ll, Griffith, since you
abandoned us, I thought, and thought, and thought, of all that might
befall you; and I said, 'What will he do for money?' My jewels, that you
did me the honor to take, would not last you long, I feared. So I
reduced my expenses three fourths at least, and I put by some money for
your need."

Griffith looked amazed. "For my need?" said he.

"For whose else? I'll send for it, and place it in your
hands--to-morrow."

"To-morrow? Why not to-day?"

"I have a favor to ask of you first."

"What is that?"

"Justice. If you are fond of money, I too have something I prize: my
honor. You have belied and insulted me, sir; but I know you were under a
delusion. I mean to remove that delusion, and make you see how little I
am to blame; for, alas! I own I was imprudent. But, O Griffith, as I
hope to be saved, it was the imprudence of innocence and
over-confidence."

"Mistress," said Griffith, in a stern, yet agitated voice, "be advised,
and leave all this: rouse not a man's sleeping wrath. Let bygones be
bygones."

Mrs. Gaunt rose, and said, faintly, "So be it. I must go, sir, and give
some orders for your entertainment."

"O, don't put yourself about for me," said Griffith: "I am not the
master of this house."

Mrs. Gaunt's lip trembled, but she was a match for him. "Then are you my
guest," said she; "and my credit is concerned in your comfort."

She made him a courtesy, as if he were a stranger, and marched to the
door, concealing, with great pride and art, a certain trembling of her
knees.

At the door she found Ryder, and bade her follow, much to that lady's
disappointment; for she desired a _tete-a-tete_ with Griffith, and an
explanation.

As soon as the two women were out of Griffith's hearing, the mistress
laid her hand on the servant's arm, and, giving way to her feelings,
said, all in a flutter: "Child, if I have been a good mistress to thee,
show it now. Help me keep him in the house till Father Francis comes."

"I undertake to do so much," said Ryder, firmly. "Leave it to me,
mistress."

Mrs. Gaunt threw her arms round Ryder's neck and kissed her.

It was done so ardently, and by a woman hitherto so dignified and proud,
that Ryder was taken by surprise, and almost affected.

As for the service Mrs. Gaunt had asked of her, it suited her own
designs.

"Mistress," said she, "be ruled by me; keep out of his way a bit, while
I get Miss Rose ready. You understand."

"Ah! I have o