to join Major Davie or Mr. Gates."

I said I was fit enough, and would do whatever he thought best. And then
I took a step upon the forbidden ground.

"Falconnet is still at Appleby Hundred?" I said.

He nodded.

"And you will join the army at the front and leave Margery to his tender
mercies?"

His laugh was bitter; so bitter that I scarce knew it for Richard
Jennifer's.

"Mistress Margery Stair is well, and well content, as I told you once
before. She has no wish for you or me, unless it be to see us well
hanged."

"Nay, Richard; you judge her over-harshly. I fear you do not love her as
her lover should."

"Say you so? Listen: to-night I got as far as the manor house, being
fool enough to risk my neck for another sight of her. God help me, Jack!
I had it. They have scraped together all the Tory riff-raff this side of
the river--Falconnet and the others--and are holding high revel at
Appleby. Since it is still our true-blue borderland, they are scant
enough of women of their own kidney, and I saw Madge dancing like any
light o' love with every jackanapes that offered."