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"Now, what mean you by that?"
"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."
She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.
"You look it."
John cast a startled glance down his slim person.
"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"
"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe thatfabrication--surely?"
"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"
"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, _J.P_.--and of Mr.Everard?"
"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," heretorted.
"Perhaps not. My Di says he is some great gentleman."
"I perceive that your Di is by nature suspicious. Why does she thinkthat?"
"You will see. Di, love, here is Mr. Carr trying to make me believe thathe is a highwayman!"
Diana came up to them smiling.
"I fear he teases you, aunt. Do you remember this, sir?" Into Jack'shands she put his Grace of Andover's sword.
Carstares took it, surprised, and glanced casually at the hilt. Then hestarted up.
"Why, 'tis his sword. And I thought 'twas left on the roadside. Can itbe--did _you_ bring it, mademoiselle?"
She dropped him a curtsey, and laughed.
"You are surprised, sir? You demanded the sword, so I naturally supposedthat you required it. Therefore I brought it home."
"'Twas monstrous thoughtful of you then. I dared not hope that it had notbeen forgotten. I am very grateful--"
"Then pray show your gratitude by sitting down again!" advised the elderMiss Beauleigh. "Remember that this is your first day up, and have acare!"
John subsided obediently, turning the sword over in his hands.
Diana pointed to the wrought gold hilt with an accusing finger.
"An I mistake not, sir, that is a coronet."
My lord's eyes followed the pink-tipped finger and rested wrathfullyupon the arms of Andover. It was like Tracy to flaunt them on hissword-hilt, he reflected.
"It certainly has that appearance," he admitted cautiously.
"Also, those are not paste, but real diamonds, and that is a ruby."
"I do not dispute it, madam," he answered meekly.
"And I believe that that big stone is an emerald."
"I am very much afraid that it is."
