praised his daring, and for his valour had dubbed him knight
upon a field of stricken battle; yet the honour of it had not
brought him the elation those words - expressive of her utter
faith in him and his prowess - begat in his heart. Upon the
instant the delay ceased to fret him.

"Madam," he laughed, "since you put it so, I care not who
comes. The Lord Protector himself shall not drag you from me."

It was the nearest he had gone to a passionate speech since
they had left Sheringham, and it pleased her; yet in uttering
it he had stood a full two yards away, and in that she had
taken no pleasure.

Bidding her remain and get what rest she might, he left her,
and she, following his straight, lank figure - so eloquent of
strength - and the familiar poise of his left hand upon the
pummel of his sword, felt proud indeed that he belonged to her,
and secure in his protection. She sat herself at the window
when he was gone, and whilst she awaited his return, she hummed
a gay measure softly to herself. Her eyes were bright, and
there was a flush upon her cheeks. Not even in the wet, greasy
street could she find any unsightliness that afternoon. But as
she waited, and the minutes grew to hours, that flush faded,
and the sparkle died gradually from her eyes. The measure that
she had hummed was silenced, and her shapely mouth took on a
pout of impatience, which anon grew into a tighter mould, as he
continued absent.

A frown drew her brows together, and Mistress Cynthia's