Croppies Lie Down Author:William Buckley Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III Engrossed by these bitter musings, she was unhasping the gate leading out upon the dim, laurel-bordered walk communicating with the encircling roa... more »d, when she saw an armed, uniformed man stride from the shadow of some evergreens. Instinctively she drew back, thinking it was a belated guest, for there was silver lace gleaming on the blue coat, but with a murmur of welcome, he pulled the gate open, and passing his arm lightly round her waist, kissed her on the lips. With a gasp she recognised him. It was Devereux, no longer the outcast, but a glowing, glorified Devereux, a sword at his side, epaulets on his shoulders, in his military hat the tricoloured cockade, symbol of victory and fame. "Fie, Irene," he said releasing her, "a soldier's daughter afraid of a uniform !" The gentle raillery of the phrase gave him a sudden advantage, Mr Neville having once belonged to a Volunteer regiment, and he kissed her again; this time she freed herself. " How can you do it ? " she said lamely. " Faith it comes easy," retorted Devereux. " Did you think I meant to wait for parliamentary permission ? " " Oh—to come here like that ? " continued Irene. " What ails the clothes—are they not a good fit ? " cried the other, " I got them and my commission when I sailed with Hoche. I have been on fatigue duty for some time past, but now, it is different." Irene noticed spurs slung on his arm. " Did you jump the wall?" she said. "Where did you leave your horse? There are others in the stable and they may betray you." " I came on foot," he replied laughing, " but have no fear on that score, I can get the horse when I want one. Slip off that cloak and let me have a look at you !" Irene obeyed, smiling the preoccupied smile of a woman gratifying at once her lover an...« less