dizziness," he explained, more apologetically than ever, "but 'twill
soon pass."

"Meantime," suggested the Major, viewing his pallor with sharp eyes, "I
will, with your permission, send and notify my lady Carlyon of her
brother's welfare."

Here, by reason of astonishment and Mrs. Agatha's sponge the Sergeant
spluttered and choked:

"As to that sir," answered the earl, fidgeting, "I--faith! I had
rather you didn't. And indeed, since you know who I am, 'twill be
immediately apparent to you that the farther I am from Betty and the
sooner I quit your roof, the better for all concerned----"

"On the contrary, sir," said the Major, "'tis for that very reason I
offer you the shelter of my roof until----"

A rush of flying feet along the passage without, a fumbling knock and
the door flying open discovered one of the maids her eyes round and
staring in fearful excitement:

"Soldiers!" she cried, "O sir--O Mrs. Agatha--'tis the soldiers--all
round the house--lanthorns and guns--I do be frighted to death!"

Mrs. Agatha dropped the sponge and uttering no word, pointed one plump
finger at the frightened girl and stamped her foot; and before that
ominous finger the trembling maid shrank and turning about incontinent
fled, slamming the door behind her. For a breathless moment none
moved. Then Medhurst rose a little unsteadily, glancing round rueful
and helpless.

"So then--'tis ended!" he sighed. "My poor, sweet Bet! And you
sir--you--my God, I must not be taken here for your sake!" and he
sprang towards the window.

"Stay sir," said the Major gently, "'tis no use, the house is
surrounded of course. Aye, I thought so----!" He nodded as in the
dark beyond the curtained windows came the measured tramp of feet, a
hoarse command and the ring of grounded muskets.

"Sir--sir," exclaimed Lord Medhurst, "God forgive me that I all
unwitting as I was, should bring you to this black hazard."

"Nay, my lord," answered the Major, smiling into the earl's troubled
face, "grieve not yourself on my account, 'twas I brought you hither
knowing who you were, so do not reproach yourself, 'tis but the fortune
of war. Hark, they are here, I think----"

"Then I'll go meet 'em!" said his lordship, "I'll give myself up--they
shall never--take me!"

"Well said, sir," nodded the Major, his brow unruffled and serene,
"we'll go together! Pray, Sergeant, open the door!"

"Don't, Sergeant, don't!" panted Mrs. Agatha, "wait--O--wait!"