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"I am his brother," answered Richard shortly.
Her eyes grew round with surprise.
"His _brother_, sir? I never knew Mr. Carr had a brother!"
"Mr.--who?" asked Richard.
"Carr. It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call himCarstares--and--my lord."
"He is the Earl of Wyncham," answered Richard, stretching out a hand torelieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering.
"Good--gracious!" gasped Diana. "B-but he said he was a highwayman!"
"Quite true, madam."
"True? But how--how ridiculous--and how like him!"
She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathed my lord's forehead.
"He is not coming to in the least," she said nervously. "You are sure'tis not--not--"
"Quite. He'll come round presently. You said he had ridden far?"
"He must have, sir--I wish he were not so pale--he was staying with theO'Haras at Maltby."
"What? The O'Haras?"
"Yes--and he must have ridden from there--and his wound still sotender!" Again she kissed the limp hand.
Over by the window his Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrewthrough his quizzing-glass.
"May I inquire what brings you here?" he asked sweetly. "And why you sawfit to bring the saintly Richard?"
"I came because it suited me to do so. I never dreamed you werehere--'Pon my soul, I did not!"
"Where then did you think I was?"
"Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow. I'm not your squire."
"Why is Richard here?"
"Lord, what a catechism! He is here because he brought me with him onhis way to Wyncham. Have you any objection?"
"It would be useless," shrugged Tracy. "Have I killed that young fool?"
Andrew looked him over in disgust.
"No, you have not. You have barely touched him, thanks be."
"Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?"
Andrew swung round on his heel, remarking over his shoulder:
"He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow. By Gad! he nearlypinked you as I entered!" He chuckled at the memory of that gloriousmoment.
"He nearly pinked me a dozen times," replied Tracy, binding his armround more tightly. "He fights like ten devils. But he was fatigued."
He followed Andrew across the room and stood looking down at hisunconscious foe.
