Now, Lady Miriam, is your curiosity satisfied about Caleb?"
"Oh," she said, "it cannot be, it must not be! The man had struck him
and he did but return a blow for a blow."
"An arrow for a blow, you mean; the point of a spear for the push of its
handle. But, Lady Miriam, you seem to be very deep in the confidence of
Caleb. How do you come to know all this?"
"I don't know, I only guess. I daresay, nay, I am sure, that Caleb is
quite innocent."
"Why do you take such an interest in Caleb?" asked Marcus suspiciously.
"Because he was my friend and playmate from childhood."
"Umph," he answered, "a strange couple--a dove and a raven. Well, I am
glad that you did not catch his temper, or you would be more dangerous
even than you are. Now, what do you want me to do?"
"I want you to spare Caleb. You, you, you--need not believe those
witnesses."
"To think of it!" said Marcus, in mock horror. "To think that one whom I
thought so good can prove so immoral. Do you then wish to tempt me from
my duty?"
"Yes, I suppose so. At least the peasants round here are great liars."
"Lady," said Marcus, with stern conviction, "Caleb has improved upon his
opportunities as a playmate; he has been making love to you.
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