But there she paused, with a quick gasp7 of wonder and delight at the scene which met her eyes.
She was alone in a strange, green world. The ground was carpeted with thick, springy moss8. The walls were of green leafy bushes, and intertwining branches festooned with trails of creepers hanging from tree to tree. Far overhead the giants of the forest greeted each other in a close embrace, each tree trunk arching high to meet its neighbour, and all veiled in the delicate shimmer4 of the ever-moving leaves. Here and there a shaft9 of green light pierced through the branches and lit up to a brilliant sparkle the emerald dewdrops which lay thickly encrusted on the moss.
"Sure it must be even thus under the sea," murmured Barbara, "except that there, men say, is ever silence, and here is ever sound."
She paused again to hearken with wondering delight to the thousand voices of the forest, the never ceasing whisper of the leaves, the ripple10 of water, the songs of the birds, clear among them the trill of the robin11, even then beginning his winter serenade, all the mysterious sounds heard only in the heart of woodland life.
Close at hand a spring bubbled up and trickled12 away in a tiny silver stream. Barbara plunged13 face and hands into the clear, cold water, and the blood went tingling14 through her veins15. She hesitated a moment, glancing round to make sure she was alone. Then with a half defiant16 toss of her head, she drew off shoes and stockings, and sitting on the soft moss, dabbled17 her feet in the stream.
The fresh air of the morning blew upon her face. She was gay with freedom, with health, joy, sheer animal happiness. She laughed aloud, and flinging back her head burst into a wild song of life and love which she had heard Rupert sing a score of times, but which she had never until now fully18 understood.
But as she sang she stopped abruptly19 and sprang to her feet, crimsoning21 with blushes, for the bushes where she sat were parted, and Captain Protheroe stepped out and stood before her, on the other side of the tiny stream.
"Good-morning, Mistress Barbara," he cried gaily22. "Is it you indeed, or has some nymph of the forest sought haven23 in our glade24?"
Barbara looked down at her bare feet guiltily, and then as her glance travelled slowly up her figure, she gave a sudden gasp of helpless dismay.
The bottom of her skirt hung limply about her, in veritable shreds25 and tatters; it was covered with green and brown stains and was torn in a score of places. Her bodice was equally dishevelled, one sleeve had been pulled right out of the gathers, and her dainty lawn fichu hung round her neck in a long draggled string.
For a moment she was filled with consternation26, then gradually the ridiculous in the situation tickled27 her humour, and after one minute's pause her face dimpled into mischief28 and she broke into a merry laugh.
As for Captain Protheroe, he vowed30 to himself that never before had she looked so lovely. Her cheeks glowed with health and freshness, and her eyes danced, her pretty feet and slender ankles peeped from beneath her skirt, and her face and figure seemed infinitely31 attractive, a harmonious32 part of the beauty around her. She was adorable, and he longed to tell her so; aye, more, he longed to tell her of his new-born love, to plead for her mercy, to lay his life, his worship in homage33 at her feet.
But he dared not speak his thoughts, he dared not let himself be carried away by her beauty, lest losing for a moment his self-restraint, he lose it forever, and destroy at once his honour and the hope of her love.
So with an effort he turned his gaze aside and assumed once more his customary manner of careless raillery.
"Ah! Mistress Barbara," he cried gaily, again glancing at her garments disarranged and travel-stained, "I vow29 'tis too bad of me. I knew it was no path of roses we followed last night, but I little dreamed the journey was so severe an one as this betokens34. It was indeed careless of me, and yet I knew no other way. I pray your forgiveness."
"Indeed, there is nought35 to forgive. Is it not ever a path of thorns that leads to Paradise, and methinks e'en Paradise can scarce be more lovely than this."
He flushed with pleasure.
"You like our camp, madame!"
"'Tis perfection. I have never seen aught so lovely. The forest is a new world to me."
"A new world, and you the queen on't."
"A pretty queen i' faith, in rags and tatters. More like a beggar-maid methinks."
"An all beggar-maids were so, madame, one would judge King Cophetua a man of infinite discernment, and wisest choice."
Her eyes danced in recognition of the compliment, but meeting his glance she deemed it wiser to bring him back to earth.
"An I be queen, prithee, fair subject, give me my breakfast, for I am hungry as a trooper."
"'Twill be a somewhat cheerless meal, I fear," he muttered discontentedly; "I have been abroad in search of something better to offer than the cold bacon and pasty we purloined36 from the inn, but I met with little success. Here are all my spoils."
