my Lord Bacon thought the Roman procurator jested at such a time and
place?"

"You are quibbling, Monsieur John. I want to know why you are so
impatient to be gone."

"Saw you ever a man worthy the name who could be content to bide
inactive when duty calls?"

"That is not the whole truth," she said, half absently. "You think you
are unwelcome here."

"'Twas you said that; not I. But I must needs know your father will be
relieved when he is safely quit of me."

"'Twas you said that, not I, Monsieur John," she retorted, giving me
back my own words. "Has ever word been brought you that he would speed
your parting?"

"Surely not, since I am still here. But you must know that I have never
seen his face, as yet."

"And is that strange? You must not forget that he is Gilbert Stair, and
you are Roger Ireton's son."

"I am not likely to forget it. But still a word of welcome to the
unbidden guest would not have come amiss. And it was none of my
seeking--this asylum in his house."

"True; but that has naught to do with any coolness of my father's."