bservation.
For a few moments nothing occurred. Then I heard a loud burst of
laughter from above. Feet came running down the steps into the hall, and
a girl in a white dress darted across the floor. I heard her laugh, and
knew that she was Barbara Quinton. An instant later came Monmouth hot on
her heels, and imploring her in extravagant words not to be so cruel and
heartless as to fly from him. But where was Carford? I could only
suppose that my lord had the discretion to stay behind when the Duke of
Monmouth desired to speak with the lady whom my lord sought for his
wife.

In my humble judgment, a very fine, large, and subtle volume might be
composed on the canons of eavesdropping--when a man may listen, when he
may not, and for how long he may, to what end, for what motives, in what
causes, and on what provocations. It may be that the Roman Divines, who,
as I understand, are greatly adept in the science of casuistry, have
accomplished already the task I indicate. I know not; at least I have
nowhere encountered the result of their labours. But now I sat still
behind the great chair and listened without doubt or hesitation. Yet how
long I could have controlled myself I know not, for his Grace made light
of scruples that night and set bounds at nought. At first Mistress
Barbara was merry with him, fencing and parrying, in confidence that he
would use no roughness nor an undue vehemence. But on he went; and
presently a note of alarm sounded in her voice as she prayed him to
suffer her to depart and return to the Duchess, who must have need of
her.

"Nay, I won't let you go, sweet mistress. Rather, I can't let you go."

"Indeed, sir, I must go," she said. "Come, I will call my Lord Carford,
to aid me in persuading your Grace."

He laughed at the suggestion that a call for Carford would hinder him.

"He won't come," he said; "and if he came, he would be my ally, not
yours."

She answered now haughtily and coldly:

"Sir, Lord Carford is a suitor for my hand. It is in your Grace's
knowledge that he is."

"But he thinks a hand none the worse because I've kissed it," retorted
Monmouth. "You don't know how amiable a husband you're to have, Mistress
Barbara."

I was on my feet now, and, peering round the chair which hid me from
them, I could see her standing against the wall, with Monmouth opposite
to her. He offered to seize her hand, but she drew it away sharply.
With a laugh he stepped nearer to her. A slight sound