the ministers of holy
Church? Truly, had I just cause to suspect your fidelity to her, this
were enough to proceed on. But trusting ye may yet have ability to
plead your excuse"--a slightly more suave tone was allowed to soften the
voice--"I wait to hear it, ere I take steps that were molestous to you,
and truly unwelcome unto me. What say ye in extenuation thereof?"

"We are verily sorry, Father," came quietly from Mistress Grena, "that
no meet apology hath been offered unto you for this discourtesy, and we
pray you of your grace and goodness right gentilly to accept the same
even now. Truly the matter stands thus: Our sister, Mistress
Collenwood, had in purpose to tarry with us divers days longer; but
yester-even tidings came unto her the which caused her to hasten her
departure, not tarrying so much as one night more; and as she had
desired to take Pandora withal, it was needful that her departure should
be hastened likewise. You wot well, good Father, I am assured, the
bustle and business caused by such sudden resolve, and the little time
left for thought therein: but for any consequent lack of respect unto
yourself and your holy office, we are full sorry, and do right humbly
entreat you of pardon."

Mr Roberts breathed more freely. He thought the woman's wit was about
to prevail, and to salve over the offence.

The priest, on his part, perceived with regret that he had made a
mistake in retaining Mistress Grena. Her representations were very
plausible, and she was not so easily cowed as her brother-in-law. He
considered a moment how to proceed.

"In truth, my daughter," he said, addressing her, "you have fully made
your excuse, and I allow it right gladly. I may well conceive that in
the haste and labour of making ready on so sudden summons, both you and
your niece may easily have forgat the matter. I need not keep you
longer from your household duties. God grant you a good even!"

Mistress Grena had no resource but to withdraw in answer to this
dismissal, her heart filled with sore forebodings. She had hoped the
excuse might be held to cover the whole family; but it was evident the
priest had no intention of accepting it as including the male portion
thereof. As she passed Mr Roberts, with her back to the priest, she
gave him a warning look; but her hope that he would take the warning was
as small as it could well be.

"And now, my son," said the Rector softly, turning to his remaining
victim,