"
"It was the privilege of my life, madam," I said earnestly.
"You have sweetened your service by so regarding it, giving greatly when
you gave. And, sir, that service put me in your debt. You see that?"
"It is like you to say so. What of it?"
"The time came when you were in danger, and I, in my turn, left my father
and rode hard to save you. I am not boasting, you understand, sir. I am
merely stating a fact. I rendered service for service, like for like, did
I not, sir?"
"You did, madam, and did it splendidly," said I.
"Then, sir, when we meet again," she said, and she was now speaking very
clearly and sweetly, looking me full in the eyes, potent in all her beauty
and queenliness, "when we meet again, we meet on level terms."
"Are you ready, lad?" called Master Freake.
"Coming, sir!" I cried, almost glad at heart of the escape.
"One moment, Oliver!" said Margaret. "So anxious to be rid of me? Nay, I
jest of course! I've a little present for you here, Oliver. It will, I
hope, make you think of me at times."
"It will not," I replied, smiling. "It will make me think oftener of you,
that's all.
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