He unfolded two large leaves filled with wild plums and berries, and together they sat down to the meal. Barbara laughed lightly at the extraordinary collection of viands37 her companion produced from his bundle, but Captain Protheroe regarded the food scattered38 about on the ground with a rueful countenance39.
"'Tis poor fare indeed, Mistress Barbara. But that foul40 witch, Misfortune, has driven us forth41 into the wilderness42, and we must needs endure the distresses44 she showers on us with as bold a heart as we may."
"Fie, fie! sir," answered Barbara gaily, devouring45 her bread and blackberries with infinite gusto. "Where are your eyes? This is no wilderness, but a sweet enchanted46 isle47. Some gentle enchantress hath led us hither, and now encloses us with a hundred magic spells safely guarded from the malice48 of our foes49."
"And here we shall dwell happily ever after. Runs not the story so? For my part I should be well content," he added softly.
Again Barbara ignored the tenderness in his voice.
"This is no pasty, neither is it mere50 greasy51 bacon that you eat," she continued her parable52 calmly, "though to your eyes so it may appear. 'Tis magic food that our enchantress hath supplied. While this water," she added, stooping with cupped hand to drink from the spring, "sure no ordinary water could have so sweet a taste. 'Tis the nectar of the gods, and whosoever drinks it shall remain forever young."
"I' faith, madame, you are a lesson in contentment. For myself, hard fare is nothing, but I feared for you. I went fishing also this morning, but with ill success, my hand has lost its cunning since boyhood. But you shall have trout53 for supper, or I will drown in the attempt."
Barbara laughed brightly.
"Tell me of your camp here when you were a boy," she commanded.
So he told her of his boyhood, becoming boy again as he talked. Told of his games, adventures, beliefs, of life in those golden days when the forest had been to him a place of magic, each rock a fortress54, each rotting tree-trunk a fearsome beast of prey55, each flower-clad glade a dwelling56 for the fairies. And she listened to all with a sweet eagerness, a ready comprehension, a quick sympathy which led him to another and yet another tale, till his whole boyhood lay open before her like a book, and through the boy she learned to know the man, the man as he really was beneath his veneer57 of careless gallantry, brave, honest, simple, and chivalrous59. For the man who looks back with love to the days of his childhood preserves one treasure in his heart which the world may never sully.
Thus they talked, these two, cut off from all their world. Naturally, openly they talked, disclosing to one another their deepest, purest thoughts, for the spell of the forest was upon them, and for the nonce the man and the woman met face to face, simple and unashamed The sunlight played about them, the leaves danced and whispered, and the air thrilled with the song of the birds.
"THUS THEY TALKED, THESE TWO, CUT OFF FROM ALL THEIR WORLD"
"THUS THEY TALKED, THESE TWO, CUT OFF FROM ALL THEIR WORLD"
"And were there no women in your camp?" asked Barbara at last, smiling.
"Yes, one. We would have appointed her our cook, our slave, as is the manner of lads towards most maids of their age. But not she! How that chit of a maiden60 ruled us, and how presently we worshipped her! She would sit here, our queen, enthroned and crowned, while we must scour61 the forest for fruit and flowers, rare gifts for her Majesty62. We must wait upon her pleasure, fight for her favours, be in all things her slaves. Young as she was, she knew her power well, she tyrannised over us even then, and we—we loved her for it with all our hearts."
His voice was soft and tender, and a shadow fell on Barbara's heart.
"Where is she now?" she asked, with eager, too eager, Interest.
Again he hesitated, and answered in a cold, slightly restrained voice:
"She hath been, for some years, at the court of his Majesty, King Louis."
Then there fell a silence between them, but no longer the silence of sympathy, for he was lost in recollection, and she in wondering doubt.
Presently he rose abruptly to his feet.
"I think, Mistress Barbara, 'twere well I should go and reconnoitre. I will soon return; but I would fain see, if possible, what our enemies are about. Are you afraid to stay here alone?"
"Afraid?" she asked in astonishment63, "why, what should harm me?"
"Yes, 'twas a foolish question to ask you, Mistress Barbara, I might have known the answer," he replied admiringly.
He paused a moment, smiling down at her, turned with a nod, and vanished into the wood.
For some time after his departure Barbara lay still, nestling in the luxurious64 couch of moss, wrapt in dreams. But the fresh joy of the morning had passed, and her dreams grew less bright.
She remembered now for the first time the helplessness of her position; an outcast, with no shelter save such as Captain Protheroe might provide, no escape save through his contrivance, no protection save his arm; she was utterly65 dependent upon him.
