"That will do. We will stay here until you come."
The old man bowed and left us, and Mistress Nancy gazed steadily into the fire for some time as though she were ignorant of my presence.
"Master Roger Trevanion," she said presently, "I did not know you cared so much for your country. In the past you have seemed indifferent as to what king reigned, Catholic or Protestant."
"Until I knew you I was practically indifferent," I replied humbly. "I cared for little besides my own enjoyment. In a way, I was a loyal Protestant, and would have fought for King George; but it would have been for self-advancement chiefly, and—and because I loved a fight."
"And now?"
"You have made me ashamed of myself in more ways than one," I replied.
"And you do not wish a Stuart to return to the throne?"
"He would curse the country."
Again she was silent for a few seconds, still gazing steadily into the fire.
"Would you play the spy?" she asked presently.