"Don't speak about our disaster, Roy," said Lady Royland, clinging to his hand. "We must bear it, and your father cannot blame us for our reverse. There, I shall be busy here, and we must be thankful that we have fallen into the hands of General Hepburn, whose kindness and consideration are far more than we could have expected. He has only one fault--he is an enemy." "Then you don't blame me for feeling as if I half liked him, mother?" "We can like the man, Roy, without liking his principles," said Lady Royland, calmly. "Come and see me as often as you can; I shall generally be here, but I suppose you can come to my room sometimes." "I suppose so," said Roy. "I believe I am to keep mine." "Yes; General Hepburn told me you should; but, Roy, you will be careful." "What--about trying to retake the place?" "It is impossible, my boy. But I did not mean that; I meant about encountering that man--no, he is not a man," she cried, with an angry flash of her eyes. "He has taken possession of the library and the state-room, for he made a bargain with our enemies that his reward for delivering up the place was to be that he should retain the estate afterwards." "And they wanted the stronghold put down, and agreed," said Roy. "Yes; I pretty well know all, mother. Of course you have heard how he got the men in? All through my neglect?" "Yes, Roy! No, Roy, there was no neglect! We could not know of that communication." "I did; but I could not find it. Oh, how that villain did cheat--" Roy got no further, for his mother's hand was laid upon his lips, and they parted directly after, her last words being: "Don't think of it, Roy; our position is a happy one compared to his. Even the enemy look upon him with disgust." "And I was ready for a few moments to believe all he said," thought Roy, as he returned to the court-yard with a strong desire now in his mind, one which grew minute by minute. He only waited for a favourable opportunity to make his request. CHAPTER THIRTY ONE. OLD JENK'S MIND IS TROUBLED. Two days passed before Roy was able to ask what he wanted. For during this interval General Hepburn seemed too much immersed in affairs to more than give him a friendly nod when they met at meals. Men were being constantly sent out with despatches, and others came. Then the cavalry regiment was always going and coming, "sweeping the country," Ben said, when Roy sat talking by the old soldier, who was more injured than he would own to, and spent most of his time on a stone seat in the sun. "Tchah! not I, sir," he said, peevishly. "My lady's got her hands full enough. We chaps know how to manage with clean water, fresh bit o' linen, and keep quiet in the sunshine, and natur' does all the rest. We're getting on right enough.--Eh, comrades?" "Couldn't be better," said the corporal. "Soon be ready to begin again, Master Roy, when you see your chance."