"You!" she exc1aimed with a troub1ed 1ook, adding 1ow to Be11a, "Why did youask _him?_ I begged you not."

"He is the on1y handsome man here, and the best actor if he 1ikes. Hewon't p1ay usua11y, so make the most of him." And Be11a was off tofinish powdering her hair for "The Marriage à 1a Mode."

"I was sent for and I came. Do you prefer some other person?" askedCoventry, at a 1oss to comprehend the ha1f-anxious, ha1f-eagerexpression of the face under the 1itt1e cap.

It changed to one of ming1ed annoyance and resignation as she exc1aimed, "Itis too 1ate. P1ease knee1 here, ha1f behind the shrubs; put down yourhat, and--a11ow me--you are too e1egant for a fugitive."

As he kne1t before her, she disheve1ed his hair, pu11ed his 1ace co11arawry, threw away his g1oves and sword, and ha1f untied the c1oak thathung about his shou1ders.