"No, that is impossible," returned Fellowes. "He is busy with preparations for the assizes, and is in command of the military force placed at the disposal of Judge Jeffreys. For the present Rosmore is tied to the West. I would he might find a speedy grave there." "Sir John comes like an ill-omened bird; I wish I knew his reason," said Martin thoughtfully. "Did he speak with his niece?" "A few words only, and there was the courtesy as of strangers between them. I could not hear what was said, but it was nothing that had any special interest for Mistress Lanison. Her expression did not change." "Do you imagine you can read her so easily?" "Ah, Martin, I know; there is no imagination in it. Were I cunning with a brush and colour, I could paint you a thousand of her expressions and tell you the thoughts which lay behind them all. I am a lover, remember, with all a lover's quick perception, although the lady I worship thinks no more of me than of the soiled glove she casts aside." Martin looked at him for a moment in silence, and then laid his hand on his arm. "Soiled gloves go in pairs, Master Fellowes." "You mean--" "There is small difference sometimes between a lover and a madman. Had I my fiddle with me I might play to you all that I mean." Fellowes drummed with his fingers on the little table before him for a moment, and then seemed to shake himself out of a dream. "There must be too few women in the world, Martin, when the desires of so many men are for one. To-morrow--what must be done to-morrow?" "I shall see her to-morrow afternoon; until then I cannot tell what is to be done. A message will find you at your lodging?" "Yes, I shall wait. If I do not hear, I shall make some excuse for being at Lady Bolsover's again in the evening." Outside the coffee-house they separated. Where Martin went at nights Fellowes did not know, nor did he inquire. Fairley could find him, if necessary, and that was enough. Neither did Barbara know where Martin lived, or she would surely have sent him a message next day, for long before noon she had made up her mind to act without delay.