And then she remembered, with a sudden hot rush of blood to her cheeks, that it was she herself who had brought this about.
For he had not offered to take her with him, rather had he advised her to seek out the Lanes and take shelter with them; but she in her heedlessness had refused his advice, had forced her company upon him. And he could not in courtesy refuse, but was bound by his honour to undertake the task, to provide for her, and protect her, even at the risk of his life.
No, she had thrust herself, unwelcome, upon him, and had now no hope save in him.
So she mused66, growing each moment more ashamed, more angry, her pride stinging her afresh at each recollection of his kindness and her dependence67 on it.
For this dependence, which might once perchance have been a sweet thought to her, was now turned to gall58 and bitterness by the shadow of another, the aforetime queen of the forest, whose presence seemed to her to haunt the little glade, the girl who had claimed his homage, whom he had loved with all his heart.
For if he loved the girl of whom he spoke68 so tenderly, then she, Barbara, could be nothing to him, save that perchance her beauty gratified his eyes; her presence was but an aggravation69 of his distresses, her helplessness a burden, unwelcome as unsought.
Her first impulse, nay70, her firm intention was to flee from him at once, relieve him from his forced task, and win or lose her safety for herself. Thus her pride urged her to act.
But more gentle thoughts held sway. For Barbara was practical, and above all things, just. She saw clearly that to leave him now, in secret, would but add to his troubles, since he would without doubt seek her again, nor rest until he found her, fearing for her safety. Further, to urge him to leave her were useless; such a man as he did not lightly relinquish71 a task he had once taken in hand.
No, clearly she could not escape from the position in which she had thrust herself, her punishment must be to remain with him, dependent on his care. Nor must she accept his kindness grudgingly72, but with a free heart, simply, confidently, else her conduct were indeed unjust. For since she had imposed the task upon him, she must not make it bitter by any act of hers.
So she resolved, though it hurt her pride sorely to accept his favours, deeming that she had nought to give in turn. For the Winslows were ever proud folk, giving gift for gift, blow for blow, in fair exchange, and Barbara had by no means consented to give nought and receive all at the hands of any man, save that her wonderful sense of fairness (no such common attribute of her sex), forced her to give his feelings the consideration she felt was but his due.
But for that other woman! The woman who had once sat there, enthroned, accepting his homage, perchance in the very spot where new she lay. She rose abruptly and walked to the far side of the hollow, where she seated herself stiffly on a fallen tree, and glanced distastefully at the soft bank of moss that had lately formed her couch.
Presently she grew restless, and so to escape from the folly73 of her thoughts, she resolved to make a short voyage of exploration on her own account.
She had no difficulty in discovering the opening in the bushes which enclosed the hollow, and passing through she found herself on a narrow green path leading through the forest. The brambles crept close to her side, and at times even stretched their long arms across her path, but in the clear light of day she had no great difficulty in making her way along a road which in the darkness of the previous night had appeared fraught74 with almost insuperable difficulty.
She tripped along at a fair pace beneath the towering branches, pausing ever and anon to gaze with wondering delight at some newly opening scene of woodland beauty.
Now she would pass a stretch of bracken, higher than her head, through which the sunlight streamed in a blaze of emerald fire. Anon she came to pause in a grove75 of beeches76, gazing up in awe77 at the giant branches above her, curving in graceful78 arches far above her head; or she stooped in delight over some gnarled old tree-stump, alive with feathery ferns and delicately coloured lichens79; and once she came to a wide, green bank o'ercovered quite with delicate cobwebs, dew-flecked, shimmering like silken gauze, beneath which swayed the tender lily-plants, like the slender forms of eastern beauties, dancing in their jewelled veils.
It was a world of magic delight, and as she wandered on, she fell again beneath the forest spell, and forgot her cares in the sheer joy of beauty. For the forest has a magic charm for all who will yield to its influence. The song of the sea is restlessness; the teaching of the hills is aspiration80, but the spell of the forest is peace.
But suddenly she stopped, with a quick indrawing of the breath, for close beside her, separated only by a leafy screen, she heard a deep, shuddering81 sigh.
Her first impulse was to flee at once along the road she had come, back to the safe shelter of the hollow. But her curiosity stayed her, and she waited, hand on heart, for what should follow.
Again came the groan82, and this time she could distinguish some muttered words.
"My God! I will endure no more. It must end now."
Barbara had been no true woman had she turned back now. But it was perhaps as much pity as curiosity that prompted her to push gently aside the branches, and peer through them at the speaker of these despairing words.
