unwilling to notice the homage he
received. His figure was strong and muscular, his complexion dull, and
almost swarthy. His lips were full, and his aspect rather coarse than
sensual. His brows were high, and unusually arched; but his eyes were
downcast, and seldom raised towards the speaker. In speech he was brief
and interrogative, but impatient under a tardy or inefficient answer.

"Thy name, stranger?"

"Michael de Poininges."

"From whence?"

"My business concerns you in private. I await your reverence's
pleasure."

The prior motioned the attendants to withdraw.

"Proceed. Thy message?" He spoke this with precipitancy, at the same
time abruptly changing his position.

"Mine errand is touching one Margaret de la Bech," said De Poininges,
seating himself opposite to the prior; "and I am directed to crave your
help for the clearing away of some loose suspicions regarding her
concealment."

"Her concealment!" replied De Litherland, starting up angrily from the
couch. "Her concealment! They who hide may find. I know not aught of the
wench, save that she was mad, and drowned herself. But why not inquire
of Sir Thomas? The maiden was not in my keeping." He paced the chamber
haughtily, but with a disturbed and lurid aspect.

"Yet," replied the other, "it is well and currently reported, and
witnesses there be who have already testified as to a fact, that some of
your men were seen the night of her withdrawal lurking in her path, and
that screams and other manifestations of the outrage then perpetrated
were heard in this direction. Not that we deem any blemish can attach to
your reverence in this matter. Still"--

"Why dost thou hesitate in thy speech?" said the prior, in a voice
almost inarticulate with choler.

"I would say," answered De Poininges, "that it is our wish, and your
duty, to search into this dark question, without favour or prejudice;
and, further, we do reckon that the Prior of Burscough is not without
the means to discover, and the power to punish, his offending vassals."

"And whose evil star guided thee hither with this insolent message?"
inquired the prior, pale and trembling with rage.

"Those whom your reverence may not lightly contemn. I have here a
warrant from the Council to procure all fitting help and suppliance for
the bringing up the body of Margaret de la Bech, who is suspected of
being detained in this neighbourhood, by persons hitherto unknown,
against her own proper will and