the mind of the villagers; but on this she resolved to keep eyes and
ears alike open whenever she went amongst them, so that she might
protect her from violence should any be attempted or contemplated.

But it seemed that the people had forgotten the witch in their rage
against the "Parliament rebels," and Maud could not discover whether the
old woman was being supplied with food or not; and very soon the fear
that she would be starved to death began to take possession of her mind.
To satisfy herself upon this point she resolved to walk down the lane
late one afternoon, when she would not be expected. Before she had
reached the cottage, however, she saw a litter borne between two men
carried into the garden, and then from this was lifted what looked like
a huge roll of cloth, and taken into the house, while Dame Coppins came
and looked all round to make sure no one was in the lane. She did not
see Maud, for she had concealed herself behind a tree, but the young
lady had a good view of the old woman's face, and saw that there was
little fear of her dying of starvation yet. As soon as she could she
slipped out of her hiding-place and walked quickly up the lane. She was
afraid of going near the cottage now, and she wondered what fresh
wickedness Dame Coppins had been at. No wonder the people were afraid of
her when such mysterious doings as that were going on.

Maud thought she had more than sufficient evidence to prove that Dame
Coppins was a witch now, and began seriously to consider whether she
ought not to inform against her; and she might have done this, only
Master Drury was taken ill again. Maud began to think this must be the
witch's work, when all Mistress Mabel's remedies failed, but she dared
not say so, for fear the servants should tell the villagers, and they
should attempt to drown her again; and so she suggested that a physician
should be sent for to see her guardian. Mistress Mabel looked scornful
at first, but finally relented, and a boy was despatched to the town,
and returned with the grave-looking doctor, in plumed hat, scarlet
cloak, and immense ruffles at his wrists. He looked grand enough to do
anything if grandeur would do it, but he shook his head when he heard
all Master Drury's ailments. Beyond this he would not commit himself,
and so very little information was gained from his visit, and they could
only wait in hope that his medicine would soon effect some improvement
on the patient.

Meanwh