Say 'Yes' to-morrow."
"Will she consent, think you?" Sir John asked as Rosmore came slowly
back across the room.
"I think so; yes, I think so."
"I spoke sufficiently?" questioned Sir John.
"You were excellently diplomatic. Were she a woman easily frightened
there would be no doubt of her answer. Your guests in the Abbey, Sir
John, must not know of my presence here, nor that the place is watched
to-night."
"You are sure that Martin brought this man Crosby to Aylingford?"
"Quite sure."
"Why not take him to-night, quietly?" said Sir John. "If he is with
Martin, he is probably in the old tower by the ruins. Is he most rebel
or most highwayman?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because, if he is most highwayman, you might influence Barbara's answer
to-morrow by letting him escape."
"I have thought of it, but--"
"My niece and a highwayman! She may be romantic, my lord, but she is not
a fool."
"Gad! Sir John, you are lost here in Hampshire; you should be beside the
King to advise him. If we let him go to-morrow, this knight of the road
may easily meet with an accident. In my company it should not be
difficult to find a man or two who can shoot straight.
Pages:
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198