The Lady of Loyalty House Part 11

"Ay," Rufus answered, hotly, "the King's spy, G.o.d's spy upon enemies of G.o.d and King, but still a spy in their eyes."

"But what is to be done?" Brilliana gasped.

"I would that I knew," Rufus answered. "His Majesty has interceded for him and has gained him some days of grace. It is certain that my Lord Ess.e.x, if he had his own way, would yield him. But he has not his own way, for this stubborn Cromwell fellow clings to his prisoner."

"Why is he so stubborn?" Brilliana asked. Rufus smiled sourly.

"Partly because, like all new-made soldiers, he is punctilious of the rules of war. Partly because he hopes to turn his capture to some account. Poor Randolph had upon him a letter in cipher from the King to a certain lord. Randolph may buy his life with the key to the cipher."

"He will never do that," Brilliana said, in proud confidence of the courage of her house. She was silent for a moment; then she gave a little cry of joy. "I think I can save him," she exclaimed. Rufus stared at her as if she had lost her wits.

"Why, what can you do?" he asked, astonished. Brilliana answered with a glance of profound wisdom. "I think I know a way," and she nodded her head sagely. Then she turned and moved a little s.p.a.ce across the hall in the direction of that window-seat where Evander sat ensconced. When she had advanced two or three paces she called to him:

"Captain Cloud, pray favor me with your company for a few moments of speech."

Evander's consciousness swam to the surface of a pool of gloomy thought at her summons. He rose on the instant and came down the hall towards her.

"I am at your service, lady," he said. Brilliana watched him closely as she questioned.

"You say you are a friend of Mr. Cromwell?"

Evander seemed surprised at the interrogation, but he answered, simply, "I am so favored."

"Does he cherish you in affection?" Brilliana pursued, still watching him closely.

"He loved my father," said Evander. "If I dared to think it I should say he loved me, too. Truly, he has shown me much regard."

Brilliana struck her palms sharply together with the air of one who has solved a difficult problem.

"Your Mr. Cromwell has taken prisoner a cousin of mine whom he threatens to kill as a spy. We will exchange you against Mr.

Cromwell's prisoner."

Evander looked steadily back at her with a hint of mild amus.e.m.e.nt at the corners of his mouth.

"Colonel Cromwell will never exchange a spy," he responded, decisively.

Rufus, who was listening to the conference, nodded his head in gloomy a.s.sent. "That is like enough," he agreed. Brilliana stamped a foot and her eyes snapped vexation.

"We shall see," she said, sharply. She turned away from the two men and moved to a small table against the wall that carried writing materials. Seating herself thereat, she took up a goose-quill and began to write rapidly on a large sheet of paper. When she had finished she looked round, and beckoned Rufus to her side that he might hear what she had written. She read it aloud, with her eyes fixed on Evander's impa.s.sive face.

"To Colonel Cromwell, serving with my Lord Ess.e.x in the Parliamentary army lately at Edgehill. My cousin, Sir Randolph Harby, is a prisoner in your hands. Your friend, Mr. Evander Cloud, is a prisoner in mine. I will exchange my prisoner for your prisoner; but the life of Mr. Evander Cloud is answerable for the life of Randolph Harby. Such is the sure promise and steadfast vow of his cousin and the King's true subject, Brilliana Harby."

As she read, the dour face of Rufus brightened, and he rubbed his hands in satisfaction at the close.

"By the Lord, an honest thought," he chuckled. "Swing Randolph, swing rat-face."

Evander smiled disdainfully.

"I am no spy," he a.s.serted, firmly, "and by the laws of war you have no right to my life."

Brilliana turned on him tauntingly.

"You were taken a rebel in arms and your life is at my mercy."

"Then," said Evander, calmly, "add to your letter my wish that Colonel Cromwell take no thought of me."

Brilliana stamped impatiently.

"I am not your secretary," she said, sharply.

"It does not matter," Evander answered, smoothly. "Colonel Cromwell will follow the laws of war."

"I am sorry for you if he do," Brilliana declared. "We shall test the strength of Colonel Cromwell's love." She called, loudly, "John Thoroughgood."

Thoroughgood advanced to her from where he stood removed.

"Ride with a white flag," Brilliana went on; "ride hard to my Lord Ess.e.x's army, wherever it may be. Where is my Lord Ess.e.x, Rufus?"

"They have retired, I think, upon Warwick," Rufus said, doubtfully.

"Well," Brilliana continued, "to the rebel army, wherever you can find it. Deliver this letter into the hands of Colonel Cromwell.

Bring back his answer swiftly. Ride as if you were riding for your life."

Thoroughgood saluted, took the letter, and turned to go. Brilliana stopped him.

"First quarter Captain Cloud in the west room, and see him well tended."

Evander bowed.

"I thank you," he said, and followed Thoroughgood out of the room.

Brilliana turned to Rufus.

"I trust you will all feast here to-night."

Rufus shook his head sadly.

"Tears in my eyes and heart, but not possible. We join the King to-night for Banbury." He came close to her and spoke low. "Bright Brilliana, will you not give me your golden promise ere I go?"

"You must not ask that yet," Brilliana pleaded. "I must know my own mind."

Sir Rufus banged his hands together.

"By G.o.d, I know mine, and my mind is to win you if I have to kill a regiment of rivals."

Brilliana pretended to shudder at his ferocity.

"Lord! you are a very violent lover."