"Be of good cheer. I'll find him, though I search the forest through; and, if he be alive, I'll not eat or sleep till you are wed."
"Then 'twas indeed your planning?" she queried, looking not too well pleased. "I had begun to think as much, after last night."
"Why, troth, I—ah—did give the plan my countenance," admitted the captain. "But we durst not let you know I was privy to it; you thought so ill of me—and rightly. But the bringing you to Marshleigh Grange was pure treason against us. I was too trustful; but I will undo my error if Holyday be alive."
"I marvel why you should have plotted so for me."
"To save you from wedding Sir Peregrine Medway; and to put you out of Master Jerningham's ken, as well. You said any husband was better—"
"But why chose you Master Holyday?"
"Faith, is he not young, and a gentleman, and comely? And he will be well provided for upon his marriage, e'en though he bring a wife without dowry. And then I was pleased at the chance of benefiting him, too. I could think of no better remedy than a husband, and no better husband than he."
Millicent was silent a moment, her brows a little bent as if she would say something she knew not how to say; then seeing him move, as if to depart, she resumed:
"You spoke of Master Jerningham as well as Sir Peregrine."
"Yes; I knew of his intent toward you. What I said last night was true. He employed me to—what will you think of me?"