When I came to my senses, I found myself lying in the arms of the soldier: that is, he was kneeling by me, with my head pillowed on his arm. It was a comfortable position, but I could not retain it a moment longer than was necessary. My wig had been pulled off; my face was wet with water from the brook, which he had dashed in it energetically; my throat was burning from some kind of liquor which he had poured down it. After the first emotion of comfort from being thus supported, my immediate feeling was one of fierce indignation that he had so mishandled me. I opened my eyes and my mouth at the same time, furiously determined to protest. One does not come out of such a swoon, however, in full possession of one's powers, and in that particular Sir Hugh had the advantage of me, for, so soon as I unclosed my eyes and before I had a chance to say a word, he spoke. "My dear young lady," he began, with an air of masculine superiority which made me detest him. That he should speak so to me was not to be borne. My weakness and faintness had passed. I resolutely drew myself away from him, and sat up. I maintained my position, too, although my head swam and things looked hazy and vague for a few moments. "I am glad," said he with a gleam of triumph in his eye, "to see that you are better. Another swallow from this flask will probably put you to rights again." He proffered me as he spoke a little silver-mounted bottle, which looked as if it might have been made to carry in the pocket. I shook my head positively. "I want no more of it," I said. "I shall do very well as I am." Then my eye fell upon my half-naked shoulder. With a convulsive movement, I swept my shirt across my breast, and held it there, and I know that my face was scarcely less crimson than the wound itself. Sir Hugh Richmond, of course, saw my gesture. He paused, bit his lips to repress a smile, and then began resolutely. "Madam," he said, as cold as you please, "I know not who you are, or why you have indulged yourself in this mad prank. You seem to be a gentlewoman...." Seem! Great Heavens!--and yet I was thankful for the acknowledgment after all, for goodness knows, there was nothing in my conduct which would indicate that I belonged to that degree. "And, therefore, I beg to assure you that, until matters are explained to me and arranged between us, I regard you simply as a woman in distress, entitled to my respectful duty and protection." "You are very kind," I said, seeing that he paused once again. "It is difficult to say this," he resumed, with some little embarrassment, "but you have a raw and open flesh-wound in your shoulder. It is necessary that it be bound up. In the nature of things you cannot do it yourself. There is no succour or help within miles. You must allow me to act as your surgeon." "Never!" said I. "But the bleeding must be stopped," he continued imperatively. "You must be got away from here."