“It is granted, sir,” she answered quietly.
“And as to your intentions, major?” I said in Dutch. “Will you partake of our hospitality?”
“Well,” he replied, “it seems to me discourteous to refuse your offer, my lord, and the horses are certainly in ill condition,” he added apologetically. “What say you, lieutenant?”
The latter’s sallow visage bore a look of satisfaction at his decision. “I am of your mind, Major Verbrughen,” he answered, the reserve with which he had clothed himself gradually relaxing.
“Then that is settled, gentlemen,” I said decisively. And turning to Mistress Grace, I continued in a low voice: “Will you be good enough to see that these men are served in the north parlour, madam? a bottle or two of wine—of the strongest, you understand?—and such fare as you possess. I have that which I would say to your sister—alone. Will you do this for me?”
She gave me a glance full of meaning. “It is not much that I can do,” she whispered in reply. “That which I can—willingly,” and she prepared to leave the room.
Again I addressed myself to the two officers. They had drawn together in a more friendly attitude while I was speaking and were conversing in low tones.
“If you will accompany this lady, gentlemen,” I said aloud, “she will herself attend to your welfare. Meanwhile, I beg that you will hold me excused from joining you. With your permission I would speak with—my sister—in private.” And I glanced across at where my lady still stood upon the hearth, with her eyes ever upon my face.
But for a moment the major hesitated. “As to that,” he said at length, “I do not know what to say.”
“Sir,” I made answer, drawing myself haughtily erect, “I have yet to learn that an Earl of Cleeve ever broke his parole. For the matter of that, the parlour where you sup is but across the hall; by leaving the door open you may see into this room.”