s. Under his coat could be seen a leather doublet and breeches,
and on his head he wore a large, soft, white hat.'

At these words the concern in Mistress Fell's face disappeared in a
moment. A quick look of welcome sprang into her eyes.

'A man in a white hat!' she exclaimed. 'Perhaps, then, his coming
forbodes good to us after all. It was only the other night that, as I
lay a-dreaming, I saw a man in a large white hat coming towards me. I
had been seeking for guidance on my knees, for often I fear we are not
wholly in the right way, with all our seeking and religious exercises.
In answer to my prayer there came towards me, in my dream, a man, and
I knew that he was to be the messenger of God to me and to all my
household. Tell me more, maidens, of this Stranger, how he came and
whence, and why he left and when he will return.'

This time it was 'young Margrett' who answered. Seeing the sympathy in
her Mother's eyes, she found her voice at last, and rejoined quickly:

'He resembleth a Priest somewhat, yet not altogether. He speaketh with
more authority than anyone I ever heard. Grave he is too. Grave as my
father when he is executing justice. Yet, for all his gravity, as
Bridget says, he is wondrous gentle. None of us were affrighted at
him, and the little maids ran to him as they do to my father.
Moreover, he showed them a curious seal he carried in his pocket with
letters intertwined among roses, a "G" I saw, and an "F." Afterwards
he took them on his knees and blessed them and they were wholly at
ease. Priest Lampitt, who had been watching through a window, his
countenance strangely altered by his rage, now took his departure.
Seeing him go, the Stranger put down the children gently, setting
Susanna with both her feet squarely on the polished floor, as I have
seen a shepherd set down a lamb, as if afeared that it might slip.
Then he turned in sorrow and spoke a few words to his companion. This
was the man who brought him hither, one of the Seekers from
Wensleydale or thereabouts, I should judge from his language; but
truly none of us paid much heed to him. The two of them left the Hall
together, and passed down through the herb-garden, and over the
stream. Once I noticed the Stranger turn and gaze back at the house,
searching each window, as if looking for something he found not
there. Also he smiled at sight of the yew-trees, with a greeting as if
they were old friends. Bridget declares that she heard the Strang