"
"Well, I'll do it!"
"Only beware of one thing!"
"What, my dear Surry?" asked Tom, anxiously.
"There is probably a conservatory at Disaway's."
"A conservatory?"
"Like that near Buckland, and the battle might take place _there_. If
it does--two to one you are routed!"
Katy blushed exquisitely, smiled demurely, and burst into laughter.
Then catching my eye she raised her finger, and shook her head with
sedate reproach, looking at Tom. He was laughing.
"All right, I'll look out, Surry!"
"Resolve on one thing, Tom."
"What is that?"
"That you will never surrender, but be taken in arms!"
With which mild and inoffensive joke I shook hands with Tom, informing
him where to find me; made Miss Katy a bow, which she returned with a
charming smile and a little inclination which shook together her
ringlets; and then leaving the young people to themselves, I mounted my
horse, and returned to the Cedars.
All the way I was smiling. A charming influence had descended upon me.
The day was brighter, the sunshine gayer, for the sight of the young
fellow, and the pretty little maiden, with her blue eyes, like the
skies, and her ringlets of silken gold!
VI.
ON THE BANKS OF THE ROWANTY.
When I again set out for the cavalry, a few days after the scene at
Blandford church, the youth and sunshine of those two faces still dwelt
in my memory, and I went along smiling and happy.
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