entering he had upset that flower jar and betrayed his presence. He had heard the talk and laughter as he climbed up, and guessed who Joscelyn's guests were; but he trusted to her mother to hide him. How infinitely sweeter it was to know that, instead, it was her own hand that had saved him. For nearly an hour he lay thus, stretched at full length upon the restful pallet. Then, all at once, although he was conscious of no sound, he felt that she had come. Rising hastily, he met her as she slipped through the half-opened door. She shaded her eyes for a moment to concentrate the light, the candle was so dim; then crossing over to the chest, she placed on it a platter of food and a pitcher of milk. "You must be half famished;" and although but a whisper, her voice was studiously polite. "I have brought you ample supply; for it may be late ere you get your breakfast in the morning, seeing I have to smuggle it to you." Never had he seen her so beautiful. The shining brocade set off every curve of her figure; under the lace of her bodice her bosom rose and fell with suppressed excitement, and her eyes were full of the starry lights he knew so well. And yet there was something about her that held in check the fire that leaped through his pulses. For the first time as he gazed thus upon her, he realized fully the menace he had brought upon her. "Joscelyn, I should never have come here." "It was, as you said, your only chance." "I should not have taken that chance; rather I should have died beside my horse before bringing this danger to you." "Hush! they will not harm me." Her head went up with a little triumphant fling as she said this; for she was thinking of Barry, and how, if detection came, he would surely save her. "You do not know the penalty one pays for harbouring a spy; I will go this very night and free you from this menace." "No, no," was the hasty answer. "We should both be undone--Tarleton's men will watch the house all night. To-morrow night perchance, or the night after; but not to-night. You are safe here for the present, for his lordship's orders will be obeyed." He came close to her, so close that he saw the pallor of her face, and the perfume of her dress rose with a sweet intoxication to his nostrils. "Joscelyn, is it for love of me that you have done this thing?" "No." "For what, then?" "For sake of our old comradeship and for Betty. Besides, you saved my life this afternoon--a return of favours leaves no burden of obligation on either of us." "Nay; you risk more for me than I did for you." She shrugged her shoulders. "The accounts balance." Then glancing about solicitously, she added, "I would I could make you more comfortable, but our first care must be to avert suspicion. Good night."