st with me? If
you had come according to your letter, I'd have told you months ago what
I tell you now; but, as I was saying, the priest never came near her
after you left; and she never stirred abroad to meet him. More than
that, he has left England."

"Remorse! Too late."

"Perhaps it may, sir. I couldn't say; but there is one coming that knows
the very truth."

"Who is that?"

"Father Francis. The moment you came, sir, I took it on me to send for
him. You know the man: he won't tell a lie to please our dame. And he
knows all; for Leonard has confessed to him. I listened, and heard him
say as much. Then, master, be advised, and get the truth from Father
Francis."

Griffith trembled. "Francis is an honest man," said he; "I'll wait till
he comes. But O, my lass, I find money may be bought too dear."

"Your chamber is ready, sir, and your clothes put out. Supper is
ordered. Let me show you your room. We are all so happy now."

"Well," said he, listlessly, "since my horse is gone, and Francis
coming, and I'm wearied and sick of the world, do what you will with me
for this one day."

He followed her mechanically to a bedroom, where was a bright fire, and
a fine shirt, and his silver-laced suit of clothes airing.

A sense of luxurious comfort struck him at the sight.

"Ay," said he, "I'll dress, and so to supper; I'm main hungry. It seems
a man must eat, let his heart be ever so sore."

Before she left him, Ryder asked him coldly why he had broken his
appointment with her.

"That is too long a story to tell you now," said he, coolly.

"Another time then," said she; and went out smiling, but bitter at
heart.

Griffith had a good wash, and enjoyed certain little conveniences which
he had not at the "Packhorse." He doffed his riding suit, and donned the
magnificent dress Ryder had selected for him; and with his fine clothes
he somehow put on more ceremonious manners.

He came down to the dining-room. To his surprise he found it illuminated
with wax candles, and the table and sideboard gorgeous with plate.

Supper soon smoked upon the board; but, though it was set for three,
nobody else appeared.

Griffith inquired of Ryder whether he was to sup alone.

She replied: "My mistress desires you not to wait for her. She has no
stomach."

"Well, then, I have," said Griffith, and fell to with a will.

Ryder, who waited on this occasion, stood and eyed him with curiosity:
his conduct was so unlike a woman's.