Gervase consented, hardly knowing what he promised, but seeing only the look of entreaty in her eyes.
“No matter what you feel to be your duty?”
“If it does not touch my honour nor the safety of the city.”
“Then I cannot tell you, for I do not know. Surely,” she went on pleadingly, “you can trust me, Gervase Orme? I stand alone and have none to counsel me, and--and I thought you were my friend. Surely you can trust me?”
“Every drop of blood in my veins is at your service, and though it may be weak and wrong and we may both regret it, I promise.”
“SHE STOPPED SHORT AND LOOKED ROUND HER CAUTIOUSLY”
She smiled a little sadly, and said with a touch of her old humour, “I had rather you had not promised, but you cannot go back on your word now. Do you think,” she said, putting her hand to her breast and looking round her, “do you think there are traitors in the city?”
“Indeed I think there are,” Gervase answered, “but we watch them narrowly and they do little harm. They would stir up rebellion if they might, but the Town-Major keeps them well in hand.”
“But I mean more than that. Do you think there are any in the city who hold communication with the enemy?”