“Ah, the Frenchman?” returned Frances.  “It was he who dubbed me the ‘Duchess of Hearts.’  He smiles graciously when we meet, but with all we hear about the wickedness of the French, Grammont has shown me greater respect than I have had from any one of the so-called gallants about the court.”

“The day may come when I can repay his kindness,” said Hamilton.

“But you must leave England at once,” continued Frances.  “The king’s only show of energy comes in a case such as this.  His real reason for seeking your life is that he believes you stand between him and me.  You must leave England without delay.”

“I mean to do so, now that I have seen you,” he returned.  “The desire to see you and a spirit of reckless bravado has kept me here much longer than prudence would dictate.”

At that moment voices were heard in the room above.  George pressed Frances’s hand to enjoin silence, fearing that the sheriffs were at hand.  But presently a clanking noise was heard, and George, listening attentively, whispered:—­

“There is no further danger.  Lilly is opening the lever panel, and soon the floor will rise.”

In a moment the doctor’s voice came down through the wall, asking, “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” answered Hamilton.  And then he led Frances back to the printing-press.  Instantly the floor above their heads began to roll back, and from the depths rose Frances and Hamilton, to find Betty and me awaiting them.  As they came up through the floor, Betty began to laugh, and soon I joined her, for on Frances’s eyes, lips, and cheeks were black inky patches, indicating plainly the exact spots where the battle had raged.  Through the ink spots on her cheeks ran furrows ploughed by tears, but, withal, my cousin’s beautiful face was never more beautiful.

“They have been a-kissing,” whispered Betty, seriously, leaning towards me and speaking behind her hand.

“No, no, Betty,” I answered, trying to keep a straight face.  But she nodded insistently, evidently much surprised and perhaps a little shocked.

By the time Betty and I had concluded this interchange of ideas, Hamilton and Frances were by my side.

“Why are you here?” asked Hamilton, turning to me and then to Betty.

“I had to bring him,” answered Betty.  “You told me to tell no one, but I had to tell Mistress Jennings because she cried, and I had to bring Baron Ned because he stormed and said that he knew Mistress Jennings had come to see you.”

I supplemented Betty’s answer by saying:  “I was sure Frances had come to the Old Swan to see you, so I followed, arriving just in time to see her cross the courtyard.  I sought Betty and asked her to tell me where you were and where my cousin had gone.  Just then three sheriffs arrived, searching for you, and I had to wait until Betty got rid of them.  Now, here I am, waiting to take my cousin home.”

“But what if your cousin will not go home until she is ready, and does not desire your escort?” asked Frances.