I looked into her eyes as she spoke, and I saw that no fear was expressed there. She did not seem to realize her position, and yet her words belied her apparent ignorance of the danger by which she was surrounded. "You say that your knowledge concerning the Pretender is of importance," I said, after a pause. "Yes." "Is it right to keep it secret?" "I do not understand." "If Charles comes to England, it will mean civil war," I cried; "it will mean that the whole country will be in turmoil. If the Pretender succeeds in his design, a reign of ignorance, bondage, and oppression will curse the country." "Tell me your reasons for saying this," she replied. "Are you a Catholic?" I asked. "I do not know," was her answer. "I suppose so. I was trained in a convent school, but I have been told that my father hated the Catholic religion, and I know that he would hate nothing that was good. I am but an ignorant girl; I think I must have purposely been kept ignorant." This she said plaintively. "Let me tell you of these Stuarts," I cried. "Let me relate to you what Charles I. and Charles II., as well as James II., have done for England." I spoke eagerly; I told of the profligacy of the Stuart court, of the wanton extravagance, and of the corruption of the race. I had proceeded but a little way in my story, however, when I heard a quick footstep outside the door, and immediately after an old man stood in the room. "Is anything the matter, Adam?" cried Mistress Nancy. "Yes, dear lady," answered he; "Colman Killigrew, his son Otho, and others are nearing the house." CHAPTER XXIII. IN WHICH IT IS SHOWN THAT UNCLE ANTHONY WAS MORE THAN A DROLL. As may be imagined, Adam's message excited me much. What purpose had Colman Killigrew in coming to Restormel so late at night? And Otho, what was the meaning of his being present? Had either of them any suspicion of my whereabouts? For myself I had but little fear, but what of Nancy? I looked eagerly into her face, but she was perfectly calm and composed. Evidently she knew no fear. "Can you think of their reasons for coming?" I asked. "I think I can guess." Then turning to Adam she said: "You will, of course, admit them?" "I must, my dear young lady," replied the old man, "I must. I should do no good by refusing them, and I should arouse suspicion." "True." "Of course it will take some little time"; this he said meaningly. "Yes, yes. He will think you are in bed. And where will you put them?" "All right, my dear young lady," he replied mysteriously. "You need not fear," he went on, "they shall never know that you are here." "No, I can trust you for that, Adam"; then her eyes rested on me. "Master Roger Trevanion is as safe as you are," he said quickly. "You are certain?" "Perfectly." "That will do. We will stay here until you come." The old man bowed and left us, and Mistress Nancy gazed steadily into the fire for some time as though she were ignorant of my presence.