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"I asked a promise of that gentleman, and he refused it me," he said. "And I asked an explanation of that gentleman, and he refused it me," said I, just as stiffly. "Well, then, Mr Dale shall give his promise to me. Will that be agreeable to you, Mr Dale?" "I'm at your Grace's commands, in all things," I answered, bowing. "And you'll tell nobody of M. de Fontelles' agitation?"
I did not know what had passed between Barbara and Carford, nor how his passion had been stirred by her avowal of love for me, but I conjectured that on learning how his plan of embroiling me with Fontelles had failed, he would lose no time in making another effort.
"What, am I not to hear why he was so fierce with me?" "You don't care a fig for his fierceness, Mr Dale," he reminded me, laughing. I saw that I was caught, and had the sense to show no annoyance, although I must confess to a very lively curiosity. "Your Grace wishes to be alone with M. de Fontelles?" I asked readily and deferentially.
She had no mind to accept the part of the guilty. "Well, my lord," she said, "have you told this M. de Fontelles what honest folk would think of him and his errand?" "I believe him to be honest," answered Carford. "You live the quieter for your belief!" she cried contemptuously. "I live the less quiet for what I have seen just now," he retorted. There was a silence.
M. de Fontelles bowed low, but his confusion was in no way abated, and he made no answer to his Grace's question. The Duke turned to me, saying with some haughtiness, "This gentleman is a friend of mine, Mr Dale. Pray why was your hand on your sword?" "Because the gentleman's pistol was in his hand, sir."
M. de Fontelles stood there, sent on from the inn to the parsonage in the progress of his search for me. "I am called Georges de Fontelles, sir," he began. "I am the Vicar of this parish, at your service, sir," returned the Vicar courteously. "I serve the King of France, but have at this time the honour of being employed by his Majesty the King of England."
Some said, and many believed, that Madame brought the young French lady in her train to Dover with the intention that the thing should happen which happened. In like manner I am reluctant to think that she planned harm for Mistress Barbara, towards whom she had a true affection, and I will read in an honest sense, if I can, the letter which M. de Fontelles brought with him to Hatchstead.
"Will you walk with me, Simon?" asked the Vicar. "Your pardon, sir, but I am occupied." "Will it not wait?" "I do not desire that it should." For now that Fontelles was out of the way, Carford alone remained. Barbara had not sent for me, but still I served her, and to some profit. It was now afternoon and I set out at once on my way to the Manor.
Go to Simon Dale!" The amazed eyes of Fontelles and the sullen enraged glance of Carford recalled her to wariness. A burning flush spread over her face and even to the border of the gown on her neck. But she was proud in her shame, and her eyes met theirs in a level gaze. To Fontelles her bearing and the betrayal of herself brought fresh and strong confirmation of Carford's warning.
"My duty comes before my quarrel," said Fontelles. "I will seek this gentleman." "As you will. I think you're wise. They will know at the inn where to find him." "I will see him at once," cried Fontelles. "I have, it seems, two matters to settle with this gentleman." Carford, concealing his exultation, bade M. de Fontelles do as seemed best to him.
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