"Now, what mean you by that?"
"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."
She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.
"You look it."
John cast a startled glance down his slim person.
"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"
"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that fabrication—surely?"
"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"
"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, J.P.—and of Mr. Everard?"
"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," he retorted.