"Evidently he has not seen the general orders. Clinton is too good an officer to so encumber himself; and the orders are strict that only the women of the regiments be permitted to march with the army. I take it ye scarce wish to class yourselves with them, however much it might delight the soldiery." "They could scarce treat us worse than thee, Lord Clowes," said Mrs. Meredith, indignantly. "Nor do I believe that even the rank and file would take such advantage of two helpless women as thou art seeking to do." "Tush! I may state it o'er plainly; but my intention is merely to make clear for your own good that ye have no other option but that I offer ye." "Any insults would be easier to bear than yours," declared Janice, indignantly; "and theirs would be for once, while yours are unending." "Such folly is enough to make one forswear the whole sex," the commissary angrily replied. "Nor am I the man to put up with such womanish humoursomeness. "I've stood your caprice till my patience is exhausted; now I'll teach ye what--" "Heyday!" exclaimed Andre, as a servant threw open the door and ushered him in. "What have we here? I trust I am not mal apropos?" "Far from it," spoke up Janice. "And thou 'rt welcome." "I come laden with grief and with messages," said Andre, completely ignoring Clowes' presence. "Mr. Hennion, whom I met at headquarters, asked me to tell you his request was refused, that his regiment was even then embarking to cross the Delaware, and that therefore he could not return, whatever his wish. The Twenty-sixth is under orders to follow at daybreak to-morrow, and so we plan an impromptu farewell supper this evening at my quarters. Will you forgive such brief notice and help to cheer our sorrow with your presence?" "With more than pleasure," assented Mrs. Meredith; "and if 't will not trouble thee, we will avail ourselves of thy escort even now." "Would that such trouble were commoner!" responded Andre, holding open the door. "Then we'll get our coverings without delay." Lord Clowes, with a deepened scowl on his face, intercepted them at the door. "One word in private with these ladies," he said to the captain. Then, as Andre with a bow passed out first, he continued, to the women: "I have warned ye that we must be aboard ship ere ten. Refuse me my will, and ye'll not be able to rejoin Mr. Meredith. Take my offer, or remain in the city." "We shall remain," responded Mrs. Meredith.