Evander Cloud saluted the lady; he could see that she was young and comely. His own face was in shadow and the chatelaine could not distinguish its features.
“Have I the honor to address the Lady Brilliana Harby?” he asked.
“I am the Lady Brilliana Harby,” the girl answered. “What is your business here?”
“I come, madam,” Evander replied, “a servant of the Parliament and of the English people, to safeguard this mansion in their name.”
“You may speak for the London Parliament,” Brilliana said, firmly, “but I think you are too bold to speak in the name of the English people. As for this poor house, it can safeguard itself very well, with the help of God.”
“Madam,” responded Evander, “I am empowered to take by force what I would gladly gain by parley.”
“This house is the King’s house,” Brilliana said, scornfully, “and does not yield to thieves.”
“It is the King’s evil advisers who have forced civil war upon the land,” Evander replied, gravely. “And it is in the King’s name and for the King’s sake that we would secure this stronghold.”
“Ay,” retorted Brilliana, derisively. “And do the King honor by hauling down the King’s flag. No more words. This is Loyalty House. You have ten minutes in which to withdraw your men. At the end of that time we shall fire again, and you will find that we can shoot straight. And so you may go to the devil.”
Evander would have appealed anew, but with her last word Brilliana disappeared from the window, which in another moment was barricaded as stubbornly as before.