From the time he was stationed in Halifax Captain Morris had always been
a welcome visitor at Judge Maxwell's. The possibility of being a suitor
for the hand of one of the daughters only increased the cordiality of
his reception, and notwithstanding Maud's seeming refusal, he still
availed himself of every opportunity to press his suit. Social functions
of one sort or other were also of frequent occurrence, and Maud accepted
his attentions, although she effectually parried any direct renewal of
the offer of marriage.
Captain Morris had seen a good deal of life. Having abundance of means,
as well as his commission, he had always been lionized on returning home
from the wars. Yet each time he had gone away again heart free. Perhaps
he was getting a little bit blase. Possibly he overestimated his
importance in his own particular set, when he imagined that much of the
kindness extended to him was with an ulterior object.
Be that as it may, the first look he had of Maud Maxwell was a beatific
vision to him--a picture that would not be blotted out. It planted
itself on his inner consciousness, leaving an impression that deepened
each time they met.
There was a freshness, beauty and mental vigor in this young maiden that
were new to him, and the fact that his personal influence over her
matured so slowly, made him all the more desirous to win her love.
As May opened, Halifax became additionally alive from the arrival of
more troops from England. It was but a little place in those days, not
numbering more than eight thousand people. Consequently, what interested
one interested all, and the whole place was astir to witness the
landing.
Colonel Battersby, the commanding officer, was under orders to remain in
the Lower Province if necessary, but if not to push on by boat to
Quebec, and from thence to Montreal. The first interview he had with Sir
John Sherbrook and Colonel Mason settled the matter.
"We are well defended already," said Sir John. "War vessels command our
harbor and coast line, and the regiments stationed here are all the
Citadel needs. No, my dear Colonel, I am glad to say that in the east we
do not require your services; but in the west, particularly in the Upper
Province, we do. That part of the country has a good future before it,
and we must stick to it, for when settled and developed it is destined
to become the garden of Canada."
"One of the chief reasons why the Yankees want it, and why we are bound
to keep it," returned Battersby. "Will the St. Lawrence be clear of ice
now?"
"Yes," replied Colonel Mason. "The season is early and the river open.
Molson's steamers can tug you as far as Montreal. If not wanted there,
you can march overland to Kingston."
"Sir James Yeo has had two new vessels built this winter," said Sir
John. "This will help our Ontario fleet, and when you arrive he will be
able to transfer you to any point along the coastline that may be
necessary."
"I am glad of that," replied Colonel Battersby. "I have always had a
desire to go west. At home we are just beginning to realize what Canada
is, but before this war commenced you might go from January to December
without hearing the name even mentioned."
"What you say is true enough," was Mason's comment. "They send us poor
devils out here and then forget us. We might almost thank the Americans
for bringing on the war and opening the eyes of Englishmen to the fact
that we have half a continent here still under the old flag."
"Is now and ever shall be," said the Governor.
"To that I say Amen," said Battersby. "But we must not forget that the
fight is not over. The Americans are a strong people--like ourselves of
Anglo-Saxon blood--and they are making a stiff fight to enlarge their
territory. They have not forgotten their victories of '76."
"I grant that, Colonel, but they will never succeed in this northern
region, whatever they did in the south, if Englishmen can help it."
"Not while England can send out her continental regiments," said Mason.
"So far this year our men have done well. Witness the defeat of
Wilkinson at the famous old mill of Lacolle."
"Yes," said Sir John, "but that would not have happened if Major
Handcock had not received timely reinforcements from the Fencibles and
Voltigeurs."
"What is Sir James Yeo likely to do on the lakes this year?" Colonel
Battersby asked, looking alternately from one to the other.
"We are too far off the scene of action to know exactly," said Sir John,
"though I believe he intends with his raw recruits, aided by a force
under General Drummond, to attack Oswego as soon as the lake opens.
By-the-way, Mason," he continued, turning to that officer, "could you
not spare Battersby a couple of companies out of one of your regiments?"
"If he has room on his troopships to take them, we could," was the
answer.
"Thank you; the more we have the merrier. You know we had several
hundred emigrants in our voyage out. They land here, so we can easily
take your men."
In the afternoon of the next day, in a field below the fortress, a
review of the troops was held, and it was decided to close by selecting
from the garrison brigade the companies who were to go west. The day was
bright and warm, and the news having got abroad that a division from the
Citadel was to accompany Colonel Battersby's regiment up the St.
Lawrence, many of the townspeople hastened to the commons to witness the
parade, and among them the Misses Maxwell.
"There is room, young ladies, in our carriage," said Mrs. Mason, who
drove up with another lady, "and with us you will have a better view."
The offer was a welcome one, and they drove to the top of a little
crescent commanding a full view of the parade ground. Colonels Mason and
Battersby stood a short distance away watching the evolutions, which had
already commenced.
"Your men have lost nothing of precision by their four weeks at sea,"
said Colonel Mason.
"No," responded Battersby, drily, "they seem to hold their own, even
with troops accustomed to discipline on land."
"Our garrison men are always well drilled," said Mason, a little
stiffly.
"Of course! Only I am astonished that soldiers fresh from the ocean
should lose their sea legs so soon."
