But not for long.

Spring came on, and with it strange disquieting rumours, growing more certain day by day, till the terrible news broke on them that the faithless tyrant had broke loose again, and that all Europe was to be bathed in blood once more by his insane ambition.
James had sold out of the army, so that when Agnes first heard the intelligence she thanked God that her husband at least would be safe at home during the storm.

But she was soon to be undeceived.

When the news first came, James had galloped off to Portsmouth, and late in the evening they saw him come riding slowly and sadly up the avenue.

She was down at the gate before he could dismount, and to her eager inquiries if the news were true, he replied, "All too true, my love; and I must leave you this day week." "My God!" said she; "leave me again, and not six months married?
Surely the king has had you long enough; may not your wife have you for a few short months ?" "Listen to me, dear wife," he replied.