ng him to a better mind; so that he
hath not yet denied our Lord, even though he hath promised to do so.

"May God comfort and console you, Mr. FitzHerbert, for this news of Mr.
Anthony that I send."

* * * * *

The letter ended with messages to the party, with instructions for their
way of return if they should come within the next week; and with the
explanation, given above, of the series of misfortunes by which any came
to be at Padley that night, and how it was that they did not attempt to
break out again.

* * * * *

The capture of Mr. Anthony was, indeed, one more blow to his father; but
Robin was astonished how cheerfully he bore it; and said as much when
they two were alone in the garden.

The grey old man smiled, while his eyelids twitched a little.

"They say that when a man is whipped he feels no more after awhile. The
former blows prepare him and dull his nerves for the later, which, I
take it, is part of God's mercy. Well, Mr. Alban, my father hath been in
prison a great while now; my son Thomas is a traitor, and a sworn man of
her Grace; I myself have been fined and persecuted till I have had to
sell land to pay the fines with. I have seen family after family fall
from their faith and deny it. So I take it that I feel the joy that I
have a son who is ready to suffer for it, more than the pain I have in
thinking on his sufferings. The one may perhaps atone for the sins of
the other, and yet help him to repentance."

* * * * *

Life here at Langley was more encouraging than the furtive existence
necessary in the north of Derbyshire.

Mr. Bassett had a confident way with him that was like wine to fainting
hearts, and he had every reason to be confident; since up to the
present, beyond being forced to pay the usual fines for recusancy, he
had scarcely been troubled at all; and lived in considerable prosperity,
having even been sheriff of Stafford in virtue of his other estates at
Blore. His house at Langley was a great one, standing in a park, and
showing no signs of poverty; his servants were largely Catholic; he
entertained priests and refugees of all kinds freely, although
discreetly; and he laughed at the notion that the persecution could be
of long endurance.

The very first night the travellers had come he had spoken with
considerable freedom after supper.

"Look more hearty!" he cried. "The Spanis