She took refuge in an ante-room and summoned the housekeeper.
"Show Colonel Brand in here instead of the reception-room," she said, "and stay with me while I speak to him."
"To act sheep-dog?" asked Chetwode, venturing on a pleasantry.
"Yes," shuddered the girl; "one can never depend on a wolf."
The colonel was accordingly ushered in, and the housekeeper, knitting in hand, took her seat at a distance, as if prepared for a long interview.
"How shall I get back my composure?" thought Margaret. "I dare not face Lady Juliana until I am calm, else she would jump at this man's name."
"I have come in answer to a kind invitation from Miss Walsingham," said the man, approaching her with an insolent bravado of manner.
"Yes, I have work for you to-night."
"For or against my cause, fair lady? I decline to stand in my own light."
His evil eyes were fastened tauntingly upon her; his hand was toying with the breast of his coat.