He sprang to his feet with a cry of astonishment and apology, and at that moment she was herself again.
"A thousand pardons," he said, bowing low before her.
"Who--who are you ?" Barbara found words to ask.

"And what is your business here?
It is no part of a gentleman's behaviour to enter houses by the window." "Nay," said the man, and Barbara noted that his speech was of one gently born--"nay, it is truly no gentleman's conduct, but in these days, when Kings are laid low at the hands of traitors"-- and his voice had a bitter ring--"and rebels sit in high places, a gentleman must perforce descend to trickery and meanness now and then." Barbara repeated her question.

"But tell me who you are, and what you want?
There is a gate to the place; there are servants to open it.

Why did you steal upon us thus?
And Bevis ?" she added, as a sudden misgiving seized her, "he was chained by the window.

Have you killed him?
Oh, say you have not hurt Bevis ?" "Nay, I could not hurt an old friend," said the stranger.