"Here is no fever to excite--'tis a case, my dear madam, for time and
care only; these, with the blessing of God, may effect a cure."
"And where is the wretch who has caused this ruin?" exclaimed
Singleton, rejecting the support of his man, and making an effort to
rise from the chair to which he had been driven by debility. "It is in
vain that we overcome our enemies, if, conquered, they can inflict such
wounds as this."
"Dost think, foolish boy," said Lawton, with a bitter smile, "that
hearts can feel in a colony? What is America but a satellite of
England--to move as she moves, follow where she wists, and shine, that
the mother country may become more splendid by her radiance? Surely you
forget that it is honor enough for a colonist to receive ruin from the
hand of a child of Britain."
"I forget not that I wear a sword," said Singleton, falling back
exhausted; "but was there no willing arm ready to avenge that lovely
sufferer--to appease the wrongs of this hoary father?"
"Neither arms nor hearts are wanting, sir, in such a cause," said the
trooper, fiercely; "but chance oftentimes helps the wicked. By heavens,
I'd give Roanoke himself, for a clear field with the miscreant!"
"Nay! captain dear, no be parting with the horse, anyway," said Betty.
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