unable to explain why she mistrusted,

r suspecting him of enmity towards her brother. She knew that Sir Humphrey hoped to win her hand in marriage-t

who was sister and co-heiress of the rich Grantham of Grantham Priory. No doubt her rent-roll added considerably to her

the suitor whom they reject. A certain regard for his sense of discrimination, an admiration for

want of a more scientific term has been called an inst

, she so much older in wisdom and prudence. It made her fear Sir Humphrey, not for herse

Philip, since her reason told her that the Squire of Hartington had nothing to gain

rebellion. Vaguely she trembled at the idea that he should know of her journey to London, or worse still, guess its purpose. Philip, she feared, might have

bject in wishing those letters to be suppressed: he co

coach went lumbering along the muddy road to the little wayside inn,

Thomas, the driver, whilst Lady Patience asked for a private room wherein she and her maid,

ad been a general air of excitement there throughout the day, for the Corporal in his red coat, followed by his

the while, then they had marched up to the village, read the Proclamation ou

thing to happen before, although she had been mistress of the Moorhen for nigh on twenty years. Usually the quality from Stretton Hall or from Hartington, or even Lady

er from Wirksworth with his clerk, Master Duffy, rec

spered to Master Duffy, as he rubbed his

choed the clerk

ence due to so great a lady as Lady Patience Gascoyne. He stood at the door of the parlour and had the honour of bowing to her as she followed Mist

Mistress Pottage brought the meagre, ill-cooked food, she felt at first quite unable to eat. She lay bac

f her mistress's shoes and stockings and began r

d energy, roused herself with an effort of will. She tried to eat some of the food, "the mess of pottage" as she smilingly termed

f youth and a happy heart, and presently, like a tired child, she curled

ng afternoon, closed her eyes and fell into a kind of stupor. She lay on the sofa

but all of a sudden she sat up, her eyes dilated

clock; it was just half-past three. She must have slept nearly half

ach pulling up, the shouts of the driver. And now she could hear men running, more sh

he could not see the coach or who this latest arrival at th

ly conquering excitement and alarm, she c

e had no cause to suspect that he was purposely following her. Bu

few moments the Squire would hear of her presence at the inn. He too

oused

ered. "Wake up! We must l

istress's pale, excited face bending

ey Challoner has just come by coach. I want to l

es are not pu

give upon the back of the house. As soon as I am gone, do you go to the parlour and tell Thomas to have the horses p

my l

low the road that leads to the forge. I'll be on the looko

es! my

e not a

shrugged her

, no, my lady! and the

for a few seconds. The sound of voices seemed to come from the more remote bar-parlour: moreover

pered to Betty as

e bolt, and the next instant she found herself looking out upon a dingy unfenced yard, which for the moment was hopelessly encumbered with the two huge travelling coaches: beyond these was a long wooden s

tood between her and the shed, would effectively hide her from view until she was past the house. The next moment, however, she heard an exclama