Before her, on a fallen tree sat the dismallest figure of a man she had ever seen. Pale, emaciated83, with haggard face half concealed84 by a tangle85 of matted hair, and clad in that most melancholy86 of apparels—soiled and tattered87 finery. His right arm hung limply at his side, a pistol in the hand. His head was bowed upon his breast, but even as Barbara looked, he raised it, and she marked his desperate glance, his eyes hardened in despair.
As she looked upon his face the beauty of the forest vanished, it showed but as a drear wilderness of thorn and bramble, a fit setting to the desperate figure of the man before her; even so does the sight of a drowned corpse88 rob the sea of all its glory.
The man raised his face for a minute to the heavens, as though he would fling a look of defiance89 at the pitiless gods; then slowly lifted the pistol in his hand and turned the muzzle90 towards his temple, curling his finger round the trigger.
Without thought of aught save that the deed must be prevented, Barbara did not pause to consider her best course of action; she sprang through the bushes and confronted the sufferer, holding out her hands entreatingly91 towards him, and, with a sudden flash of instinct, crying in half-pleading, half-commanding tones:
"Hold, sir, hold. I require your protection."
The man sprang to his feet, and stood for a moment staring in amazement92 at this unexpected apparition93. Then he fell on his knees before her, his eyes fixed94 adoringly upon her eager face.
"Barbara," he whispered, "Barbara! You! You!"
It was the girl's turn to be astonished. She drew back a step, and regarded the speaker with a frown of bewilderment.
"Do you not know me, Barbara?" he whispered again. "You can't have forgotten me, Ralph Trevellyan."
"Ralph!" she cried in amazement. "Is it possible?" It was indeed difficult to recognise in this haggard figure the gay debonair95 youth she had known in former days, her brother's boon96 companion, and a favourite playmate of her childhood.
"Ralph Trevellyan!" she repeated again doubtfully.
Then glancing down quickly at the pistol still in his hand, she cried reproachfully, "Oh, Ralph!"
He understood her meaning, and flushed hotly.
"And why not, Barbara?" he questioned defiantly97. "What else remained to do? I am sick of this life, and here in this cursed forest is neither food nor shelter. It had to be death one way or another, better thus than on the scaffold."
"But not now, Ralph," she pleaded; "surely not now."
He took her hand and kissed it.
"Not now, Barbara, if you have need of me."
"Oh! indeed I have great need," she answered quickly. "For I am a fugitive98 even as thou, a rebel tried and condemned99, and but yesterday escaped from Taunton gaol100."
His face gleamed with anger.
"What! Did they dare! The fiends! But tell me how it befell, Barbara."
"No, I will have your story first. Tell me—— But stay, I had forgot. You are worn and hungry. Come. I know where there is food in plenty. Come!"
So she led him back to the hollow, and on the way he told her his story. How he had been left for dead on the field of Sedgemoor, but was saved by some pitiful peasants, who hid him in their cottage and nursed him back to life. But a few days since, while his strength was still but half-restored, a raid was made upon his hiding-place, he having been betrayed, and he had but just escaped to the wood in safety. There he had lurked101 for three days, feeding upon berries and such wild fruits as he could find, until at last, his strength well-nigh spent, and his spirit hopeless, he had resolved to give up the struggle and end his life.
As he finished his story, to which the girl listened with eager sympathy, they reached the enclosure, and parting the bushes, Barbara led him proudly into the hollow.
"Here is our camp, Ralph, is it not a Paradise? And now sit, and I will fetch you food."
"But tell me, Barbara," he asked suddenly. "You are not alone here. Surely you cannot have wandered all night alone in this wilderness."
Now Barbara hesitated, wondering how best to explain the apparent inconsistency of her conduct in having declared herself in urgent need of his protection, when she was provided with a most capable protector already. And while she paused, choosing her words, Captain Protheroe himself suddenly appeared at the entrance and stopped in wonder, gazing questioningly at the intruder.
Then a strange thing happened. Before Barbara could explain matters to either of her companions, Ralph turned, and saw the cause of her sudden silence. He stared wildly at the captain for one moment, then springing to his feet, he drew his sword, and rushed full pace to throw himself upon the intruder.
Captain Protheroe was unarmed, and the attack was utterly unexpected, but he was a man of ever ready wit, quick to meet all turns and shifts of fortune, and was accordingly in no wise overthrown102 by the onslaught. He stepped back a pace, into the shelter of the bushes, and pulling down a large leafy branch, he entrenched103 himself behind it, as behind a shield, and peered cautiously through the twigs104 at his opponent.
