“The storm blows over,” said Robin. “So you guessed the whole affair, O mountain?”
“It was not very difficult,” Sir Anthony pointed out.
“Egad, I hope there are no more of that opinion!”
“You have to remember that I know something of you. But I’m in the dark. What possessed Letty to elope a second time? I could have sworn she had not a jot of tenderness left for Markham.”
Robin frowned. “There’s more to it than that,” he said.
It was at this moment that my Lord Barham swept into the room. My lord waved a hand in recognition of Sir Anthony, but swooped upon his son. “My Robin!” he cried. “Superb! A time-thrust worthy of myself! I have the whole from John. I knew I might rely on you!”
Sir Anthony cast up his eyes, and retired to the fireplace. “I might have known!” he said. “Of course I should have known!”
My lord’s eagle eye was upon him. “I assume this gentleman to be in your confidence, my children. I admit him into mine. Sir Anthony, you behold in my son a master-swordsman. I permit myself to take pride in him. A time-thrust — the most dangerous, difficult thrust of all! I kiss your hands, my Robin! I remember that I taught you that pass.”
“The honours would appear to be divided,” murmured Sir Anthony, unable to repress a twinkle. “Sir, I am wholly at a loss. I wish some one would enlighten me. Do I understand that you planned this affair, my lord?”
My lord was surprised. “But can you ask?” he said.