Norton laughed as he replied, “If Lieutenant Harford, who has so courteously heaped coals of fire on my head by filling me this excellent cup of sack, will withdraw, I will explain to you what I mean, Major. I assure you my intentions are wholly honourable.” The Major made an expressive gesture of the shoulders, evidently doubting whether he and his visitor put the same construction on that last word. Gabriel bowed and was about to leave the room when his friend checked him. “Do not go, Lieutenant,” he said, decidedly. “I wish to have you present as long as Colonel Norton remains.” “As you will,” said Norton, easily. “I am here entirely in your interest, sir.” The Major drummed impatiently on the table. “You seem to doubt that I have an eye to your interests,” said Norton, laughing. “Well, sir, I have known you all your life, and I dare swear ’tis the first time you have considered anyone except yourself,” said Major Locke, sententiously. “You have a cursed long memory,” said Norton, cheerfully. “But look you, Major, I know for a certainty that, early to-morrow, Prince Maurice will send troops to besiege your house. The Manor is in a position which will serve his purpose, and he intends to have a garrison there. Your property will be ruined, your household turned out, or should they resist, made prisoners, or mayhap, slaughtered. With one word you can save such a disaster.” “And pray what word may that be?” said the Major, frowning. “Your word of honour that you will give me your daughter Helena in marriage.” The Major flushed angrily. “Sir,” he said, indignantly, “to that request you have already had your answer.” “But the times have changed, Major, and I warn you that your answer had best change with them. Do you not see that I have your whole property in my power? Speak only this word and I will contrive that the Manor shall not be attacked, the Prince will easily be diverted from his plan, and I will get a special letter of protection for your whole household.” “Rather than see my daughter wedded to you,” said the Major, sternly, “I would kill her with my own hand.” “I believe you would, my sturdy Virginius,” said Norton, with a laugh. “However, I trust you will not come across her. To-morrow, when the Manor yields to Prince Maurice, my first thought shall be to take pretty Mistress Helena under my protection--no need in time of war for parsons or bridal ceremonies.” At that the Major sprang forward white with anger, and struck Norton on the mouth. “Curse you!” cried the Colonel, drawing his sword. “If you will force a quarrel upon me, let us fight it out at once; but I call the Lieutenant to witness that the provocation----” “Hold your lying tongue, sir,” said the Major, pushing back the table and whipping out his sword, and the next moment the sharp clash of the blades rang through the room.