As for Ralph, he stopped dead for a moment in absolute amazement at this manoeuvre105, then with a new rush of anger at what he deemed the cowardice106 of the fellow, he flew fiercely to the attack, slashing107 aside the leaves, and thrusting through the branches in a fury of rage. But Captain Protheroe's spirits rose to the fight, and he on his part did good work with his branch, swinging it from side to side, warding108 off the blows of his opponent, and occasionally getting in a thrust on his own account with the leafy mass, at his enemy's face.
The twigs snapped, the branches cracked, the leaves flew round them in a wild shower at the sweeping109 strokes of Ralph's sword. Sure never before was such a mad confusion.
Barbara stood for some minutes transfixed with astonishment at the strange turn of events, then with a quick cry she rushed to Ralph's side, and seized his arm firmly with both hands.
"Patience, patience," she cried. "Ralph, this is my good friend, Captain Protheroe, through whose help I have escaped from prison."
The two men eyed one another angrily for a moment, then Captain Protheroe cautiously lowered his branches, and Ralph sheathed110 his sword.
"Your pardon, Barbara," muttered the latter; "I did not recognise the gentleman as one of your friends. I had thought from his dress——"
"Captain Protheroe was indeed an officer of the royal army. But he hath been imprisoned111—— You have never told me wherefore you were imprisoned," she interrupted suddenly, turning to the captain.
He turned to her in amazement.
"Why, madame, do you not know?"
"I!" she cried. "What mean you? Is it possible you were condemned for the affair at Durford! Indeed I knew nought of it! I am sorry—I——"
He turned the subject quickly.
"Then this gentleman, madame——?" he queried112 doubtfully.
"This is Sir Ralph Trevellyan; an old, a very dear friend of Rupert's—and of mine. He was wounded at Sedgemoor, and is now a fugitive as we are. He hath agreed to join our company, and we will all three travel together."
Captain Protheroe bowed stiffly, and glanced jealously at the newcomer.
"I am sorry, madame," he muttered sulkily. "You do not consider my protection sufficient."
"Hoots113!" exclaimed Barbara crossly. "Two are ever better than one."
"Possibly. I doubt not this gentleman is also of that opinion," he answered with a slight sneer114.
But here Ralph broke in hotly.
"If this gentleman like not my company, Barbara, I will right willingly rid myself of his."
"Certainly not!" cried Barbara, thoroughly115 exasperated116, fearful also lest, removed from her influence, Ralph might again attempt his life. "If Captain Protheroe like not my friends, he may e'en journey alone."
Captain Protheroe looked up in astonishment.
"Do you desire me to leave you, madame?" he demanded coldly.
"As you please. An you care to do so, of a certainty I would not prevent you," she answered angrily, but her voice faltered117. Here was the opportunity she had told herself she desired, the opportunity to free him from her dependence. But now her pride wavered, and despite her angry words, she prayed he might not go.
But he also had pride, pride now stung by jealousy118. Without a word he turned on his heel, and strode from the glade.
Barbara stared after his retreating figure in dismay, but she could not call him back. She turned fiercely upon Sir Ralph.
"And pray what right had you, Ralph, to quarrel with Captain Protheroe?" she cried in a fury.
"Tut! Barbara," he answered coaxingly119. "We shall do better without him. I doubt not the fellow is but a spy."
"He is no spy," she answered, stamping her foot in her rage. "He is a most brave, a most chivalrous gentleman. And—and I would to Heaven he had not left me."
She turned angrily away from her astonished companion—and found herself face to face with the captain himself.
The gloom had vanished from his face, and he looked down at her with a smile in his eyes.
"I pray you pardon me, Mistress Barbara," he began; "I did not willingly play the eavesdropper120. I returned to fetch my cloak. But now——" he paused, and looked down at her whimsically. "Now, may I stay?"
In vain Barbara endeavoured to preserve her anger, gazing back haughtily121 into his laughing eyes; she was too delighted to see him again, and presently her lips twitched122, and the dimple appeared.
"You—you are very troublesome," she answered, turning away.
Being a wise man and well versed123 in the ways of women Captain Protheroe sought for no more definite expression of relenting, but seated himself cheerfully on a fallen tree, and awaited her pleasure.
Presently Barbara continued, as though nothing had occurred.
"Come, you two must be friends. Give Captain Protheroe your hand, Ralph, and crave124 pardon for your rough welcome."
She accompanied the words with a glance in the direction of the discomfited125 Ralph, and he dared not refuse, but he complied with the request in a somewhat sulky fashion.
