So for a long moment we sat thus, hand in hand, and neither speaking. "And now," said she at last, "since we are friends, I want you to know how I came to run such risks. I am Barbara Knollys, and my father wishes me to marry a man I hate, so I determined to run away to my aunt Aspasia, because, though I fear my father, my father fears aunt Aspasia more. Captain Danby offered to escort me to aunt's house at Sevenoaks, but once I was in his chaise I grew afraid of him and instead of following the high road he drove by desolate lanes and--oh, he was hateful and so at last we came here. And now you say that Captain Danby has gone?" she enquired of Anthony. "Quite!" said he a little grimly. "He is, I believe, snug in bed." "I trust, sir, you--didn't--hurt him--more than was--necessary?" "Rest assured of it, madam." "Heaven is very kind to have brought me out of such danger and set me safe in the care of--gentlemen," said she, glancing from one to other of us. "Rest assured of this also, madam!" said I, while Anthony looked from her to me with shining eyes. At this moment we started, all three, as borne to our ears came the distant rumble of thunder, followed by a fierce wind-gust that rattled crazy door and lattice and, dying in a dismal wail, left behind the mournful sound of pattering rain. "O heavens!" exclaimed our companion, clasping slender hands. "A storm--and I am terrified of thunder--" "It will soon pass!" said I. "But I must start at once!" she faltered. "I must reach my aunt's house to-night." "There is the chaise!" suggested Anthony. "Ah, no, no--impossible!" she cried. "The chaise was engaged by Captain Danby and the postillion is in his pay--" "The chaise shall be ready whenever you desire," said Anthony, rising, "and the postillion shall drive you wherever you appoint if--if you can trust yourself to the care of such a--a down-at-heels rogue as--myself." "Mr. Anthony," said she, very gravely, "this morning I was a foolish girl--to-night I am a woman--my adventure has taught me much--and a woman always knows whom she may trust. And you are a friend and a gentleman, and one I can trust and so I accept your offer most thankfully." Saying which, she reached out her hand to him and with such a look as made me half wish myself in Anthony's place. So he took her hand, made as though to raise it to his lips, then loosed it and stood with bowed head, seemingly lost in contemplation of his broken boots. "Thanks!" he mumbled. "I--I--thank you!" "Now I must prepare for the road!" said she and sped away with never so much as a glance at me, leaving Anthony staring after her like one in a dream, and I saw his eyes bright with unshed tears.