Cynthia faintly demurred to this.  “Never mind,” said the guide soothingly, “he has only shown you his good side, of course; and I don’t deny that he is a very clever and attractive fellow.  But he makes no progress, and I am really afraid that he will have to be transferred elsewhere; though there is indeed one hope for him.”

“Tell me what that is,” said Cynthia faintly.

“I don’t think I need do that,” said our friend, “you know better than I; and some day, I think, when you are stronger, you will find the way to release him.”

“Ah, you don’t know him as I do,” said Cynthia, and relapsed into silence; but did not withdraw her hand from mine.

“Well,” said our guide after a moment’s pause, “I think I have done all I can for the time being, and I am wanted elsewhere.”

“But will you not advise me what to do next?” I said.  “I do not see my way clear.”

“No,” said the guide rather drily, “I am afraid I cannot do that.  That lies outside my province.  These delicate questions are not in my line.  I will tell you plainly what I am.  I am just a messenger, perhaps more like a policeman,” he added, smiling, “than anything else.  I just go and appear when I am wanted, if there is a row or a chance of one.  Don’t misunderstand me!” he said more kindly.  “It is not from any lack of interest in you or our friend here.  I should very much like to know what step you will take, but it is simply not my business:  our duties here are very clearly defined, and I can just do my job, and nothing more.”

He made a courteous salute, and walked off without looking back, leaving on me the impression of a young military officer, perfectly courteous and reliable, not inclined to cultivate his emotions or to waste words, but absolutely effective, courageous, and dutiful.

“Well,” I said to Cynthia with a show of cheerfulness, “what shall we do next?  Are you feeling strong enough to go on?”

“I am sure I don’t know,” said Cynthia wearily.  “Don’t ask me.  I have had a great fright, and I begin to wish I had stayed behind.  How uncomfortable everything is!  Why can one never have a moment’s peace?  There,” she said to me, “don’t be vexed, I am not blaming you; but I hated you for not showing more fight when those men set on you, and I hated Lucius for having done it; you must forgive me!  I am sure you only did what was kind and right—­but I have had a very trying time, and I don’t like these bothers.  Let me alone for a little, and I daresay I shall be more sensible.”

I sat by her in much perplexity, feeling singularly helpless and ineffective; and in a moment of weakness, not knowing what to do, I wished that Amroth were near me, to advise me; and to my relief saw him approaching, but also realised in a flash that I had acted wrongly, and that he was angry, as I had never seen him before.

He came up to us, and bending down to Cynthia with great tenderness, took her hand, and said, “Will you stay here quietly a little, Cynthia, and rest?  You are perfectly safe now, and no one will come near you.  We two shall be close at hand; but we must have a talk together, and see what can be done.”