Even in that brave time one might safely have bespoken for him a large career.

And even while the Scotsman in the doorway eyed him with distant deprecation, as he eyed all Frenchmen, good and bad, ugly or handsome, he put off his hesitation and entered the governor's chamber.

Colonel Nicholls came forward to greet him, and then suddenly stopped, astonished.

Then he wheeled upon the girl.

"Jessica, you madcap!" he said in a low voice.
She was leaning against a tall chair, both hands grasping the back of it, her chin just level with the top.