"Your ladyship is
commander-in-chief, we hear."
"My lord being absent. I am left in trust, and cannot listen to treaties
without his permission."
"Not to dishonourable overtures, assuredly. But if we agree to your own
conditions,--quitting the house in the way it shall seem best to your
ladyship, as was once the basis of your own propositions, I believe, it
cannot in this case be a reproach or a breach of trust, but will prevent
much damage, and be the saving of many lives."
"I will not treat without my lord's commands, Captain Moseley, and I
have listened to you longer than is expedient. It is unjust to myself,
and these brave defenders, that I appear in any way doubtful of their
ability and courage. For their sakes, and for my own, I must end this
parley."
The officer bowed low at this peremptory dismissal, wishing her
ladyship's resolutions were less firm or her means more ample.
"I can but deliver your reply. Yet"--He hesitated awhile. "There be
fierce and bloody men about the camp, who would lay down their own lives
to compass your destruction. It is not in our power to restrain them."
"One of these flaming zealots is already extinguished: we have him safe
under cover," said her ladyship, smiling; "in our own custody, I trow.
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