the
spy or whatever he is! But you are a hero too! You shall be decorated!"

She walked to a stand and pondered a moment before a vase of roses,
chose a long-stemmed red one and struck me lightly across the shoulder
with it.

"Arise, sir knight! You should have knelt, but to kneel in skirts
requires practice; you could hardly have managed in that monk's robe."

I couldn't be sure whether she was mocking me or whether there was
really liking under this nonsense. I was beyond the point of being
impatient with her. I was helpless in her hands; she would do with me as
she willed, and it was my business to laugh with her, to meet her as
best I could in the realm of folly.

"You must go!" she exclaimed suddenly. "Constance will be calling down
the stairs for me in a moment."

"To-morrow--" I began. The wistful look she had at times came into her
eyes as she stood in the centre of the room, playing with the flower.

"To-morrow," she repeated, "and then--to-morrow!"

"There must be endless to-morrows for you and me," I said, and took the
flower from her hand. The revery died in her eyes, and they were awake
with reproach and dismissal. At the door I looked back. She hadn't moved
and she said, very quietly, but smiling a little: "Nothing must happen
to make me sorry I came. Please remember!"

CHAPTER IV

PURSUING KNIGHTS

I didn't sleep until near daybreak, and was aroused at nine o'clock by
Flynn, who appeared at the door in his chauffeur's togs, carrying a
tray.

"The wife didn't come back, sorr, but I made coffee and toast. Sorry to
waken you, but I'm takin' the new car into the city."

I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

"Who's going to the city?" I demanded.

"The ladies is goin' at once, sorr. They sent orders an hour ago to be
ready with the new machine. Orders was to take my bag; it looks like I'd
be gone the night. I'm late and you'll have to excuse me, sorr."

I sprang out of bed and plied him with questions, most of which he was
unable to answer. I did, however, extract from him the information that
nothing had occurred after I retired for the night that could have
alarmed the women at the residence and prompted this abrupt departure.
There was no reason why Alice shouldn't run to town if it pleased her to
do so, and yet it was odd that she hadn't mentioned the matter. Flynn
hurried away, and from the window I followed the car's course to the
house, and a moment later caught a glimpse of it on its