"Beg pardon!" he said, though he was sensible enough not to drop the hand; "it was this romance idea that put it into my head. I hope you don't mind."
"But we are not promised!"
"On Trust, eh?" he said cheerfully. "Well, I suppose I must wait till I can say Paid For. You've been thinking of some scheme to try me, haven't you?"
"The scheme is ready," she replied gravely. "I was wondering whether you are strong enough to obey. It may mean danger...."
"Fourteen stone and in fair training," he said complacently.
"Ridicule...."
"I shan't be laughed at more than once."
"Perhaps ... prison."
"Crumbs!" observed Henry Brown, stiffening. "My dear—beg pardon—miss, I mean. You're not one of them anarchists?"
"No. I have done nothing wrong. Only, events might put you in a false position. You might be accused and be obliged to be silent. Would you flinch from prison in a good cause?"