"Madame, your argument is unanswerable."
"Then hence with argument, hither with supper. Come, captain, we'll sign a truce for the nonce. If I mistake not, you have had a long ride and spare rations this evening. You are well come. I was about to sup when you interrupted me, so while your men search the house, you shall bear me company. You refuse? Why, what fear you? The house is surrounded, not a creature can escape," she continued bitterly, "and you need not fear lest the wine be drugged or the meat poisoned, for I, too, intend to partake of them."
"Ah, madame, those are not the dangers I fear." He shook his head, with a smile.
"What, then?"
"Look in your mirror, Mistress Barbara, perchance you will understand."
Barbara gave a sudden, laugh of pleased amusement.
"Nay, sir, I protest I have no desire to bewitch you," she answered with a bright blush.
"Then, madame, why do you look at me?" asked the captain, and his eyes said more.
Again the dimple deepened and again the lips curved into a smile. Captain Protheroe detected himself watching for that dimple with a quite inexplicable and, considering his errand, inexcusable eagerness.
"Methinks the conversation is astray upon a bye-path," she answered demurely; "let us return to the high-road. I am dying of hunger, and 'tis but dreary to sup alone. Will you not join me?"