"But you have promised me, promised me on your honour." "But--but you do not understand." "I understand perfectly." "They are both miserable, sensual wretches." "You told me that a little while ago. But please take me there." "I am sure they have sinister, evil purposes in wishing to get you there." "Most likely, nevertheless I rely on your promises." "They will do their utmost to get you into their power. They have no conscience, no sense of honour." "I should judge not. But I will go." I looked into her face. Her eyes shone like live coals, her face was as pale as death, but I could see she was resolute. "Very well," I said with a sigh. "I will do as you command me." It was now midnight, and we were within two miles of Truro. "It is well on to twenty miles from here to Trevisa's place," I said, "and the roads are bad. To say the least, it is a three hours' journey. There is a good inn at Truro, and I think you would be safe there. Which will you do--stay at Truro, or ride direct to Trevisa's?" She hesitated a few seconds, then she decided to stay at Truro. I was glad of this, because I knew she must be very weary. Half an hour later our horses were in a comfortable stable, while Mistress Nancy Molesworth sat at the same table with me in one of the best inns in the county. "You still wish me to take you to Treviscoe?" I said after we had partaken of refreshment. "Yes. Good-night." When I reached my room I pondered long over the events of the day, and wondered much at the maid Nancy's behaviour, but could not divine her motives. I determined to take her to Peter Trevisa as she had commanded, but I was strong in my resolve to watch over her as jealously as a young mother watches over her first-born child. It was past midday when I awoke, and so I hurriedly dressed, wondering what the woman I had learnt to love would think of me, but when I went down-stairs I discovered that she had not yet risen. I went to the stables and examined the horses. They were well fed and groomed, and as far as I could gather, no one had been there making inquiries concerning us. This put me at my ease, and when presently Mistress Nancy appeared, I assured her of her safety. About an hour before dark we left Truro, and during our ride she asked me many questions, the meaning of which I could not understand. One thing she insisted on, for which in my heart I thanked her. It was that we should take my attorney, Mr. Hendy, with us to Treviscoe, for I knew that Peter Trevisa had a great terror of the law. Accordingly we called at the old lawyer's house, and asked him to accompany us. He seemed much surprised at seeing us, and the more was his astonishment when he discovered that Mistress Nancy went to Treviscoe against my will, for this he soon discovered. He said but little, however, and rode quietly with us like a man in a dream. "What do you wish me to say to these men, Mistress Molesworth?" I said to her, when Treviscoe appeared in sight.