grand gentleman he was; then Mr. Dalroyd did the same
and so they stood facing each other, my lady between them, the bundled
cloak and weapons clasped to her swelling bosom; and it was to be
remarked that while Mr. Dalroyd kept his ardent gaze bent upon her
proud loveliness, the Major, tall and stately, never so much as glanced
at her.

"Sir," said he, "our quarrel will keep awhile, I think?"

"Keep--aye sir!" nodded the other carelessly, "you'll remark the
farmers in these parts beget goddesses for daughters, sir."

"Major d'Arcy," said my lady, "take your sword, sir."

The Major, keeping his eyes averted, sheathed the weapon and forthwith
turned his back; and as he limped heavily away was aware of Dalroyd's
amused laughter. He walked slowly and more than once blundered into a
tree or tripped over manifest obstacles like one whose eyesight is
denied him, and ever as he went Mr. Dalroyd's triumphant laughter
seemed to ring in his ears.

Thus at last he came out of the shadow of the little wood, but now was
aware of the tread of quick, light feet behind him, felt a hand upon
his arm and found my lady at his side. Then he stopped and drawing
from her contact glanced back and saw Mr. Dalroyd watching them from
the edge of the coppice, his arms folded and the smile still curling
his lips; my lady saw him also and with a passionate gesture bade him
begone, whereupon he flourished off his hat, laughed again, and bowing
profoundly, vanished amid the trees. Then they went on side by side,
my lady quick-breathing, the Major grim and stately--a very grand
gentleman indeed.

At last they reached a lane whose high banks sheltered them from all
chance of observation; here my lady paused.

"O John," she murmured, "I'm so--so weary, prithee don't hurry me so!"
The Major, mute and grim, stared straight before him. "John?" said she
tenderly. At this he turned and looked at her and before that look my
lady cried out and cowered away. "John!" she cried in frightened
wonderment.

"Madam," said he, "why are you here, I sought you not? If you are for
dallying, go back--back to your----" He clenched his teeth on the word
and turned away. "If mam, if you are--for home to-night I'll see you
so far. Pray let us go." And he strode impatiently forward, but
presently, seeing her stand where he had left her, pale and forlorn,
frowned and stood hesitating.

Here my lady, feeling the situation called for tears, sank down upon
t