"Young lady," said William, advancing, "do you know that a special honour has been assigned me to-night? One that concerns you."
Anna raised her eyes now. She felt as much at ease with William as she did with her father or Patience. "What dost thee say, William? An honour?"
"That of seeing you safely home. I——"
"What's that for?" interrupted Anna. "Where's my father?"
"He is not at home this evening. And Patience did not care to send out Grace. I'll take care of you."
William could not but observe the sudden flush, the glow of pleasure, or what looked like pleasure, that overspread Anna's countenance at the information. "What's that for?" he thought, echoing her recent words. But Mary began to sing again, and his attention was diverted.
Ten o'clock was the signal for departure. As they were going out—William, Anna, and Herbert Dare, who took the opportunity to leave with them—Henry Ashley limped after them, and drew William aside in the hall.
"Honour bright, mind, my friend!"
William did not understand. "Honour bright, always," said he. "But what do you mean?"
"You'll not get making love to her on your way home!"