The great peril and her great salvation left her numb rather than thankful; and in truth, if she looked into the future, her joy must be dashed with sore apprehension.

M.de Perrencourt was gone, the Duke of Monmouth remained; till she could reach her father I was her only help, and I dared not show my face in Dover.

But these thoughts were for myself, not for her, and seeking to cheer her I leant forward and said, "Courage, Mistress Barbara." And I added, "At least we shan't be married, you and I, in Calais." She started a little, flushed a little, and answered gravely, "We owe Heaven thanks for a great escape, Simon." It was true, and the knowledge of its truth had nerved us to the attempt so marvellously crowned with success.

Great was the escape from such a marriage, made for such purposes as King Louis had planned.

Yet some feeling shot through me, and I gave it voice in saying, "Nay, but we might have escaped after the marriage also." Barbara made no reply; for it was none to say, "The cliffs grow very plain." "But that wouldn't have served our turn," I added with a laugh.