Sir Robert looked inquisitively at the yeoman and his wife, but more particularly at Mary; and, as if he read her character in her countenance, said something in a low voice to De Boteler, who instantly ordered Byles to retire into the ante-room till called for. The door being closed, the baron, at Sir Robert's request, bade Mary Byles approach. Mary, upon entering the hall, had looked a very comely sort of personage; but as misgivings gave place to the flattered confidence which had given firmness to her step as she entered, she now presented a totally different aspect.
"He's better have some warm ale," said the old man we have before mentioned, with a sneer"these garments seem to weigh down the spirit of our new guest.""Yes, I heard they dealt badly enough with him, because he would not betray poor Stephenand for giving the sacrament to that unfortunate scape-grace. They told me he was to be turned from the abbey to-day, so I sent Dick with a few groats to help him on a littlebut I don't know yet, whether the lad is come back, for I have not seen him."
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