What a chance the poor girl had lost! A woman of rank and fortune waiting to receive her--a woman so merciful and so generous that the father's mind had been easy about the daughter on his deathbed--and there the daughter lay, beyond the reach of Lady Janet's kindness, beyond the need of Lady Janet's help! The French captain's writing-materials were left on the table.

Mercy turned the letter over so that she might write the news of Miss Roseberry's death on the blank page at the end.

She was still considering what expressions she should use, when the sound of complaining voices from the next room caught her ear.

The wounded men left behind were moaning for help--the deserted soldiers were losing their fortitude at last.
She entered the kitchen.

A cry of delight welcomed her appearance--the mere sight of her composed the men.