How would that story sound, think you? And
what would be said of the sagacity and discernment of an officer who
could allow such a deceit to be practised upon him as I practised upon
you? Dear me! I think, Major, that you are in a quandary.
METCALF. [_Aside_.] In a ditch!
ROSE. We await your decision. Shall the Captain be free and this
little jest go no further?
CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth--
ROSE. Excuse me if I assist your memory--Mrs. Armstrong.
CLEVELAND. Madam, I yield to a woman. You fight with weapons I do not
understand--
ROSE. With wit, eh?
CLEVELAND. [_Aside_.] There is no hope for me. She has me at every
point. I may as well yield with what grace I can. [_Aloud_.] Miss
Elsworth, I am at your mercy. May not this night's work be forgotten?
Captain Armstrong, I swore if ever I caught you, that you should
pay dearly for that daring trick of yours--that bold capture of a
fellow-officer, sleeping by my very side--but this lady has checkmated
me.
WALTER. Checkmated you, sir, and mated me.
CLEVELAND. Both were done by the same move.
ELSWORTH. And you are married, Rose?
ROSE. I will bear Walter's name when we are publicly married,
sir--which now, I trust, will be with your sanction.
ELSWORTH. You have it. You have won a husband, if ever woman did.
LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Walter, if you were only more true to the right--
WALTER. Oh, Harry! We will discuss that question yet.
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