"Then hence with argument, hither with supper. Come, captain, we’ll sign a truce for the nonce. If I mistake not, you have had a long ride and spare rations this evening. You are well come. I was about to sup when you interrupted me, so while your men search the house, you shall bear me company. You refuse? Why, what fear you? The house is surrounded, not a creature can escape," she continued bitterly, "and you need not fear lest the wine be drugged or the meat poisoned, for I, too, intend to partake of them." "Ah, madame, those are not the dangers I fear." He shook his head, with a smile. "What, then?" "Look in your mirror, Mistress Barbara, perchance you will understand." Barbara gave a sudden, laugh of pleased amusement. "Nay, sir, I protest I have no desire to bewitch you," she answered with a bright blush. "Then, madame, why do you look at me?" asked the captain, and his eyes said more. Again the dimple deepened and again the lips curved into a smile. Captain Protheroe detected himself watching for that dimple with a quite inexplicable and, considering his errand, inexcusable eagerness. "Methinks the conversation is astray upon a bye-path," she answered demurely; "let us return to the high-road. I am dying of hunger, and ’tis but dreary to sup alone. Will you not join me?" As Captain Protheroe had tasted no food since early morning, the offer was too tempting to be refused. "Madame, you overwhelm me with kindness," he answered. She led him to the upper end of the hall, where a table was already laid with three covers. "Do you always sup in company with two empty chairs, madame?" he asked quizzically. Barbara flushed crimson and hesitated. "I—I expected friends, sir," she stammered. Then recovering, she darted a bright glance at him and continued. "And you see my expectations have been fulfilled, for are you not come?" "Does not another lady dwell here with you?" he queried indifferently. "Yes—my cousin, Lady Cicely Winslow. But she—she is out," stammered Barbara again nervously. "Ah! so she is sharing the fellow’s hiding-place," muttered the captain to himself. "A piece of folly only possible in a couple of lovers." Throughout the meal Barbara laughed and chatted gaily, evidently exerting all her efforts to entertain her guest. She led him on to tell strange stories of his adventures and his travels, to which she listened with that eager interest and open admiration of his doings, so dear to the heart of man; she made him laugh heartily at her quick jests and saucy answers, and ever and anon as she talked she raised her dark lashes, and turned upon him the full depths of her wonderful eyes. But Captain Protheroe was not altogether unversed in the ways of women, and though he enjoyed to the full the pleasant companionship of her manner, and drank deep of her beauty, he was in no wise mindful to allow her charms to turn his thoughts from the matter in hand.