After looking sharply through a large pair of tortoise-shell spectacles, first at Mercy, then at the bed, then all round the room, he turned with a cynical composure of manner to the Prussian officer, and broke the silence in these words: "A woman ill on the bed; another woman in attendance on her, and no one else in the room.

Any necessity, major, for setting a guard here ?" "No necessity," answered the major.

He wheeled round on his heel and returned to the kitchen.

The German surgeon advanced a little, led by his professional instinct, in the direction of the bedside.

The young Englishman, whose eyes had remained riveted in admiration on Mercy, drew the canvas screen over the doorway and respectfully addressed her in the French language.
"May I ask if I am speaking to a French lady ?" he said.
"I am an Englishwoman," Mercy replied.
The surgeon heard the answer.