I am an officer in the English army--my name is Horace Holmcroft.

I shall be delighted to be of use to you, and I _can_ be of use, if you will let me.

May I ask if you are traveling ?" Mercy gathered the cloak which concealed her nurse's dress more closely round her, and committed herself silently to her first overt act of deception.

She bowed her head in the affirmative.
"Are you on your way to England ?" "Yes." "In that case I can pass you through the German lines, and forward you at once on your journey." Mercy looked at him in unconcealed surprise.

His strongly-felt interest in her was restrained within the strictest limits of good-breeding: he was unmistakably a gentleman.