"You don't know how amiable a husband you're to have, Mistress Barbara." I was on my feet now, and, peering round the chair which hid me from them, I could see her standing against the wall, with Monmouth opposite to her.

He offered to seize her hand, but she drew it away sharply.
With a laugh he stepped nearer to her.

A slight sound caught my ear, and, turning my head, I saw Carford on the lowest step of the stairs; he was looking at the pair, and a moment later stepped backwards, till he was almost hidden from my sight, though I could still make out the shape of his figure.

A cry of triumph from Monmouth echoed low but intense through the hall; he had caught the elusive hand and was kissing it passionately.

Barbara stood still and stiff.