“I’m hanged if she will!” cried Maurice angrily.
There was a second burst of laughter, upon which Crispin, with raised eyebrows, shrugged his shoulders, pointed to the door, and resumed his writing.
Maurice paused irresolutely, looked at the poet, and then darted out of the door like a swallow, to find Helena standing alone in the court, with her arms full of flowers.
“I have been flower-hunting on the mountains,” said Helena graciously; “and this wild rose is for you.”
CHAPTER XXI.
CAPTAIN ALCIBIADES.
Sir! there are three degrees of robbery,
With different names, but meanings similar:
For he who does his thievish work himself
Is but a common foot-pad! quite unfit
To mix in gentlemen’s society.