"I am no spy," he asserted, firmly, "and by the laws of war you have no right to my life." Brilliana turned on him tauntingly. "You were taken a rebel in arms and your life is at my mercy." "Then," said Evander, calmly, "add to your letter my wish that Colonel Cromwell take no thought of me." Brilliana stamped impatiently. "I am not your secretary," she said, sharply. "It does not matter," Evander answered, smoothly. "Colonel Cromwell will follow the laws of war." "I am sorry for you if he do," Brilliana declared. "We shall test the strength of Colonel Cromwell's love." She called, loudly, "John Thoroughgood." Thoroughgood advanced to her from where he stood removed. "Ride with a white flag," Brilliana went on; "ride hard to my Lord Essex's army, wherever it may be. Where is my Lord Essex, Rufus?" "They have retired, I think, upon Warwick," Rufus said, doubtfully. "Well," Brilliana continued, "to the rebel army, wherever you can find it. Deliver this letter into the hands of Colonel Cromwell. Bring back his answer swiftly. Ride as if you were riding for your life." Thoroughgood saluted, took the letter, and turned to go. Brilliana stopped him. "First quarter Captain Cloud in the west room, and see him well tended." Evander bowed. "I thank you," he said, and followed Thoroughgood out of the room. Brilliana turned to Rufus. "I trust you will all feast here to-night." Rufus shook his head sadly. "Tears in my eyes and heart, but not possible. We join the King to-night for Banbury." He came close to her and spoke low. "Bright Brilliana, will you not give me your golden promise ere I go?" "You must not ask that yet," Brilliana pleaded. "I must know my own mind." Sir Rufus banged his hands together. "By God, I know mine, and my mind is to win you if I have to kill a regiment of rivals." Brilliana pretended to shudder at his ferocity. "Lord! you are a very violent lover." Rufus did not deny her. "I am a very earnest lover, a very desperate lover." Brilliana made a gesture of protest. "Fie, this is no love-talk time, when the King is fighting. Ride, gallant Rufus, come back with loyal laurels and the flags of canting rebels, and see how I shall welcome you." Rufus caught her hands. "Must I be content with this?" he asked, hotly. "You must be content with this," Brilliana replied, coolly. "Here come your brothers-in-arms." The doors of the banqueting-hall opened, and Fawley, Radlett, Bardon, Ingrow, and Halfman came in, all brighter for wine and food. "'Tis boot and saddle, Rufus," Fawley cried. "I am yours," Rufus answered. He bowed over Brilliana's fingers. "Farewell, lady." One and all they turned and left her, and as they tramped into the air the chorus of the Cavalier song came back to her happy ears. "And we will sing, boys, God bless the King, boys, Cast up your hats, and cry Vive le Roy." XIII A GILDED CAGE