must remain; no line of distinction can be drawn; if, as my wife, you were suffered to stay, I should not feel a right to send away the wives of others. A packet has been sent for express, to transport you to the shores of Wales, and will be almost in immediate attendance to receive you. Make the most of your time,—it is but short,—whilst I hasten to write my despatches, and lay an account of this disastrous affair before Government."
In a case so clear and just, Mrs. De Brooke could not expostulate, but with a dejected mien, giving a summons to her attendants, employed them and herself in making preparations for her departure.
Despite the general hurry and commotion, and the necessity of a prompt obedience to orders, Captain Curtis, however, swayed by the tender interests of his heart, had stolen a moment to send to his wife a hasty account of the defeat; urging her at the same time to quit without delay, and put herself and family under the protection of the General, in order that she might share whatever might be the fate of Mrs. De Brooke. Striking a panic into all to whom the news was extended, Mrs. Curtis, her relations and friends, together with many of the gentry in and about the neighbourhood, took instant flight.
