‘No one can be spared at Croridge,’ she said.  ‘I go back before dark.’  Apology was not thought of; she seemed wound to the pitch.

He bowed; he led into the morning-room.  ‘The boy is at Croridge?’

‘With me.  He has his nurse.  Madge was at home here more than there.’

‘Why do you go back?’

‘I am of use to my brother.’

‘Forgive me—­in what way?’

’He has enemies about him.  They are the workmen of Lord Levellier.  They attacked Lekkatts the other night, and my uncle fired at them out of a window and wounded a man.  They have sworn they will be revenged.  Mr. Wythan is with my brother to protect him.’

’Two men, very well; they don’t want, if there’s danger, a woman’s aid in protecting him?’

She smiled, and her smile was like the hint of the steel blade an inch out of sheath.

‘My brother does not count me a weak woman.’

‘Oh no!  No one would think that,’ Fleetwood said hurriedly and heartily.  ‘Least of all men, I, Carinthia.  But you might be rash.’

‘My brother knows me cautious.’

‘Chillon?’

‘It is my brother’s name.’

’You used to call him by his name.

‘I love his name.’

’Ah, well!  I may be pardoned for wishing to hear what part you play there.’

‘I go the rounds with my brother.’

‘Armed?’

‘We carry arms.’

’Queer sight to see in England.  But there are rascals in this country, too.’

She was guilty of saying, though not pointedly:  ’We do not hire defenders.’

‘In civilized lands . . .’ he began and stopped ‘You have Mr. Wythan?’

‘Yes, we are three.’

‘You call him, I think, Owain?’

‘I do.’

‘In your brother’s hearing?’

‘Yes, my lord; it would be in your hearing if you were near.’

‘No harm, no doubt.’

‘There is none.’

‘But you will not call your brother Chillon to me.’

‘You dislike the name.’

‘I learn to like everything you do and say; and every person you like.’

’It is by Mr. Wythan’s dead wife’s request that I call him by his name.  He is our friend.  He is a man to trust.’

‘The situation . . .’  Fleetwood hung swaying between the worldly view of it and the white light of this woman’s nature flashed on his emotion into his mind.  ’You shall be trusted for judging.  If he is your friend, he is my friend.  I have missed the sight of our boy.  You heard I was at Esslemont?’

‘I heard from Madge!’

‘It is positive you must return to Croridge?’

‘I must be with my brother, yes.’

‘Your ladyship will permit me to conduct you.’

Her head assented.  There was nothing to complain of, but he had not gained a step.