"Oh! mistress, you must pardon the free speech of a Cavalier. Our tongues, as our swords, often fly out without reflection. Be assured I meant not to offend--far from it." Apology was a bitter pill for Prince Rupert to swallow; but he gulped it down with a better grace, confident of having the "bit of saucy sweetness" in his power. If he failed to make conquest of her, there was another way to fall back upon; that to which his low familiar, Lunsford, had been all along counselling him. The little _desagrement_ brought their _tete-a-tete_ to an end, the Prince not caring to continue it. It could be resumed at a more favourable opportunity, which he meant to find before leaving Hollymead. Seeming suddenly to recollect himself, he said, in voice loud enough to be heard by the elder sister, as he intended it,-- "But, ladies! I've only half apologised for our intrusion, and trust you will pardon it, when you hear my excuses. I was on the way to visit your worthy father, with whom I have some business. When hearing the _hooha-ha_!--ardent falconer as I am--I couldn't resist coming across to learn the result. Permit me to take leave of you, with thanks for your gracious reception. Unless, indeed, you do me the further honour of letting me escort you to the house. If I dared make so free, I would even ask the favour of being introduced by you to your father, with whom I regret not having personal acquaintance." "Our father is not at home," said Sabrina, speaking for both. "Indeed?" he exclaimed, looking half-disappointed, half-pleased. "That's unfortunate. But I suppose you expect him soon?" "We cannot tell what time he may return, your Highness." "Ah! he's gone upon a journey, then. May I ask whither? You'll pardon the inquiry, in view of my business with him?" "To Gloucester," she answered, without hesitation, too glad to have the questioner think that he inquired about was in that safe city. "His absence is disappointing," said the Prince--half in soliloquy, and half addressing himself to Captain Trevor. "It will necessitate our staying here for the night." This loud enough for the ladies to hear. "I regret that," he pursued, again turning to them, "not on my own account, but because the quartering of my escort at Hollymead cannot be over agreeable to you. However, I can promise best behaviour on their part; and should your servants have any rudeness to complain of it shall be punished with all severity." This self-invitation to the hospitality of Hollymead House, however vexatious to the daughters of its absent owner, did not at all surprise them. They had been expecting it as the upshot; for, despite his fine phrases of apology--all pretence--the Prince's bearing and manner told them how much he felt himself their master.