hands tight clasped before her.

"Where have you learned this, mother?" she said.

"Where but here!" the dame replied, shaking the open sheet she held in
her hand. "Thy Cousin Percy, secretary to my good Lord Burleigh, he hath
despatched me this writing here, which good Master Portman did read to
me but now."

"Let me see it."

As Phoebe read the confirmation of her step-mother's ill news, she
tried to persuade herself that it was but the fabrication of a jealous
rival, for this Percy was also an aspirant to her hand. But it proved
too circumstantial to admit of this construction, and her first fears
were confirmed.

"Ye see," said Dame Burton, as she received the note again, "the provost
guard is on the lad's track, and with a warrant. I told thee thy wilful
ways would lead but to sorrow, Poll!"

Phoebe heard only the first sentence of this speech. Her mind was
possessed by one idea. She must warn her lover. Mechanically she turned
away, forgetful of her companion, and passing through the door with ever
quicker steps, left her step-mother gazing after her in speechless
indignation.

Phoebe's movements were of necessity aimless at first. Ignorant of Sir
Guy's present abiding-place, knowing of no one who could reach him, she
wandered blindly forward, up one hall and down another without a
distinct immediate plan and mentally paralyzed with dread.

The sick pain of fear--the longing to reach her lover's side--these were
the first disturbers of her peace since her return into this strange yet
familiar life of the past. Now for the first time she was learning how
vital was the hold of a sincere and deep love. The thought of harm to
him--the fear of losing him--these swept her being clear of all small
coquetries and maiden wiles, leaving room only for the strong, true,
sensitive love of an anxious woman. Over and over again she whispered as
she walked:

"Oh, Guy--Guy! Where shall I find you? What shall I do!"

She had wandered long through the mazes of the quaint old caravansary
ere she found an exit. At length she turned a sharp corner and found
herself at the top of a short flight of steps leading to a door which
opened upon the main outer court. At that moment a new thought leaped
into her mind and she stopped abruptly, a rush of warm color mantling on
her cheeks.

Then, with a sigh of content, she sank down upon the top step of the
flight she had reached and gently shook her head, smiling.

"Too much Mary