No! I have promised La Masque to visit the old ruins, and there
I shall go forthwith. Will you accompany me?"
"I think not. I have a word to say to La, Masque, and you and
she kept talking so busily, I had no chance to put it in."
Sir Norman laughed.
"Besides, I have no doubt it is a word you would not like to
utter in the presence of a third party, even though that third
party be your friend and Pythias, Kingsley. Do you mean to stay
here like a plague-sentinel until she returns?"
"Possibly; or if I get tired I may set out in search of her.
When do you return?"
"The Fates, that seem to make a foot-ball of my best affections,
and kick them as they please, only know. If nothing happens -
which, being interpreted, means, if I am still in the land of the
living - I shall surely be back by daybreak."
"And I shall be anxious about that time to hear the result of
your night's adventure; so where shall we meet?"
"Why not here? it is as good a place an any."
"With all my heart. Where do you propose getting a horse?"
"At the King's Arms - but a stones throw from here. Farewell."
"Good-night, and God speed you!" said Ormiston.
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