"But what if your cousin will not go home until she is ready, and does not desire your escort?" asked Frances.
"In that case, I should advise her to make ready at once," I replied.
"And if she does not want your advice?" returned Frances.
"In that case, I should limit my advice to a mere recommendation that she wash the ink stains from her lips, eyes, and cheeks. Master Hamilton has pretty well covered the ground with overgrown beauty patches."
Betty laughed softly, and fat old Lilly chuckled as he resumed his place at his desk.
There being no mirror in the room, Frances put her hand to her face and found traces of printers' ink on her fingers, whereupon she blushed and laughed and was so beautiful that we all laughed from the sheer delight of looking at her.
"Again Baron Ned is right, Frances," said Hamilton, offering to lead her toward the St. George door. "You must not remain. We may be surprised by the sheriffs at any moment, in which case you would suffer in reputation and I might not be able to escape."
We passed into the tapestried room, and after Hamilton had closed the St. George door, we paused for a moment before leaving. Presently I started to go, but Frances held back. I had reached the outer door and was waiting, somewhat impatiently, when Betty came up to me, opened the door, drew me outside, closed the door, and whispered:—
"Don't you understand? They would be alone a moment."
"Do you think so, Betty?" I asked, laughing at her earnestness.