'Fight him? No; we are friends, bosom friends, like as thyself to
Mistress Dinnage.'
'Well, be not rash and hot-headed. I know your fiery temper, and am
ever in fear and trembling, with such a man as Master Sinclair too,
that you should quarrel and hurt him sorely. Quarrel not about _me_,
Charlie; he is always courteous to me.'
'I hope so. Good-bye, sweet Deb, good-bye.' The brother and sister
kissed, and Charlie sped to the court-yard.
Old Jordan held Bayard for him, ready saddled. 'Thanks, good Jordan.
Where is my father?'
'I ain't seen him these three days, Master Charlie. An' now thou'rt
goin' away agen, these be dull days for Enderby an' Mistress Deborah.'
'Where's Mistress Dinnage?' asked Charlie, dropping his keen glance to
the old man's face.
'In the manor here; she well-nigh lives with Mistress Deborah, an' well
she may.'
'I never see her about.'
'She's there though, Master Charlie.'
'Good-bye, Jordan. Take care of them.' And Charlie Fleming, striking
spurs to his horse, rode away; not so fast but that one pair of dark
eyes, full of proud reluctant tears and lingering passion, looked from
a window overhead, and watched him as he sped away.
'Poor little Deb!' muttered Charlie, as his good horse bore him far
away. 'I will not forget thee, dear. Poor little maid! It has eased her
heart. A drop, a drop in the ocean of my troubles, is Deb's gold to me.
Poor child! Now, if you fail, Adam Sinclair, flight is my only chance.'