into the parlour. "Madam," he gasped, "'tis some of the enemy. They want a night's lodging and supper, and won't be denied." "Why were they admitted?" her Ladyship asked. "Madam, the door was open. They were in ere I knew." At the moment Philip was pushed aside, and one of the intruders entered the room. "Madam," he said, "we have lost our way. If you are mistress here, give orders for food to be served us, and beds for us after, and we will give you no trouble." "I have neither food nor beds for rebels, sir," she said indifferently, scarcely looking at him. "Then, madam, I must take what you will not give me, and place your household under arrest." "You must do what you please, sir. 'Tis easy to overcome a few women and one weak old man." The officer gave her a long, hard look, which she met with coolness, and then he went out, pushing Philip before him. "Dick," said her Ladyship, "that was--" "John Dent!" cried the boy. "Think you he recognized you, Dickie?" "I think he scarcely looked at me, Cousin Dorothy. He knew you." Her Ladyship began to pace up and down. "There seems to be nothing for us to do," she said presently. "We will go to our rooms and lock ourselves in, and wait till they're gone. Do you think they will rob me of everything--burn, pillage, and destroy?" Dick went to the door, opened it, and shut it again quickly. "There are two troopers outside, Cousin," he whispered excitedly. "Guards posted! Imprisoned in my own parlour! Upon my word, Dick, 'tis insufferable." She sat down to think out the situation. But very soon the door was flung open, and John Dent came in again. She stood up. "Madam," he said, "if you will retire, I shall be obliged to you. We shall leave at daybreak, and since you have not given us hospitality, we need not wake your Ladyship to say 'thank you'." "Come, Dick," she said, without noticing the speaker. "Dick will remain with me. My friend and I have a few questions to ask him. Dick, I may tell you, is my cousin." Another officer entered, and bowed awkwardly to the lady. John Dent held the door open. "You may leave us, madam," he said. Dick knew well the hard look on John Dent's face.