"Master Roger Trevanion," she said presently, "I did not know you cared so much for your country. In the past you have seemed indifferent as to what king reigned, Catholic or Protestant." "Until I knew you I was practically indifferent," I replied humbly. "I cared for little besides my own enjoyment. In a way, I was a loyal Protestant, and would have fought for King George; but it would have been for self-advancement chiefly, and--and because I loved a fight." "And now?" "You have made me ashamed of myself in more ways than one," I replied. "And you do not wish a Stuart to return to the throne?" "He would curse the country." Again she was silent for a few seconds, still gazing steadily into the fire. "Would you play the spy?" she asked presently. "No," I replied roughly. Then I started, for I heard the clang of a bell resounding through the empty house. "Not for the sake of King George?" "I would rather some one else did it," I replied. "But if no one else would do it, or could do it?" I was silent. "And if thereby you could possibly save your country from a great calamity?" "I am not a mole," I replied. "I cannot burrow in the ground. I like to fight in the open." At that moment we heard the sound of voices, among which I recognized that of old Colman Killigrew. "We need not be alarmed," she said. "The Killigrews know nothing of this room." Then she sat gazing into the fire again, while I fell to wondering what was in her mind. "You said just now that you wanted to serve me?" she said presently. "Yes, yes," I whispered eagerly. "Would you play the spy in order to save me from calamity?" "Do not put it that way," I said bitterly; "but I would do anything that a gentleman could do to serve you. You have made me love what is honourable, you have made me hate that which is mean." "Would it be mean to discover the plottings of my enemies?" she asked tremulously. "No, no," I answered eagerly. "Such a work would be worthy of any man. Command me, Mistress Nancy. Tell me of the man who has plotted against you, and I will go to him and tear his secret from him." "Wait!" was her answer. At this moment I heard a low rapping at the door. She wandered slowly around the room for some minutes speaking never a word; then turning to me suddenly she said: "Follow me if you would serve me." She touched a spot on the door, and immediately it swung on its hinges. I followed her into the passage, and up a long flight of stairs. "Whither are we going?" I asked presently. "To a secret place in the house," was her answer; "you will be safer there." "But you told me I was safe yonder." "Will you not trust me?" she said. "You said you would serve me." I followed her without another word. Had she told me to go to my death, I think I should have obeyed. Presently she opened the door of an apartment. "Enter there," she said; "do not make a sound of any sort. Wait in perfect silence until I return." I entered.