His anxiety on behalf
of Singleton had hitherto banished the recollection of his captive from
the mind of Dunwoodie, and he now approached him with apologies for his
neglect. The Englishman received his courtesies with coolness, and
complained of being injured by what he affected to think was the
accidental stumbling of his horse. Dunwoodie, who had seen one of his
own men ride him down, and that with very little ceremony, slightly
smiled, as he offered him surgical assistance. This could only be
procured at the cottage, and thither they both proceeded.
"Colonel Wellmere!" cried young Wharton in astonishment as they entered,
"has the fortune of war been thus cruel to you also? But you are welcome
to the house of my father, although I could wish the introduction to
have taken place under more happy circumstances."
Mr. Wharton received this new guest with the guarded caution that
distinguished his manner, and Dunwoodie left the room to seek the
bedside of his friend. Everything here looked propitious, and he
acquainted the surgeon that another patient waited his skill in the room
below. The sound of the word was enough to set the doctor in motion, and
seizing his implements of office, he went in quest of this new
applicant. At the door of the parlor he was met by the ladies, who were
retiring.
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