a proscribed rebel with a
price set on my head, and I seek a new lodging, my old one being
unsafe. I was directed here almost by chance. Can you give me such
room as you can spare? There is but little or no danger in harbouring
me, for I am reported to be in Scotland with the Prince, 'the Young
Pretender,' if you like it so. I will be as circumspect in my
movements as possible. Above all, I will never shew by word or sign
that I knew you before, even when we are alone, nor will I betray
your secret to our boy. You are free to refuse me, and should you
do so, I will seek shelter elsewhere; but whether I go or stay, I
give you my word of honour as a gentleman that your secret rests
where it lies in my heart until such time as you see fit to proclaim
it yourself. Will you, then, consent to let me have a room under
your roof until such time as I can get over to France?"

After a little she said: "Yes; I can take your word. But remember,
from this night you are a stranger to me. You will pay as a
stranger, and come and go as a stranger."

And so this unnatural treaty was ratified. My hostess made such
preparation for my comfort as I would allow, and when alone I sate
on my couch trying to put my thoughts in order.

It was only then that Margaret came back to me. During my long
struggle with my poor wife no thought of another had entered my
mind, my whole endeavour being directed towards making such amends
for the cruelties of an undeserved fate as were possible; but now,
when alone, the realisation of what it meant in my relation towards
Margaret overwhelmed me. All unwittingly I had been playing the
part of a low scoundrel towards the fairest, purest soul in the
whole world; I had been living in a Fool's Paradise, drinking the
sweetest draught that ever intoxicated a human soul, and now,
without an instant's warning, the cup was dashed from my lips.

Poor Margaret! Poor Lucy! Poor Hugh! My heart was aching for them
all.

CHAPTER IV

IN WHICH I MAKE ACQUAINTANCE WITH ONE NEAR TO ME

I stretched myself out at length, with my cloak over me, and dozed
uneasily until awakened by a soft knocking at the door, which was
slowly pushed open, and a brown head made its appearance in the
room.

"Come in!" I cried, and there entered to me as handsome a boy of
six as ever delighted a man's eyes.

I would have given the world to take him to my heart, but I was on
parole. So we stared at each other, and I can only hope he