"Believe me, sir," he said, with the slightest curl of his lips, "I deeply regret that in my eagerness to protect this lady, I did not observe that you have been—er—deprived of your sword."
Captain Protheroe flushed at the implied insult, but accepted the extended hand.
Barbara hastily continued:
"That is well," she said cheerfully, affecting to ignore the rising quarrel. "Now will we be all friends together. And now, Captain Protheroe, the result of your expedition?"
"I fear I have but little to tell. One patrol indeed passed on the road to the south, but for the rest the country looks quiet enough. Yet we can scarce hope to pass another day here in safety; if you are ready we should move on to-night."
"Whither, then?"
"Aye, that is the question. We—" then interrupting himself with a bitter laugh—"I had forgot, 'tis we no longer,—they, the King's troops, are guarding the coast from Watchet to Parret mouth, since so many have escaped thence; there is small hope to the north. We might turn south, and lie hid among the Blackdown Hills, yet there is little to be gained by that; 'twill be some months ere the country be quiet, and you cannot lie all that time in the open. My plan, an it meet your pleasure, is to strike eastward126 to-night, skirt Bridgewater, and so make for Wells. There lives in that city an old woman who was my foster-nurse. She's a faithful soul, and would do aught for me, I verily believe. I could bestow127 you safely enow with her, indeed 'tis like enough the three of us could lie hid there a day or so, until we hear of some means of escape to Holland. There you can rejoin your brother, and we can take service with Brunswick."
"But how to reach Wells?" queried Barbara.
"We must journey by dark, and lie hid in the day-time in whatsoever128 corner it pleases fate to lead us to. We must press on rapidly, and should be there in three marches at most. I confess to the risk, but know no better plan. What say you?"
"I know nought of the matter," answered Barbara somewhat helplessly. "Do what you think wisest."
"To Wells be it then. I know the disposition129 of our—the troops, and the search is like to be less stringent130 there than elsewhere."
"We will leave the matter in your hands," continued Barbara. "But I must go to Durford before we start for Holland, if you please."
"To Durford, madame! Impossible! 'Tis the one place where you would be in greatest danger. What in Heaven's name would you at Durford?"
"Why, marry, collect my gowns of course. Do you dream I would leave them behind for any trollop to flaunt131 her person in them? My French silk, and the blue taffeta, and—oh! my new gold brocade. I cannot go away and leave my new gold brocade. I must have it; 'tis a matter of absolute necessity."
"But it is impossible," he cried desperately132.
"Yet I can't go to Holland in these tatters," she persisted in exasperation133.
"Indeed, madame, I see not how the effect could be improved," he answered, smiling at her admiringly. "But an it be indeed a matter of absolute necessity, tho' it seemeth at present an utter impossibility, I will bear the matter in mind when I lay my plans."
"That is kind," answered Barbara, with an approving smile.
Then she turned to Ralph with a sudden exclamation134 of distress43.
"Oh! you poor boy," she exclaimed, "I had forgotten you entirely135; you must be famished136. See, here is our store. Eat what you will, and then rest; you must be wearied out with fatigue137."
There was a tenderness in her voice and actions as she hovered138 over her old playmate seeing to his wants, a tenderness that sounded bitterly in the ears of Captain Protheroe. It was after all only the 'mother' feeling, natural in all women towards one whom they instinctively139 know to be weaker than themselves, but it was capable of a very different interpretation140, and small blame to her companions did they thus interpret it, the one with a quick gladness, the other with a sudden pang141.
When Ralph's wants had been supplied, and he had at last stretched himself out to sleep, Barbara came slowly and seated herself by Captain Protheroe's side.
"Captain Protheroe," she began hesitatingly, "were you indeed imprisoned solely142 on account of what you did for Rupert?"
"Nay, madame," he assured her quickly; "that was but the pretext143 I was imprisoned on account of an old grudge144."
"Yet had there not been that pretext," she began.
"They had invented another, madame."
"But none save I knew of it. How could they hear it?" she questioned wonderingly.
"That, Mistress Barbara, is what I have been wondering ever since my arrest."
She looked at him curiously145.
"And did you ever, in the midst of your wondering, suspect me, Captain Protheroe?"
He dropped his eyes before her clear glance.
"I am ashamed to confess that I did."
"That was unjust," she exclaimed quickly. "Despite all testimony146, I never believed that you had betrayed me."
"I betray you!" he cried indignantly. "Why, how could you dream it, madame?"
"And how should you then deem it possible in me?"
"Oh; that was different."
"I do not see it," she answered with a smile. "But you know now that I am no traitor147?"
