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Evander answered, very earnest now: "'By a name I know not how to tell thee who I am: My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself, Because it is an enemy to thee: Had I it written, I would tear the word." Brilliana's voice faltered as she took up the tale. "'My ears have not yet drunk a hundred words Of thy tongue's uttering, yet I know the sound. Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague?"
"I thought we should pull that out of the sack sooner or later." Evander watched her with surprise. "What is coming next?" he wondered. He began to fear as he answered, simply: "You would not have me neglect honor?" Brilliana's face was set steadfastly towards him; Brilliana's eyes were very bright; Brilliana's cheeks were as red as the late October roses.
He would have said more, but at this moment the door opened and Sir Rufus entered the room, looking as fierce and angry as he dared to look in the presence of his royal master. He knew well enough that Brilliana's interview with the King was likely to mean mischief to his schemes, and his rage and hate tore at his life-strings like wild beasts. An impish malice lurked on Charles's lips.
Very courteously Evander took the proffered cup from her fingers and gave her back her smile. Brilliana's heart thrilled with pleasure at this new proof of beauty's victory. "I will drink at your wish," he said, looking at her with a quiet smile and speaking as if he and she were alone together in the great hall. "I will drink at your wish, but with my own wit."
"I asked to see you," he answered, respectfully, "because I ride with tidings that may touch you. I am newly from Cambridge." Brilliana's eyes widened. "What do you carry from Cambridge?" she asked; then swiftly added, "But first, I pray you, be seated." She pointed to a chair on one side of the great table, and to set him the example seated herself at another.
The boor's little eyes glinted and the boor's rusty fingers rasped at his stubble chin as he answered emphatically: "Then I am a King's man, root and branch." But his face showed less loyal confidence at Brilliana's next words. "Then you must know his Majesty is in straits for ready money. Will you, who are reputed rich, come to his aid with a round sum?"
"In Heaven's name," he begged, "set this Cantwell on one side if you tender him so precious. I have private news for you." Brilliana's face wore something of a frown for her presuming friend. "Indeed!" she answered, coldly. Then turning towards Halfman she tendered to him Evander's sword, which he hastened to take from her, kneeling as he did so. "Captain Cloud is in your care," she said.
He had been ready to treat him well, for such was Brilliana's pleasure; he was willing to make friends and taste the agreeables of the magnanimous victor. But the conquered man had gained no ground that morning in the heart of one of his conquerors.
She reached out her hand to strike the bell upon the table, while Evander Cloud, still impassive, paid a salutation to his unwilling hostess and made a motion to depart. But on the instant both were chilled into immobility by an amazing interruption. Brilliana's hand never touched the bell; Evander's hand never found the handle of the door.
Brilliana faltered her answer. " unless he believes you stand higher in the graces of a certain lady than he can ever hope to stand." Master Rainham's smile gave Halfman the feel of goose-flesh. Brilliana's face was, happily, averted. "Madam, assure me 'tis so," grunted boar's-head.
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