Her heart failed her as she saw his agony. He did not glance at her, nor speak, but stood looking straight before him as he put honour in the balance and marvelled that it weighed so light.
"Is that thy wish, girl?" he asked hoarsely.
"Nay, 'tis neither thy wish nor mine," she cried with a troubled laugh. "Forgive me, Ned; I—I tempted thee for wantonness. There! Bid me farewell, dear; 'tis idle to make the parting harder."
As they gained the hall he stopped, and held his arms wide for her. "Once again, Janet—thy master," he muttered.
"My master—to the end, dear lad. There shall none take thy place, however ill it fares with me; and when need comes, I'll send for thee.—But, Ned, thou'lt promise to do naught rash? Move slowly—and wait till I can come to thee with the best chance of safety."
She slipped from his grasp and ran quickly out, brushing against Nell Wayne as she crossed to the gate.
"Good even to you, Mistress. Shall I offer thanks for the night's work you've done?" said Nell.
"I should accept none," answered the other, in the same hard voice.
The Waynes opened their ranks to let her pass through, and one offered her a hand to mount by; and just as they were starting, Shameless Wayne came to the Lean Man's crupper, a brimming flagon in his hands.
"You came in peace, and I'll not have it said you lacked any of the usages of peace," said Wayne, holding the flagon up.