"It will be a sad blow to the maid," said Boscawen, "not simply because of the loss of the lands, but she is also without name. Foolish as it may seem, the fact of the illegality of her father's marriage, even although he thought all was well, will ruin her chances for life. Some yeoman might marry her, but no one of higher position. You, for example, would not give her your name. You could not. High as the Trevanions have stood, your friends would close their doors to such a wife."
"That would not matter, my lord," I answered quickly.
"Do you know young John Polperro too?" he asked without noticing my interruption.
"I have seen him once," I replied.
"It was at Endellion, was it not?"
"Yes, my lord."
"He has been here this morning."
"Indeed," I said, and although I scarce knew why, I became strangely excited.
"He had heard of my return, and rode here with all speed. News had reached him that I had assumed the guardianship of the maid. He had heard nothing of—of Trevisa's secret, and he came to repeat his offer of marriage."
"Did he see her?" I asked.