"And what of that hag sister of yours. . .and your daughter?" At these
words he perceived genuine alarm in the face of the other.
And alarmed she truly was. For since the day of that terrible battle,
which had occurred but a few days' ride from the cottage, the two
women had done everything possible to hide their adolescent charge,
whose beauty and innocence made her a natural target for marauding
troops.
"I have no daughter, sir, you are mistaken. No one lives here but
myself and my aged sister-in-law. If you would be so kind---" The back
of his hand crashed across her face, starting a trickle of blood at
the corner of her mouth. He raised the hand again threateningly, then
for some reason, smiled.
"You're not too old, you know. I might have a bit of sport on you
myself." But remembering his purpose, he grew cold and severe again.
"Pray do not think me an idiot. We too have spies, loyal folk among
the hills. I spoke to one such gentleman scarcely an hour ago..... But
that would be telling. You have
a daughter, Mrs. Scott: Mary by name, a charming creature by all
accounts.
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