"
The old man's face twitched; but he kept his manners. "I understand you,
mistress...." But then his wrath overcame him. "But he must understand
he will have no mercy from me, if he comes my way. I am a magistrate,
now, mistress, and--"
A thought like an inspiration came to the girl; and she interrupted; for
she longed to penetrate this man's armour.
"Perhaps that was why he did not tell you when he was to be made
priest," she said.
The other seemed taken aback.
"Why, but--"
"He did not wish to think that his father would be untrue to his new
commission," she said, trembling at her boldness and yet exultant too;
and taking no pains to keep the irony out of her voice.
Again that fierce twitch of the features went over the other's face; and
he stared straight at her with narrowed eyes. Then a change again came
over him; and he laughed, like barking, yet not all unkindly.
"You are very shrewd, mistress. But I wonder what you will think of me
when I tell you the second matter, since you will tell me no more of the
first."
He shifted his position in his chair, this time clasping both his hands
together over the back.
"Well; it is this in a word," he said: "It is that you had best look to
yourself, mistress. My lord Shrewsbury even knows of it."
"Of what, if you please?" asked the girl, hoping she had not turned
white.
"Why, of the priests that come and go hereabouts! It is all known; and
her Grace hath sent a message from the Council--"
"What has this to do with me?"
He laughed again.
Pages:
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235