There was no other course; yet I did not know how either of them would take my action--the lady within or the lady without, she whom I asked for succour or she in whose cause I sought it.
My entry was easy; a man-servant and a maid were just within, and the house seemed astir.

My request for their mistress caused no surprise; the girl opened the door of the room.

I knew the room and gave my name.
A cry of pleasure greeted it, and a moment later Nell herself stood before me.
"From the Castle or Calais, from Deal or the devil ?" she cried.

In truth she had a knack of telling you all she knew in a sentence.
"Why, from half-way between Deal and the devil," said I."For I have left Monmouth on one side and M.de Perrencourt on the other, and am come safe through." "A witty Simon! But why in Dover again ?" "For want of a friend, mistress.

Am I come to one ?" "With all my heart, Simon.