'Rather to the Tower of Fable, dear lady, since the whole story is a
myth.'

Not caring to hear this duel of words, and rather surprised to learn
that Mother Jael was present, Cargrim slipped away at the first
opportunity to ponder over the information and consider what use he
could make of it. So the old woman still followed the bishop?--had
followed him even into society, and had made herself Mrs Pansey's
professional fortune-teller so that she might still continue to vex the
eyes of her victim with the sight of her eternal red cloak. Dr Pendle
was at that very moment walking amongst the guests, with his youngest
son by his side, and appeared to be more cheerful and more like his
former self than he had been for some time. Apparently he was as yet
ignorant that Mother Jael was in his immediate vicinity; but Cargrim
determined that he should be warned of her presence as speedily as
possible, and be lured into having an interview with her so that his
scheming chaplain might see what would come of the meeting. Also Cargrim
resolved to see the old gipsy himself and renew the conversation which
she had broken off when she had thieved his gold. In one way or another
he foresaw that it would be absolutely necessary to force the woman into
making some definite statement either inculpating or exonerating the
bishop in respect of Jentham's death. Therefore, having come to this
conclusion, Cargrim strolled watchfully through the merry crowd. It was
his purpose to inform Dr Pendle that Mother Jael was telling fortunes in
the gaily-striped tent, and his determination to bring--if possible--the
prelate into contact with the old hag. From such a meeting artful Mr
Cargrim hoped to gather some useful information from the conversation
and behaviour of the pair.

Unfortunately Cargrim was impeded in the execution of this scheme from
the fact of his remarkable popularity. He could not take two steps
without being addressed by one or more of his lady admirers; and
although he saw the bishop no great distance away, he could not reach
him by reason of the detaining sirens. As gracefully as possible he
eluded their snares, but when confronted by Daisy Norsham hanging on the
arm of Dean Alder, he almost gave up hope of reaching his goal. There
was but little chance of escape from Daisy and her small talk. Moreover,
she was rather bored by the instructive conversation of the ancient
parson, and wanted to attach herself to some younger and