the port. They brought me that book. I recognized your name in it. My heart told me what your mouth has just confirmed — that is to say, with what view you have exposed yourself to the dangers of a sea so perilous, or at least so troublesome at this moment — and I sent my cutter to meet you. You know the rest.”

Milady knew that Lord de Winter lied, and she was the more alarmed.

“My brother,” continued she, “was not that my Lord Buckingham whom I saw on the jetty this evening as we arrived?”

“Himself. Ah, I can understand how the sight of him struck you,” replied Lord de Winter. “You came from a country where he must be very much talked of, and I know that his armaments against France greatly engage the attention of your friend the cardinal.”