"Well," said Mason, in better humor as his own regiment swung around and
marched past over the green sod on the double quick, "your men are a
credit to their Colonel, and I don't see why you should not personally
choose the two companies you want to take."
"Thank you kindly for the honor," said Battersby.
"That is all right. Have you a choice?"
"'Pon my word, of the men, no. They all look like well-drilled fellows,
with clean jibs, straight backs and honest mugs. It would be hard to
make one."
"Of the officers have you?"
"Not from the way in which they command their companies. Still, you have
one man I would like to have on my staff, if you can spare him, and
taking him I should expect to take his company also."
"Who is that, pray?"
"Captain Morris. He made a record for himself in Spain, and would do
excellent service out west if he had the chance."
"By George, you have touched the apple of my eye!" exclaimed Mason, who
in making his offer had in mind the efficiency of the companies
themselves, without reference to the officers who led them. "Captain
Morris is the best officer we've got. He has seen the enemy's guns in
many a campaign and, between ourselves, is recommended for promotion."
"Promotion will come quicker if taken out west than here at the
Citadel," said Battersby.
"Sure enough. I gave my word and shall stand by it. If you will form the
squares I will speak to Morris now."
The ladies in the carriage had not been inattentive listeners. The
unexpected announcement startled the Misses Maxwell. By-and-bye, while
the final manoeuvres were being accomplished, Colonel Mason joined them.
"So you are going to send our brave boys away," said Mrs. Mason.
"Yes, a few of them. It will prevent the fellows from rusting, and give
those that remain a little more to do."
"Unfortunately, our brightest man is captain of one of the companies you
are sending off," said Mrs. Mason.
"That's usually the case. The office seeks the man, and not the man the
office," returned the Colonel, with a glance at the occupants of the
rear seat. "And men of promise are always favorites with the ladies, I
notice."
"If I were a man I'd like to go, too," said Maud. "I only wish I were
one."
"I'm afraid you're not tall enough, my dear," said the Colonel, looking
gravely into the flashing eyes of the girl. "Five feet five inches is
the lowest height at which I could enlist a soldier."
"I would put on high-heeled boots."
"No use, Miss Maud. Recruits are always measured in their stocking
feet."
And he went away laughing.
The troops were formed in lines four deep, facing the crescent; and on a
signal from the Colonel, Captain Morris approached. For a few minutes
the two were in earnest conversation. Then, with a salute, Morris
returned to the head of his column and attention was called.
"Men of the Garrison Corps," said Colonel Mason, in ringing tones. "We
welcome to our midst the officers and men of Colonel Battersby's column.
We are always glad to see comrades from over the sea. Their stay with
us, however, will be short. To-morrow they sail for the St. Lawrence
River. But they will not go alone. Our garrison is a strong one, and
much as we dislike to part with our men, we can spare some. So I have to
tell you that the officers and men of companies C and D will go with
them to help to fight the battles of our Country and our King. Three
cheers for companies C and D."
Loud hurrahs followed, and with cheers for the visiting and garrison
corps, the review ended.
The ladies drove back in the carriage together--Mrs. Mason having
invited the Misses Maxwell to a cup of tea before walking home.
Consequently, on leaving the Citadel, they were overtaken by Captain
Morris and Dr. Fairchilds. The latter already had been captivated by the
blonde and availed himself of the opportunity of leading the way with
her.
"Were you surprised at the Colonel's announcement?" Maud asked of the
Captain as they dropped into line behind the other two.
"A soldier learns never to be surprised," was his answer. "We expected
some would be ordered west, for the garrison is so full, but who would
be chosen was an enigma."
He looked straight into Maud's face.
"I heard Colonel Battersby give you great praise," she said, "but
perhaps it is a military secret."
"Not necessarily, if said in public," was his answer. "Still, I may not
specially deserve it. The army is full of brave men."
"Your name would not have been mentioned unless there had been good
reason."
"Well, even granting that, what good can come of it, when the maid I
adore cares not a jot or tittle?"
"Much good," was her answer, but she did not return his look. "A larger
life and promotion would be sure--the very things I would want if I were
a man."
"Do you wish you were?"
"What is the use?"
"Your words should stimulate one, anyway, but can you say nothing more,
Miss Maud? We leave so soon--to-morrow--a soldier's life is in his hand.
Give him something to hope for and fight for as well."
"Am I not trying?" she replied, with one of those bright flashes which
did such havoc with the men. "Higher rank and future glory!"
"Fudge!" he exclaimed, impatiently. "I could buy a colonelcy if I wanted
it, without drawing a sword or leading a man to battle, if that is all."
"The Captain Morris, Colonel Battersby was talking about, could not,"
said Maud contracting her eyebrows and looking grave again. "He was a
genuine man, and every inch a soldier."
"Thank you for your approval," and notwithstanding his effort at
self-control, Morris' face flushed with pleasure.
Dr. Fairchilds and Eugenia had paused at the doorstep. For a moment the
four chatted on.
"Will you call again, Captain Morris, before you leave?" Maud asked.
"I have only to-night, and it may be late, but I shall be very glad to
come."
The door opened and in another minute, returning the bows of the
gentlemen, the ladies entered.