He realized well why she wept, and he knew, too, there was no help that he could offer; so he only bent forward, and, speaking her name gently, patted her shoulder. He heard her swallow a sob, then, with her head still bowed, she went on defiantly, “So there is nothing to tell, Hugh. A neighbor was riding to Northrope for the day, so they sent me with him and he left me at that cottage. They thought perhaps some carrier might be going to Newick, and would convey me thither; then Lieutenant Millington would find means to despatch me to Everscombe. That is all.” Hugh bit his nails and made no reply. If his own father rejected him, how could he reproach the uncles and aunts who grudged shelter to an orphan girl? Only she was a girl and weak, and somehow they seemed worse than Alan Gwyeth. He fell back on his stock piece of comfort: “You should ha’ been a boy, Lois, and then it had all been easy.” “But I have no wish to be a boy,” Lois said sorrowfully, as she turned away her face to wipe her eyes. “Perhaps ’twould not be so pleasant,” Hugh admitted, and added, with a thought of Frank, “Young boys are sometimes vexatious.” Lois gave a laugh that was a bit hysterical. “You have grown very arrogant. Prithee, now, tell me all about yourself and how you got that sorry scar.” Hugh hesitated, to collect himself, then set forth at great length what pertained to Strangwayes, and very hastily told her that his father had disowned him. At that her face grew so grave he hurried back to Strangwayes again, and forbore to tell her of the duel. So they talked on till a shaft of sunlight dazzled upon the brook, and the trees cast clean dark shadows on the pathway. “We must ride for Newick,” said Hugh, jumping to his feet. “You’re not so weary, Lois? Wait till the next village and you shall have wine to hearten you. Perchance you could eat, too?” “Perchance, if ’twere offered,” Lois replied demurely, as she smoothed her hair with her hands. “It shall be looked to, I promise you,” he answered gayly, and walked away. Before he had gone ten paces, however, his gayety was at an end, for he tucked his hands into a brace of bare pockets. He fidgeted a moment by the horses; then, taking his only course, walked over to the surly trooper. “Garrett,” he began, in a low tone, “have you money about you?” “Ay, sir.” “Will you lend unto me?” “You swore the giving should lie all on your side,” the other answered suspiciously. “I tell you I’ll pay,” Hugh said angrily; and, seizing on the two shillings the other reluctantly proffered, walked away with his face burning.