"What must you think? How dreadful it must look! But, oh, Sir
Everard! if you only knew!"

"I should like to know, I confess. Come here in this window recess and
tell me, won't you? Come, look up, and don't cry so. Tell me who you
are."

"I am Sybilla Silver, and I have run away from home, and I will die
sooner than ever go back!"

She looked up with a passionate outbreak, and Sir Everard saw the
splendor of a pair of flashing Spanish eyes.

"I shall not send you back, depend upon it. Why did you run away, Miss
Silver?"

"Do you really wish to know?" she asked. "Oh, Sir Everard Kingsland,
will you indeed be my friend?"

"Your true and faithful friend, my poor girl!" he answered, moved by
the piteous appeal. "Surely I could hardly be less to one who so
bravely saved my life."

"Ah! that was nothing. I lay no claim on that. Serve me as you would
serve any friendless girl in distress; and you are brave and generous
and noble, I know."

"You 'do me proud,' mademoiselle. Suppose you cease complimenting, and
begin at the beginning. Who are your friends, and why did you leave
them, and where have you run away from?"