“Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty.”

She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.

“You look it.”

John cast a startled glance down his slim person.

“Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!”

“I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that fabrication⁠—surely?”

“I fear I do,” he sighed. “ ’Tis very true, alack!”

“Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O’Hara, J.P. ⁠—and of Mr. Everard?”