"Can I have a few words alone with you?" murmured the visitor. The jailer, who had been hanging round, curious to see and hear, withdrew, with a laugh and a coarse jest, and locked the door after him.
The lady threw off her veil, revealing the homely features and sparkling eyes of Margaret Moffat.
"You know me not," she said. "Yet we have met before, Robin Freemantle."
"I can not believe," replied Robin gallantly, "that, once seen, you could ever be forgotten by me."
"Well, possibly you did not see me; one far more attractive engrossed all your attention, and 'tis from her I come, to ask as favor from you, that which many of the highest in the land have offered in vain."
"You puzzle me greatly," said Robin. "What favor can any lady desire of a man as good as dead?"
"Why—that's just where it is—an' you were not condemned to die, you could do nothing for my lady."
"My lady! And who is your lady, may I ask?"
"I'll tell that presently; but first, before I reveal her name, tell me one thing truly. Are you married?"
"Married? No, the Saints be praised! but how can that concern your lady? Does she wish to marry me, perchance?" cried Robin ironically.