"My faith upon it, Mistress Barbara," he cried earnestly. "I knew it the instant I looked again upon your face."
"And yet——" she mused, "'tis passing strange. It would seem we have a mutual148 enemy. I would I knew who had betrayed us."
"And I," he answered grimly.
"You would be revenged?" she questioned curiously.
"There should be a reckoning, Mistress Barbara."
"You believed me a traitor when we were together in prison?"
"I deemed it possible. Consider, Mistress Barbara, I knew no other who could have——"
"And yet, believing that, you saved me?"
"And yet, I saved you," he answered, smiling.
"Was that then your revenge?"
"Revenge! On you! Ah! Mistress Barbara, that were indeed different. Is not my life yours to do with as you wish?"
"The forest is no place for compliment, sir," she rebuked149. "This pure air puts such empty words to shame."
"I know it, madame," he answered quietly. "'Twas indeed for that reason I dared to speak the words, trusting that you would know them to be true."
She had no answer to his words. Her heart trembled with gladness, but she despised herself for the weakness. "His life was hers." Aye, but might not a man speak so, look so, a hundred times, and mean no more than empty courtesy? And in her heart she cursed this cruel art of compliment, the meaningless gallantry towards her sex which permits a man to stale his homage at every maiden's feet, and forbids a woman to place credence150 in aught a man may say, lest she shame herself by seeming to take that which was never offered.
For Barbara had met too many such light gallants, men who, in all innocence151 doubtless, yet with deep cruelty, juggle152 with maiden's hearts as lightly as they throw a main; and she had already learned to don her armour153, and enchain her free heart in the heavy fetters154 of her pride.
So she answered him nothing, wotting not what to say. And he, fearing to displease155 her, spoke no further.
Silence hung about them, the heavy stillness of the noonday hour accentuated156 by the drowsy157 hum of insects.
Presently Captain Protheroe glanced up at the sun shining high above their heads, and looked across at Barbara with a smile.
"Noon, Mistress Barbara," he said in a meaning tone.
She understood instantly the drift of the allusion158, and shuddered159 fearfully.
"Ah! we are not yet far enough from Taunton," she cried anxiously.
"On the contrary, we should rejoice that we are already so far. Tho' I suppose," he added with a sudden smile, "had we waited, in a few minutes from this hour I for one should have journeyed much further."
"Indeed we should be greatly thankful," continued Barbara seriously. "For here we are, free and"—glancing at the loveliness around her—"one would almost say in Paradise. Why only last night I bade you farewell, and——"
She stopped abruptly, their eyes met, and her face crimsoned160 with blushes; for as she spoke the words, she remembered, on a sudden, the manner of that farewell.
He understood the cause of her confusion and pitied it. With a sudden impulsive161 movement he leaned forward and laid his hand upon her knee.
"Nay, Mistress Barbara," he began hurriedly. "I beg of you not to be so distressed162 about so small an act of charity. The events of yesterday are as a bad dream; we will look upon all we said and did as the acts of delirium163."
To his surprise Barbara sprang to her feet, her face crimson20, her breast heaving with anger.
"Indeed, Captain Protheroe," she answered in the coldest tones, "you need have no fear I should otherwise have understood your words. The whole affair was but a jest."
She strode haughtily past him and disappeared into her bower.
Captain Protheroe looked after her with a long, low whistle of astonishment and dismay. Then he shook his head solemnly and drew out his pipe.
"The longer a man lives," he remarked to that trusty confidant, "the more surely he learns that the only safe method of dealing164 with women is to preserve an absolute silence. Thus only may he chance to escape offence, for they can interpret it as they will."
