I meant what I said, for at that moment all difficulties appeared as nothing. "You can take me outside these prison walls?" "Ay." "And after that?" "After that I know not. Perhaps you have plans in your own mind, but if you have not I can save you." Perhaps the confident way in which I spoke gave her courage; moreover, I saw by the flash in her eyes that she comprehended what to many other women would have seemed mysterious. For she was no woman of dull intelligence, but one who thought quickly and to purpose. "If I can reach my father's house I am safe," she said. "Your father's house? That surely is the first place men will go when they hear of your escape from here." "Nay, it is not. They will never believe that I should go thither now. If they do, it will not matter; I shall be safe there, and even my father will not know of my presence." "You have trusty servants, and there are secret places at Goodlands," I said. She gave me a glance which made my heart burn, although I knew not why. "But for an accident I should have taken refuge there," she said. "While I was at Pycroft it was given out that I had been recognized in the neighbourhood, and endeavours were made to capture me. So I made my way to Dorking, where I made myself known to those whose business it was to take me. But I escaped from there, leaving no trace behind, and hoped to reach my father's house." "But how did you do this?" "I have many friends." "But why did you make yourself known at Dorking?" She looked at me steadily and seemed on the point of speaking; but no word escaped her lips. "And did Sir Charles Denman accompany you?" I said. "No," she replied, and there was, as I thought, anger in her tones. "No, he did not." Why it was I did not know, but I rejoiced at this. "And you do not know where he is now?" "No, I do not know," she answered. She paused a moment, and although it was a joy beyond the telling to be with her and hear her speak, it came to me that not a moment was to be lost if I was to lead her to liberty. CHAPTER XVI THE ESCAPE