d him;
however, he soon learned that she received nobody except a few religious
friends of her own sex.

Sir George then wrote her a letter that did him credit: it was full of
worthy sentiment and good sense. For instance, he said he desired to
intrude his friendly offices and his sympathy upon her, but nothing
more. Time had cured him of those warmer feelings which had once ruffled
his peace; but Time could not efface his tender esteem for the lady he
had loved in his youth, nor his profound respect for her character.

Mrs. Gaunt wept over his gentle letter, and was on the verge of asking
herself why she had chosen Griffith instead of this chevalier. She sent
him a sweet, yet prudent reply; she did not encourage him to visit her;
but said, that, if ever she should bring herself to receive visits from
the gentlemen of the county during her husband's absence, he should be
the first to know it. She signed herself his unhappy, but deeply
grateful, servant and friend.

One day, as she came out of a poor woman's cottage, with a little basket
on her arm, which she had emptied in the cottage, she met Sir George
Neville full.

He took his hat off, and made her a profound bow. He was then about to
ride on, but altered his mind, and, dismounted to speak to her.

The interview was constrained at first; but erelong he ventured to tell
her she really ought to consult with some old friend and practical man
like himself. He would undertake to scour the country, and find her
husband, if he was above ground.

"Me go a-hunting the man," cried she, turning red; "not if he was my
king as well as my husband. He knows where to find _me_; and that is
enough."

"Well, but madam, would you not like to learn where he is, and what he
is doing?"

"Why, yes, my good, kind friend, I _should_ like to know that." And,
having pronounced these words with apparent calmness, she burst out
crying, and almost ran away from him.

Sir George looked sadly after her, and formed a worthy resolution. He
saw there was but one road to her regard. He resolved to hunt her
husband for her, without intruding on her, or giving her a voice in the
matter. Sir George was a magistrate, and accustomed to organize
inquiries; spite of the length of time that had elapsed, he traced
Griffith for a considerable distance. Pending further inquiries, he sent
Mrs. Gaunt word that the truant had not made for the sea, but had gone
due south.

Mrs. Gaunt returned him her w