They had seen her. She need remain in her room no longer, and she flew along the corridor and down the stairs in time to meet them as they entered the hall. Fellowes bowed low to her. His dress was dusty. He had evidently ridden far. "Dare I hope that you have repented, and that to-morrow seems too long to wait?" said Rosmore. "There has been such riot I have had no time to think of other matters. What does it mean, uncle?" "That Mr. Fellowes has ridden from Lord Feversham, commanding Rosmore's presence in Dorsetshire." "So unless we capture this rebel of ours to-night, Mistress Lanison, I shall have to leave some of my men to do it," said Rosmore. "I must depart to-morrow morning, and you must--you will give me my answer before I go?" "It is news to me that Crosby of Lenfield has been named as a rebel," said Fellowes. "It was news to me until I had my commands," said Rosmore. "Lord Feversham bid me tell you to return with all the men you could muster. I do not envy you your employment. Kirke's lambs are already too busy for my liking." "You go no further to-night, Mr. Fellowes?" said Sir John. "Yes, towards London. I bear despatches to the King at Whitehall. I have accomplished one part of my errand; I must hasten to complete the other. A stirrup cup as you suggested, Sir John, and then to horse. Good-night, Mistress Lanison." Fellowes and her uncle moved away, leaving Barbara with Rosmore. "You may sleep late to-morrow if you will give me my answer to-night," he said. "I cannot force love, Lord Rosmore; I will not say 'Yes' without it." "It shall dawn with the speaking of one little word." "Wait until you return," pleaded Barbara. "How do I know that you will not take Martin to-night, and be unable to free him to-morrow." "You have my word." "Your word against my love; it is too unequal a bargain. If you ride with my promise to-morrow, you must leave Martin with me. He has been my mad playfellow ever since I can remember." "You have my word," said Rosmore, "it must suffice." "And to all my pleading you only answer with threats," said Barbara. "Indeed, my lord, that is a rough path to a woman's heart. There is still the night for me, and for you; I pray that you will have chosen another road before the morning." She turned and left him, all the coquette that was in her displayed to win him to a better mood. She had little hope of succeeding, but she was very sure that he should ride away with no promise of hers. There was another, by this time rapidly leaving Aylingford behind him she hoped, who bore with him, not her promise, he had not asked for that, but her thoughts and her prayers. If these were any shield from danger, surely he went in safety.