The basket contained some bottles of choice wine for the General's table, and the letter, written by Madame Drucour herself, was couched in terms of courtesy and gratitude.

She declared that the fruit for the sick was just the very thing she had been most desiring, and wondered what bird of the air had whispered the message into the ear of the noble English officer.

As for the war itself, deplorable as it must always be, the knowledge that they were fighting against a generous and worthy foe could not but be a source of happiness; and, in conclusion, the lady added that they had within the walls of Louisbourg a surgeon of uncommon skill with gunshot wounds, and that his services should always be at the command of any English officer who might desire them.
"That is like her!" exclaimed Julian to Wolfe, when the terms of the letter were made known.

"She is a very noble and gracious lady, and I trust and hope no hurt will come to her.

But she exposes herself to many perils in the hope of cheering and heartening up the men.