her and stood aside to let her pass.

"Madame," he said, "it must be that you misapprehend."

"Misapprehend? Yes, or apprehend too clearly!"

"As I am a gentleman----"

"I do not grant it, sir," she interrupted.

He was silent then; bowing again, he drew a pace farther back. She stood
for a moment, looking scornfully at him. Then with a curtsey she bade
him farewell and passed out, leaving him in as sad a condition as ever
woman's way left man since the world began.

Now, for reasons that have been set out, Carford received his summons
with small pleasure, and obeyed it so leisurely that M. de Fontelles had
more time than enough in which to rack his brains for the meaning of
Mistress Barbara's taunts. But he came no nearer the truth, and was
reduced to staring idly out of the window till the gentleman who was to
make the matter plain should arrive. Thus he saw Carford coming up to
the house on foot, slowly and heavily, with a gloomy face and a nervous
air. Fontelles uttered an exclamation of joy; he had known Carford, and
a friend's aid would put him right with this hasty damsel who denied him
even the chance of self-defence. He was aware also that, in spite of his
outward devotion to the Duke of Monmouth, Carford was in reality of the
French party. So he was about to run out and welcome him, when his steps
were stayed by the sight of Mistress Barbara herself, who flew to meet
the new-comer with every sign of eagerness. Carford saluted her, and the
pair entered into conversation on the terrace, Fontelles watching them
from the window. To his fresh amazement, the interview seemed hardly
less fierce than his own had been. The lady appeared to press some
course on her adviser, which the adviser was loth to take; she insisted,
growing angry in manner; he, having fenced for awhile and protested,
sullenly gave way; he bowed acquiescence while his demeanour asserted
disapproval, she made nothing of his disapproval and received his
acquiescence with a scorn little disguised. Carford passed on to the
house; Barbara did not follow him, but, flinging herself on a marble
seat, covered her face with her hands and remained there in an attitude
which spoke of deep agitation and misery.

"By my faith," cried honest M. de Fontelles, "this matter is altogether
past understanding!"

A moment later Carford entered the room and greeted him with great
civility. M. de Fontelles lost no time in coming to the question; his
grievance w