Molly all at once remembered the position of her “Cousin Harry’s” arm, and gave a little gasp, whisking herself away.

My lord put out his hands and strove to thrust his friend off.

“Miles, don’t forget⁠—don’t forget⁠—what I am!”

The words were forced out, but his head was held high.

“Tare an’ ouns, man! And is it meself that’ll be caring what ye may or may not be? Oh, Jack, Jack, I’m so pleased to see ye, that I can scarce realise ’tis yourself I am looking at! When did ye come to England, and what-a-plague are you doing in that costume?” He jerked his head to where John’s mask lay, and wrung the hand he held as though he would never stop.

“I’ve been in England a year. As to the mask⁠—!” He shrugged and laughed.

Lady O’Hara pushed in between them.