Audrey

MacLean put aside with much gentleness the hands of his surgeon, and,

rising to his feet, answered the question in Haward's eyes by producing a

slip of paper and gravely proffering it to the man whom he served. Haward

took it, read it, and handed it back; then turned to the Quaker maiden.

"Mistress Truelove Taberer," he said courteously. "Are you staying in

town? If you will tell me where you lodge, I will myself conduct you

thither."

Truelove shook her head, and slipped her hand into that of her brother

Ephraim. "I thank thee, friend," she said, with gentle dignity, "and thee,

too, Angus MacLean, though I grieve that thee sees not that it is not

given us to meet evil with evil, nor to withstand force with force.

Ephraim and I can now go in peace. I thank thee again, friend, and thee."

She gave her hand first to Haward, then to MacLean. The former, knowing

the fashion of the Quakers, held the small fingers a moment, then let them

drop; the latter, knowing it, too, raised them to his lips and imprinted

upon them an impassioned kiss. Truelove blushed, then frowned, last of all

drew her hand away.

With the final glimpse of her gray skirt the Highlander came back to the

present. "Singly I could have answered for them all, one after the other,"

he said stiffly. "Together they had the advantage. I pay my debt and give

you thanks, sir."

"That is an ugly cut across your forehead," replied Haward. "Mr. Ker had

best bring you a basin of water. Or stay! I am going to my lodging. Come

with me, and Juba shall dress the wound properly."

MacLean turned his keen blue eyes upon him. "Am I to understand that you

give me a command, or that you extend to me an invitation? In the latter

case, I should prefer"-"Then take it as a command," said Haward imperturbably. "I wish your

company. Mr. Ker, good-day; I will buy the piece of plate which you showed

me yesterday."

The two moved down the room together, but at the door MacLean, with his

face set like a flint, stood aside, and Haward passed out first, then

waited for the other to come up with him.

"When I drink a cup I drain it to the dregs," said the Scot. "I walk

behind the man who commands me. The way, you see, is not broad enough for

you and me and hatred."

"Then let hatred lag behind," answered Haward coolly. "I have negroes to

walk at my heels when I go abroad. I take you for a gentleman, accept your

enmity an it please you, but protest against standing here in the hot

sunshine."

With a shrug MacLean joined him. "As you please," he said. "I have in

spirit moved with you through London streets. I never thought to walk with

you in the flesh."