The man hesitated.

“You cannot,” he said.

“Cannot!” she cried; “why, fellow, do you know who I am? And I have just supped with him.”

There came a sudden sound from the other side of the summer-house, and both men in the room knew that the guards in the garden were listening.

“I am sorry, madam, but I have no orders.”

“Then do not presume, you hound,” came Mary’s voice again, with a ring of anger. “Ho, there, Mr. Buxton, come to the window.”

“Be ready,” he whispered to Anthony.

“Stand back, madam,” said the pursuivant, “or I shall call for help.”

Then Mr. Buxton threw back the window.

“Who is there?” he asked coolly. (“Stand up Anthony.”)