"Then I'll not tarry now, but be off about it at once, for there was a rumour at brigade headquarters that three regiments had been ordered across the river this afternoon, and that it meant a quick movement." He picked up his hat as if to go, then paused, and haltingly continued, "I hope, Ja--Ja-- Janice, that you've come ter--to like--not to be so set against what I wants so much. It 's nigh a year since I seen-- saw you last, but it 's only made me love you the better." The girl, with a look of real contrition, answered, "Oh, Mr. Hennion, do not force--'T would be wrong to us both if I deceived you." "You can't love me?" "I--oh, I believe I am a giddy, perverse female, for I seem able to care for no man." "The world I'd give ter win you, Janice; but I'll not tease you now, the more that I can be doing you a service, and that 's joy enough." Philemon went toward the door; but ere he had reached it Janice had overtaken him and seized his hand in both of hers. "You deserve to love a better maid," she said huskily, "and I wish you might; but perhaps 't will be some comfort to you to know that dadda holds to his promise, and--and that I am less wilful and more obedient, I hope, than once I was." As Philemon opened his mouth to make reply, he was cut short by the entrance of the commissary, who halted and frowned as he took in the hand-clasp of the two. "Humph!" he muttered, and then louder remarked, "Yet another! Ye'll be pleased to know, sir, that Miss Meredith's favours mean little. But a month since I caught that fellow Brereton regaling himself with her lips." "That's a lie, I know," retorted Philemon, angrily; but as he glanced at the girl and saw her crimson, he exclaimed, "You just said you cared for no man!" "It--it was at a moment when I scarce knew what I did" faltered Janice, "and--and--now I would not be kissed by him for anything in the world. I--I am--I was honest in what I said to you, Philemon." "I'll believe anything you say, Janice," impulsively replied the lieutenant, as with unprecedented boldness he raised her hand to his lips. Then facing Clowes he said: "And I advise you ter have a care how you speak of Miss Meredith. I'll not brook hearing her aspersed." With this threat he left the room. "I regret to have been an intruder on so tender a scene," sneered the commissary; "but I came with information that was too important to delay. Orders have been issued that all ships make ready to drop down the river with the tide at daybreak to-morrow, and 't is said that the army will begin its march across the Jerseys but a twenty-four hours later. So there is no time to lose if ye wish to sail with me. The marriage must take place by candle-light this evening, and we must embark immediately after." "Philemon has promised us his aid, Lord Clowes," replied Mrs. Meredith, "and so we need not trouble thee." "Hennion! But he must go with his regiment." "He offers us a place in the baggage train."