"There is no chance for me in England yet," he said slowly, "though General Churchill would give me his help. But there is no room in the army for Kirke and myself—at present. No, I shall to Holland, I have a cousin there already, and take service with the Prince of Orange, he is a man to be served." There was a moment’s pause. Then Ralph continued with a would-be careless air. "Doubtless you will set off to-morrow. I will escort Mistress Barbara to her brother, and we need—er—burden you with our company no longer." Captain Protheroe stared for a moment at his companion. "For the present," he answered coldly, "my way lies with yours." Ralph eyed him angrily. "Pardon me, sir, but in Mistress Barbara’s interests, it were wiser you should leave her, now your company is no longer necessary to her safety." "Heavens! man, what would you imply?" asked the officer sharply. "Your escape and wanderings with this lady, the whole story of your intercourse together, is enough to set many scandalous tongues wagging about her name. The sooner this intercourse ceases, the better." "If that be your fear, then, on the contrary, the longer I remain at her side, the better," answered the captain drily. "Seeing that tongues do not long speak scandalously of a lady whom I have the honour to protect." "Captain Protheroe," cried Ralph sharply, "I were loth to quarrel with you, but if you will take no hint, I must e’en speak plainly. This lady is nothing, can be nothing to you. After what hath passed betwixt you, part I know and part I guess, your attentions but trouble and embarrass her; nay, more, they are an insult. I insist that you at once cease to burden her with your company." "You insist?" repeated Captain Protheroe slowly. "I do. An it be necessary I will prove my right to do so." He touched the hilt of his sword menacingly. Captain Protheroe rose to his feet. "You are mad," he cried angrily; "’tis impossible for me to fight you." "Indeed!" scoffed Ralph, "would you have me brand you coward then?" Captain Protheroe laughed scornfully. "Bah! Perchance that would prove no easy matter. Seeing that those who know me would know it for a falsehood, and those who do not know me could be taught. No, Sir Ralph, I will not fight you. And for the other matter——" he paused. "You say that my attentions are a burden to Mistress Barbara?" "I do. And that both for the sake of her fair name, and her own peace of mind, you must leave her." "And I think, sir, you are mistaken. I will only leave Mistress Barbara at her express command." "Since you know well she is too courteous ever to urge her way," sneered Ralph sharply. Again there was silence. The captain was thinking now on all that had passed betwixt Barbara and himself; remembering her sweet trustful ways, her gentle words; treasuring that one golden hour together in the forest, ere discord had sent this man to part their souls.