Hubert was bustling about in attendance upon them; for, though a gaudy trumpeter, he took delight in serving his revered colonel in every possible capacity. There was nothing menial in waiting upon such a master--so thought the faithful henchman. He had uncorked a bottle of claret, and placed it on the table between them, which they proceeded to discuss as they reviewed the events of the day. The knight was no anchorite, neither the _ci-devant_ gentleman-usher; both accustomed to take their wine in a moderate way. And both habitually cheerful, save when some reverse of arms gave reason for their being otherwise. Such there was now, or lately had been--that of Monmouth still in their minds. Sir Richard regretted not having been himself charged to keep the place he had been chiefly instrumental in capturing. Had it been so, the enemy would not so easily have retaken it. That he might well think or say, without any self-conceit. For in the most blundering manner had Major Throgmorton, left in temporary command, managed its defence; in truth, making no defence at all, but allowing the Royalists to re-enter almost without striking blow. The affair was truly farcical, however serious for the Parliament. Its County Committee was at the time in session; decreeing fines and sequestrations against the Monmouthshire "malignants"; when all at once confronted by the very men with whose estates and chattels they were playing at confiscation; these armed, and angrily vociferating--"Surrender! you are our prisoners!" Never were judicial deliberations brought to a more abrupt ending; never transfer of authority more ludicrously sudden. Though it was aught but a jesting matter to the dispossessed ones, who from a comfortable council-chamber were instantly hurried off to the cells of a dismal jail. Of course the Cavaliers made much fun over the affair; while reversely their adversaries were chagrined and humiliated by it. Few grieved over the event in a greater degree than Colonel Walwyn and Captain Eustace Trevor; for they had special reasons. "I only wish I'd known of that danger when we got Massey's order to march hither," observed the former, as they sat sipping their wine. "What would you have done, Sir Richard?" "Disobeyed it; and marched our men in opposite direction--to Monmouth." "Ah, true! A pity you didn't. It might have been the saving of the place." "No use lamenting the disaster now it's done. Would that the taking of the town were all you and I, Trevor, have concern about! Unfortunately it isn't. What madness leaving the girls at Hollymead--absolute insanity?" "It was. I thought so at the time, as did Vaga." "Sabrina too; everybody but Powell himself. He couldn't be convinced there was any danger; and I still hope there may not be. But who knows what the upshot now? I tremble to think of it." "It's to be regretted, we didn't more press him to come away with us."