ed as if he might see the cap in my
eyes, so I hurried to look down, and appear as calm as if I had never
met him in the street when out walking with Heppie. Once I dropped my
handkerchief, like ladies in books (only I did it on purpose, which they
never do if heroines, not villainesses), and he ran after us and picked
it up. That was, of course, the only time he ever spoke; but, though I
have cared not only for Robert Loraine but Henry Ainley since, I should
have known his voice anywhere. It was disappointing not to thrill; but
to be honest, I must admit that the voice sounded meaningless now,
compared with that of the Knight. Nevertheless, he was saying kind
things, offering to be our guide over the Castle and show us curiosities
that the "ordinary public" is not allowed to see.

Just as Mr. Somerled was thanking the officer (I soon found out that he
was a lieutenant, named Donald Douglas) I heard other voices behind me.
"Good gracious!" I had just time to think, "it's Mrs. West and Mr.
Norman," when they came round a screen of masonry, and were upon us. As
soon as they saw who we were they stopped, Mrs. West pale, with the same
martyred expression, which grew sweeter and sadder every instant. Mr.
Norman shook hands with us in a cordial but embarrassed way, and the man
who had refused to let us enter at first would have headed the newcomers
off, but Mr. Douglas stopped him.

"The Castle isn't open for visitors to-day," he said, "but I am making
an exception of Mr. Somerled's party, and as you are friends of his I
shall be delighted to include you."

"You're very kind indeed; but----" Mr. Norman had to begin answering
because his sister didn't speak, and only looked, looked, looked at "her
friend Mr. Somerled." Her brother awaited a cue until the pause grew
embarrassing, and then the Knight sprang to the rescue of another lady
in distress.

"We shall be delighted too, Mrs. West," he said.

That was probably what she wanted, for she beamed on the Soldier Man
(_my_ Soldier Man), and accepted his kindness. Mr. Douglas then put
himself by my side; and Mrs. West annexed Mr. Somerled, or he annexed
her. This left Mrs. James for Mr. Norman, and they hadn't been
introduced: but they began chatting at once.

Mr. Douglas seemed quite interested when I told him he was the first
soldier I'd ever known outside a book. He asked me if I thought I should
like soldiers, and I said yes.

Into the heart of the fortress he led us: