"What? the letter!—the information——"
"Will not be used against you," she broke in; "but, I fear that the Governor has other evidence, quite as strong and much more convincing."
His thoughts turned, instantly, to Miss Marbury. She had told—and lost no time in the telling, either, it would seem. He smiled, derisively. Brandon was right. No woman could keep a secret, unless she were vitally concerned in it.
"Well," he said, "I shall stay and face it. At least, they shall not say I ran away. Moreover, they cannot do more than unmask me—and, when the mask is off, they show a De Lysle—and between a De Lysle and a Parkington, even if the former is somewhat scar-marked, there is vast difference. I may not accompany Brandon home; but, when I go, you go with me."
She put her hand on his arm.
"Prove it, and I will go," she said.
He took her hand, regardless of who saw, and kissed it with inimitable grace, bowing low over it, the while.
"It is a bargain, my lady!" he said. "I accept your own terms. Now, with your permission, I will to Sir Charles Brandon, and take counsel with him."
As they were returning, a man came rapidly up the esplanade, from the landing, and passed them, at some little distance.
"Is not that Mr. Marbury?" Miss Stirling asked.