Conway," she broke off suddenly, "that you come here without
being expected, and are wearing one of mamma's dresses, and have dyed
your hair, and look so different altogether? Have you heard anything
about Ralph?"
"You will hear all about it presently, Mabel," Mr. Withers, who had
just come into the room, said. "You owe a great debt of gratitude to
Mrs. Conway, as you will hear presently; for she has for six months
been working in the interest of Ralph and you. Now, don't open your
eyes so wide, but sit down to the table. After we have had breakfast
Mrs. Conway will tell us all about it."
"By the way, Mrs. Conway, have you heard the news?"
"What news, Mrs. Withers?"
"In the newspaper I got yesterday evening it was said that a despatch
had just been received from the Duke of Wellington saying he had news
that Bonaparte was advancing, and that he had just issued orders for
the troops to march forward to support the Prussians, who were likely
to be first attacked."
"No, I had heard nothing about it," Mrs. Conway said, turning pale.
"Then there is going to be a battle, and Ralph will be engaged."
"You must not alarm yourself," the vicar said. "You know the troops
are very widely scattered, and his regiment may not be up in time;
beside, you see, the Prussians are likely to be first attacked, and
they may beat the French before the English get up to join in the
battle.
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