"
"And where is the army at this moment?" inquired Edward.
"They will be but a few miles from us to-night, their march is so
rapid; to-morrow we will join, if it pleases."
"Most willingly," replied Edward.
After an hour's more conversation, they were shown into their rooms,
and retired for the night.
CHAPTER XXIII.
The next morning, before they had quitted their beds, a messenger
arrived with letters from General Middleton, and from him they found
that the king's army had encamped on the evening before not six miles
from Portlake. As they hastily dressed themselves, Chaloner proposed
to Edward that a little alteration in his dress would be necessary;
and taking him to a wardrobe in which had been put aside some suits of
his own, worn when he was a younger and slighter-made man than he now
was, he requested Edward to make use of them. Edward, who was aware
that Chaloner was right in his proposal, selected two suits of colors
which pleased him most; and dressing in one, and changing his hat for
one more befitting his new attire, was transformed into a handsome
Cavalier. As soon as they had broken their fast they took leave of the
old ladies, and mounting their horses set off for the camp. An hour's
ride brought them to the outposts; and communicating with the officer
on duty, they were conducted by an orderly to the tent of General
Middleton, who received Chaloner with great warmth as an old friend,
and was very courteous to Edward as soon as he heard that he was the
son of Colonel Beverley.
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