respectfully, his eyes not wandering hither and
yon upon the splendors of this great room in an ancestral home of
England. His gaze was fixed rather upon the beauty of the tall girl
before him, whose eyes, now round and startled, were not quite able to
be cold nor yet to be quite cast down; whose white throat throbbed a bit
under its golden chain; whose bosom rose and fell perceptibly beneath
its falls of snowy laces.

"Lady Catharine Knollys," said John Law, his voice deep and even, and
showing no false note of embarrassment, "we come, as you may see, to
make our respects to yourself and your friend, and to thank you for your
kindness to two strangers."

"To two strangers, Mr. Law," said Lady Catharine, pointedly.

"Yes"--and the answering smile was hard to be denied--"to two strangers
who are still strangers. I did but bethink me it was sweet to have such
kindness. We were advised that London was cruel cold, and that all folk
of this city hated their fellow-men. So, since 'twas welcome to be thus
kindly entreated, I believed it but the act of courtesy to express our
thanks more seeming than we might as that we were two beggars by the
wayside. Therefore, I pay the first flower of my perpetual tribute." He
bowed and extended, as he spoke, a deep red rose. His eye, though still
direct, was as much imploring as it was bold.

Instinctively Mary Connynge and Lady Catharine had drawn together,
retreating somewhat from this intrusion. They were now standing, like
any school girls, looking timidly over their shoulders, as he advanced.
Lady Catharine hesitated, and yet she moved forward a half pace, as
though bidden by some unheard voice. "'Twas nothing, what we did for you
and your brother," said she. She extended her hand as she spoke. "As for
the flower, I think--I think a rose is a sweet-pretty thing."

She bent her cheek above the blossom, and whether the cheek or the petal
were the redder, who should say? If there were any ill at ease in that
room, it was not Law of Lauriston. He stood calm as though there by
right. It was an escapade, an adventure, without doubt, as both these
young women saw plainly enough. And now, what to do with this adventure
since it had arrived?

"Sir," said Lady Catharine at length, "I am sure you must be wearied
with the heavy heats of the town. Your brother must still be weak from
his hurt. Pray you, be seated." She placed the rose upon the tabouret as
she passed, and presently pulled at