"I will not. ’Twere most ungracious. And, prithee, how should we fare without him?" "Well enow, I warrant. See here, Barbara, he may be honourable enow——" "He is." "Yes, but he is not one of us. He is but a soldier of fortune, and I like not that you should have to do with such an one. ’Twas vastly unseemly that you and he should be trapesing the country alone together, and I only hope no harm comes o’t." "And ’tis vastly impertinent of you, Ralph Trevellyan, to suppose that I cannot guard my honour and my own good name," she broke out hotly; for the suggestion in his words startled her, and stung her to the quick. "How dare you speak thus? Upon my word, Ralph, you may be an old friend, but, certes, you presume on the fact." "Good Heavens! Barbara. What is the matter? I only suggested——" "Then do not do so again. Captain Protheroe is a most honourable gentleman. ’Tis base of you to distrust him." "Well! Don’t be angry, Barbara," he pleaded quickly. "You know in Rupert’s absence——" "You put yourself in Rupert’s place, eh? It suits you ill. Rupert hath both greater knowledge of me, and greater trust in me than thou hast, it would appear." "Now, Barbara, dear—— _Damnation!_" He dropped her hand and turned aside angrily, for a rustling of leaves and crackling of twigs announced the return of the third member of the party. Barbara greeted him brightly; she was relieved at his return. "Whither have you wandered, sir? You have been absent for hours." "I have been fishing, madame; behold my success." He crossed to her side, and with an air of deep pride laid before her three tiny trout. "Is that all?" she asked doubtfully, fearing lest a smile might hurt his feelings. "All!" he cried indignantly. "Why, what would you more? There is one apiece." "Assuredly, but——" then she noted the twinkle in his eyes and burst into a merry laugh. "Indeed, sir; you have kept your promise nobly. Yet I think we must thank the fates that we are not entirely dependent for our supper upon your skill." "Ingratitude, thy name is woman! Here have I lain, arm deep in water, for three mortal hours, to catch these—er—tempting morsels, and all I meet with is contempt. Never again, Mistress Barbara." "And have you not even the story of some monster who hath escaped you, to comfort your heart?" she queried solemnly. "I believe Rupert ever derived much solace from such illusions when he could produce no more substantial triumph." "Alas, madame, I fear illusions are but little to my taste. But since you scorn my offerings, we had best make as good a meal as we can of the somewhat stale viands which remain to us, and then if you are rested, we ought to make a move." So they supped, and bidding farewell to the hollow, presently set out on their tramp. Their way led for some time through the wood, and when they finally emerged in the open country the night had already fallen.