"You!" she said with a troubled look, adding low to Bella, "Why did youask _him?_ I begged you not."

"He is the only handsome man here, and the best actor if he likes. Hewon't play usually, so make the most of him." And Bella was off tofinish powdering her hair for "The Marriage à la Mode."

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

It changed to one of mingled annoyance and resignation as she exclaimed, "Itis too late. Please kneel here, half behind the shrubs; put down yourhat, and--allow me--you are too elegant for a fugitive."

As he knelt before her, she disheveled his hair, pulled his lace collarawry, threw away his gloves and sword, and half untied the cloak thathung about his shoulders.