"Tut, Barbara! ’tis my belief the fellow is but little injured save in the loss of his garments," for the pedlar’s coat was in rags. "Come," she continued, turning sharply to the man, "be thankful the dog has dealt so gently with you, ’twould not be so the next time an ye attempt to escape again. Up with you, fellow." With many groans and heartfelt curses Simon struggled to his feet. As Cicely had suspected he was rather terrified than hurt, but the dog had shaken out of him what little courage he possessed. He turned without further attempt at resistance, and slowly mounted the stairs, followed once more by Barbara, who, having well-nigh paid dearly for her experience, did not relax her wariness until she had safely secured him in one of the upper chambers whence there was no possibility of escape. This done she hurried down into the hall, where Cicely sat engrossed already in her letter, and burst into a merry laugh. "Well done, Cis, well done," she cried, flinging herself down beside her cousin. "I vow thou art a very virago, but for thee he would have escaped. Alack! ’tis small use to have the wrist, eye, and skill of a man when one has but a woman’s nerve. But what news, coz; what says the letter?" "He is safe, he has reached the coast, and to-morrow will take sail in a vessel bound for Holland. He—— But I will tell thee the rest anon," answered Cicely somewhat hurriedly, and then passed into the garden still reading her letter. "Plague take these lovers!" exclaimed Barbara, looking after her whimsically, "they are not too generous with their news. But now, how to rid me of yon same discontented gentle upstairs." She paused and bit her lip thoughtfully. "Ah! well, there is time for that; he is safe enough now, and belike a plan will suggest itself later." Then she stretched her arms as though a great load were lifted from her shoulders, and laughed again softly. "’Tis selfish to be happy when there be so many still in sorrow," she murmured. "But with Rupert safe again I cannot feel a care. All! ’tis a good world, a good world, and therefore," she cried, springing to her feet with a laugh, "I will go out and rejoice in it." *CHAPTER IV*