"
The ladies had watched his varying countenance in some surprise, and
Miss Peyton now observed that,--
"If there were a sister of Captain Singleton near them, her presence
would be gladly requested both by herself and nieces."
"It must be, madam; it cannot well be otherwise," replied Dunwoodie,
with a hesitation that but ill agreed with his former declarations. "She
shall be sent for express this very night." And then, as if willing to
change the subject, he approached Captain Wharton, and continued,
mildly,--
"Henry Wharton, to me honor is dearer than life; but in your hands I
know it can safely be confided. Remain here unwatched until we leave the
county, which will not be for some days."
The distance in the manner of the English officer vanished, and taking
the offered hand of the other, he replied with warmth, "Your generous
confidence, Peyton, will not be abused, even though the gibbet on which
your Washington hung Andre be ready for my own execution."
"Henry, Henry Wharton," said Dunwoodie reproachfully, "you little know
the man who leads our armies, or you would have spared him that
reproach; but duty calls me without. I leave you where I could wish to
stay myself, and where you cannot be wholly unhappy."
In passing Frances, she received another of those smiling looks of
affection she so much prized, and for a season the impression made by
his appearance after the battle was forgotten.
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