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1
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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2
maze
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| n.迷宫，八阵图，混乱，迷惑 | |
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3
shimmering
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| v.闪闪发光，发微光( shimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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4
shimmer
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| v./n.发微光，发闪光；微光 | |
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5
improvised
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| a.即席而作的,即兴的 | |
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6
bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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7
gasp
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| n.喘息，气喘；v.喘息；气吁吁他说 | |
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8
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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9
shaft
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| n.(工具的)柄，杆状物 | |
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10
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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11
robin
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| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
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12
trickled
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| v.滴( trickle的过去式和过去分词 )；淌；使)慢慢走；缓慢移动 | |
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13
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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14
tingling
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的现在分词 ) | |
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15
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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16
defiant
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| adj.无礼的，挑战的 | |
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17
dabbled
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| v.涉猎( dabble的过去式和过去分词 )；涉足；浅尝；少量投资 | |
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18
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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19
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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20
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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21
crimsoning
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| 变为深红色（crimson的现在分词形式） | |
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22
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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23
haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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24
glade
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| n.林间空地，一片表面有草的沼泽低地 | |
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25
shreds
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| v.撕碎，切碎( shred的第三人称单数 )；用撕毁机撕毁（文件） | |
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26
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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27
tickled
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| （使）发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）愉快，逗乐 | |
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28
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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29
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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30
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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31
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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32
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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33
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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34
betokens
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的第三人称单数 ) | |
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35
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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36
purloined
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| v.偷窃( purloin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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37
viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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38
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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39
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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40
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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41
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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42
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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43
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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44
distresses
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| n.悲痛( distress的名词复数 )；痛苦；贫困；危险 | |
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45
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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46
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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47
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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48
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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49
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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50
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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51
greasy
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| adj. 多脂的，油脂的 | |
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52
parable
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| n.寓言，比喻 | |
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53
trout
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| n.鳟鱼；鲑鱼(属) | |
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54
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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55
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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56
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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57
veneer
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| n.(墙上的)饰面，虚饰 | |
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58
gall
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| v.使烦恼，使焦躁，难堪；n.磨难 | |
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59
chivalrous
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| adj.武士精神的；对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
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60
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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61
scour
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| v.搜索；擦，洗，腹泻，冲刷 | |
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62
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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63
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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64
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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65
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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66
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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67
dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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68
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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69
aggravation
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| n.烦恼，恼火 | |
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70
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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71
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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72
grudgingly
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73
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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74
fraught
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| adj.充满…的，伴有(危险等)的；忧虑的 | |
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75
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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76
beeches
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| n.山毛榉( beech的名词复数 )；山毛榉木材 | |
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77
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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78
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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79
lichens
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| n.地衣( lichen的名词复数 ) | |
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80
aspiration
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| n.志向，志趣抱负；渴望；(语)送气音；吸出 | |
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81
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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82
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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83
emaciated
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| adj.衰弱的，消瘦的 | |
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84
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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85
tangle
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| n.纠缠；缠结；混乱；v.(使)缠绕；变乱 | |
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86
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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87
tattered
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| adj.破旧的，衣衫破的 | |
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88
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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89
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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90
muzzle
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| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
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91
entreatingly
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| 哀求地，乞求地 | |
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92
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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93
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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94
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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95
debonair
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| adj.殷勤的，快乐的 | |
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96
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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97
defiantly
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| adv.挑战地，大胆对抗地 | |
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98
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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99
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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100
gaol
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| n.(jail)监狱；(不加冠词)监禁；vt.使…坐牢 | |
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101
lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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102
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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103
entrenched
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| adj.确立的，不容易改的(风俗习惯) | |
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104
twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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105
manoeuvre
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| n.策略，调动；v.用策略，调动 | |
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106
cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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107
slashing
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| adj.尖锐的；苛刻的；鲜明的；乱砍的v.挥砍( slash的现在分词 )；鞭打；割破；削减 | |
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108
warding
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| 监护，守护（ward的现在分词形式） | |
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109
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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110
sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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111
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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112
queried
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| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
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113
hoots
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| 咄，啐 | |
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114
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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115
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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116
exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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117
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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118
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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coaxingly
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| adv. 以巧言诱哄，以甘言哄骗 | |
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120
eavesdropper
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| 偷听者 | |
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haughtily
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| adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
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122
twitched
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| vt.& vi.（使）抽动，（使）颤动（twitch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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versed
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| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
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crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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discomfited
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| v.使为难( discomfit的过去式和过去分词)；使狼狈；使挫折；挫败 | |
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eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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stringent
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| adj.严厉的；令人信服的；银根紧的 | |
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flaunt
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| vt.夸耀，夸饰 | |
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desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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exasperation
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| n.愤慨 | |
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exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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famished
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| adj.饥饿的 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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interpretation
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| n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理 | |
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pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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rebuked
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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credence
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| n.信用，祭器台，供桌，凭证 | |
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innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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juggle
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| v.变戏法，纂改，欺骗，同时做；n.玩杂耍，纂改，花招 | |
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armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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displease
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| vt.使不高兴，惹怒；n.不悦，不满，生气 | |
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accentuated
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| v.重读( accentuate的过去式和过去分词 )；使突出；使恶化；加重音符号于 | |
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drowsy
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| adj.昏昏欲睡的，令人发困的 | |
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allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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crimsoned
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| 变为深红色（crimson的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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delirium
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| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
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dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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