I saw Colbert approach them and enter into conversation; soon he came to me, and with the smoothest of smiles bade me charge myself with the care of Mistress Quinton.
"Madame," said he, "has sent a discreet and trustworthy waiting-woman with her, but a lady needs a squire, and we are still hampered by business." With which he went off to join his master, bestowing another significant smile on me.
I lost no time in approaching Barbara.

The woman with her was stout and short, having a broad hard face; she stood by her charge square and sturdy as a soldier on guard.

Barbara acknowledged my salutation stiffly; she was pale and seemed anxious, but in no great distress or horror.

But did she know what was planned for her or the part I was to play?
The first words she spoke showed me that she knew nothing, for when I began to feel my way, saying: "The wind is fair for us," she started, crying: "For us?
Why, are you coming with us ?" I glanced at the waiting-woman, who stood stolidly by.
"She understands no English," said Barbara, catching my meaning.

"You can speak freely.