rise."

In a moment the doctor's voice came down through the wall, asking, "Are
you ready?"

"Yes," answered Hamilton. And then he led Frances back to the
printing-press. Instantly the floor above their heads began to roll
back, and from the depths rose Frances and Hamilton, to find Betty and
me awaiting them. As they came up through the floor, Betty began to
laugh, and soon I joined her, for on Frances's eyes, lips, and cheeks
were black inky patches, indicating plainly the exact spots where the
battle had raged. Through the ink spots on her cheeks ran furrows
ploughed by tears, but, withal, my cousin's beautiful face was never more
beautiful.

"They have been a-kissing," whispered Betty, seriously, leaning towards
me and speaking behind her hand.

"No, no, Betty," I answered, trying to keep a straight face. But she
nodded insistently, evidently much surprised and perhaps a little
shocked.

By the time Betty and I had concluded this interchange of ideas, Hamilton
and Frances were by my side.

"Why are you here?" asked Hamilton, turning to me and then to Betty.

"I had to bring him," answered Betty. "You told me to tell no one, but I
had to tell Mistress Jennings because she cried, and I had to bring Baron
Ned because he stormed and said that he knew Mistress Jennings had come
to see you."

I supplemented Betty's answer by saying: "I was sure Frances had come to
the Old Swan to see you, so I followed, arriving just in time to see her
cross the courtyard. I sought Betty and asked her to tell me where you
were and where my cousin had gone. Just then three sheriffs arrived,
searching for you, and I had to wait until Betty got rid of them. Now,
here I am, waiting to take my cousin home."

"But what if your cousin will not go home until she is ready, and does
not desire your escort?" asked Frances.

"In that case, I should advise her to make ready at once," I replied.

"And if she does not want your advice?" returned Frances.

"In that case, I should limit my advice to a mere recommendation that she
wash the ink stains from her lips, eyes, and cheeks. Master Hamilton has
pretty well covered the ground with overgrown beauty patches."

Betty laughed softly, and fat old Lilly chuckled as he resumed his place
at his desk.

There being no mirror in the room, Frances put her hand to her face and
found traces of printers' ink on her fingers, whereupon she blushed and
laughed and was so beautiful that we all laugh