He went down to collect his pack, to see his horse stabled, and fed, and to order a rear-banquet for the lady. She was served in her chamber, and the covers left on the table against Beauvallet's coming. The landlord had by this time very little doubt but that he entertained noble guests. What their mysterious errand was he could not guess, though he was inclined, saving only the incomprehensible absence of the master, to suspect an elopement. But Joshua's demeanour alone convinced him of the quality of the lady he served. None but a great noble's man, thought the landlord, would show such a high hand as Joshua's. There must be a cold capon prepared against his master's coming. What, had he no better wine than this poor stuff? Let him make haste to his cellar and fetch up a bottle of the best he had. Where were the suckets? Was my lady to sit down at table to naught but a scraggy fowl and a neat's tongue? Out upon him! The landlord should learn that a lady of his mistress' standing was not to be so used. He waited upon Dominica himself, and was inclined to be severe with her when she showed so little appetite. She looked up at him with large, frightened eyes. "He does not come," she said. "Patience, patience, señorita, he is not a bird!" said Joshua testily. "If he got away he was to lead the Guards off on a wrong scent towards the Frontier. It would never do to have them on our heels, mistress, for you cannot ride as we might have to in such a strait." "I can ride very well if I am allowed," she said meekly. Time wore on. A few last loiterers in the taproom went off homewards; candles were snuffed below stairs, and the inn grew quiet. Joshua had bespoken a chamber for his master, and a fire to be lit in Dominica's room, judging with some shrewdness that its friendly crackle and glow would do more to comfort her than any words of his. She sat by it trying to keep her courage up, and from time to time looked anxiously at Joshua. She would not have him leave her; she would not hear of going to bed for all his pleading. He might bully and override her in most things, she said, but he could not make her rest until she knew Sir Nicholas to be safe. "I shall take leave to say, señorita, that there is a long day ahead of you, and you would do well to get what sleep you may." "I will not!" she said, her old spirit rearing up its head. And there the matter rested. It was close on midnight when they heard the sound of an approaching horseman. Joshua lifted a finger and threw out his chest. "Ah, señora! ah! What said I? Ho, trust Beauvallet!" He went to the window and pushed it open. Dominica was on her feet, clasping her hands, "It may not be. It may be a soldier in search of me. I cannot think...." The horse was reined in under the window. "Holà, there!" rang out Beauvallet's voice. He looked up at the front of the inn and saw Joshua craning from the window. "God's Death, Joshua, what makes you there? Come down and let me in!"