“There is little doubt of it.”
“Then she must be kept away. St. Vincent, ride to Marmaduke Hall. Keep the mistress in conversation for an hour and a half. Ask her what became of Le Bourse. Tell her I shall oust her from her estate, break her title, anything you please. Stay there till noon and occupy her time. She must not stop the troops. Go; instantly!”
There was no resisting the patroon’s haste. In the next breath I was galloping at breakneck speed to my lady’s house. What a coincidence! All the forenoon I had been racking my brain to find a way to meet her and withdraw from my task of spy. Now the chance was made. It filled my mind. Before I turned the first corner the Earl, the troops, and Albany were quite forgotten. I could think only of the stormy meeting before me and how I had best carry it through.
I banged the brass knocker with a will, and was shown into the receiving room. The name I sent to the mistress was Henrie St. Vincent, of the Hanging Rock. She knew it and came in a trice.
“What news do you bring?” she cried, sweeping into the room like a blast of wind. “How do you come so openly, Le Bourse?”
“St. Vincent.”
“Tush! There is no one to hear. What is your news. What have you learned?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing? Then why do you come here?”
“I am tired of my work. I want to give it up.”