"Assuredly," he answered gravely. But there was an eager gleam in his eyes, for he thought on the words of Lady Cicely, spoken ere he rode away:
"I know nought of this affair," she said. "But I am a woman, Captain Protheroe, and 'tis we women who see the truth. And trust me, Barbara loves you, whether she yet know it herself or no."
And he had ridden away, deeming the words but gentle folly, spoken to ease his pain. But now, as he looked upon her flushed cheek, and downcast eyes, he thought on them again, and his heart beat quickly.
Then he looked at the pony, sweating with the fury of the ride, and he smiled, thinking:
"Assuredly, 'twas even me she came to seek."
He dismounted and standing beside her, after a pause asked quietly:
"Madame, why did you ride after me?"
"I—I——"
"Have you nought to say to me?"
Then she gathered her courage, and turned on him to escape his questionings.