"I wish that thought had not come into my head about hearing the roar of a battle if there were one. Since it came, I cannot help listening, through all the sweet cheerful country-sounds, the twitterings of the swallows under the eaves, the soft cadences of the thrushes, the stirring of the grasses, for something in the distance! "If we did hear anything, it would be very, very far off, fainter than the fluttering of the leaves: like the moan of distant thunder. "In summer days there are often mysterious, far-off sounds one cannot account for. And now I can do nothing but listen for it. "For almost the last thing Harry said when he went away was, that there would be a battle, probably, before long, and if a battle, probably a great battle. "The forces are gathering and approaching each other. "He took leave of us gayly, my Mother and me. But ten minutes afterwards, he galloped back to the place in the outer field where I was standing looking after him (my Mother having gone to be alone, as she always does when Harry leaves us). His face had lost all the gaiety, and he said,-- "'Lettice, if things were not to prosper with the king, and the rebels were to attack this house, I think it would be better not attempt to stand a siege. The house extends too far to be defended, except with a larger garrison than you could muster. And the country is against us. If it came to the very worst, Mr. Drayton is a generous enemy and a gentleman, and would give you safe harbour for a time. If all on their side or ours had been like the Draytons, there need have been no war. You may tell them that I said so, if you like, if it ever comes to that.' "'Comes to _what_, Harry?' I said, shuddering. "He tried to smile. But then, his countenance suddenly changing, he said,-- "'Lettice, we must think of all possibilities. You are young, and my Mother is used to lean on others.' "'Only on _you_, Harry,' I said. "'Yes,' he said, hurriedly; 'too much, perhaps. But trust the Draytons, if necessary, Lettice. They will never do anything unjust or ungenerous. If you ask their advice, they will advise you for your good, though it cut their own throats or broke their own hearts.' "Then, after a moment's pause, he said,--