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Brilliana answered him with the dignity of a gracious and benevolent queen. "Do not withdraw, sir; you have the liberty of Loyalty House, and I would not have you avoid any part of its gardens." Evander bowed. Sir Blaise broke into a horse-laugh which grated more on Brilliana's ears than on Evander's. Brilliana was at heart rather angry that for once Puritan should show better than Cavalier.

But if I were of the King's party and in such peril so tempted, would you wish me to abandon my royal master to win life or love?" Brilliana's cheeks flamed a furious scarlet; then the fierce blood ebbed and left her face very pale, but her eyes were shining very bright. She steadied herself against the table and tried to speak with a steady voice. "You are in the right.

Rufus, who had watched him with something of a sullen eye from the moment of Brilliana's introduction, now answered him with a clearer countenance. "We greet you, sir," he said, gravely, "with great gratitude and great envy, for, indeed, there is none among us who would not have given his life to be lieutenant to this lady."

The doors of the banqueting-hall opened, and Fawley, Radlett, Bardon, Ingrow, and Halfman came in, all brighter for wine and food. "'Tis boot and saddle, Rufus," Fawley cried. "I am yours," Rufus answered. He bowed over Brilliana's fingers. "Farewell, lady." One and all they turned and left her, and as they tramped into the air the chorus of the Cavalier song came back to her happy ears.

"More than life, more than all things in the wide world?" Evander's answer came as flash to flint. "More than life; more than all things in this wide world " there was a momentary fall in his voice; then he added, "save honor." A little sudden fear pricked at Brilliana's heart, but she tried to deny it with a little, teasing laugh. "Oh, that wonderful word 'honor," she mocked.

Halfman rose, and with a "Follow me, sirs," made for the door. Sir Blaise stooped over Brilliana's finger-tips. "Farewell, my lady wisdom. Solomon was not more wise nor Minos more sapient." "I thought you would uphold me," Brilliana replied. "Farewell." Sir Blaise saluted Evander, who returned the salutation and quitted the room. Master Paul, taking leave of Brilliana, whispered,

Brilliana's cheeks blazed with pleasure. "Oh, the dear man," she cried, with clasped hands of rapture. But there was more to come. "I think," continued Rufus, "it is more than likely that his Majesty will visit Harby I should say Loyalty House ere he rides to London." Brilliana thrilled with pride with pleasure.

Mirth shone discreetly in Brilliana's eyes as she gave the Puritan a bow for his praise. The Cavalier, a viola da gamba of anger, pegged his string of bluster tighter. "Did not the fellow hear me?" he cried, and this time his noise won him a moment of attention.

But come, recruiting-sergeant, what of our volunteers?" "So pleases you, my lady," Halfman said, "our troop is swelling fast, and the sooner we clap them into colored coats the better." Brilliana's curls danced in denial. "Alas! friend, I have sad news for you. Of cloth for coats I can indeed command a great plenty" she paused doubtfully. "Why this is glad news, not sad news," Halfman said.

But Brilliana would not hear of this and motioned to him to keep his seat. "Nay, sir, stay," she said, "if you would see some sport." Even as she spoke Tiffany returned, ushering in Master Hungerford, followed by two men in Brilliana's livery, bearing with pains a chest which they set down with a deep breath of relief.