"Permit me, Miss Annesley, to decline to answer."

"Did you ride as an attendant?"

"Yes; I was a trooper."

"You speak very good English for a stable-man."

"I have not always been a stable-man."

"I dare say. I should give a good deal to know what you _have_
been. Come, James, tell me what the trouble was. I have influence; I
might help you."

"I am past help;"--which was true enough, only the real significance
of his words passed over her head. "I thank you for your kindness."

If she was piqued, she made no sign. "James, were you once a
gentleman, in the sense of being well-born?"

"Miss Annesley, you would not believe me if I told you who I am and
what I have been."

"Are you a deserter?"--looking him squarely in the eye. She saw the
color as it crept under his tan.

"I have my honorable discharge,"--briefly.

"I shall ask you to let me see it. Have you ever committed a