before it was paid, would the
son of that man have a right to it?'

'If it had been so set down in the bond that the heirs of his body
should have it, yes, he'd have to pay it.'

'Then there is no hope,' Bryda said, with a sigh, and Chatterton saw her
wipe a tear away with the corner of her apron.

'Hark, miss,' he said, 'I am poor, and treated here like a dog because I
am poor. I have a good mother, and if you would like to see her she
would be proud to see you. I can escort you there on Sunday, and show
you a thing or two.'

'If I may, I will come,' Bryda said.

'May? Sunday is everyone's holiday. I should feel it an honour to guide
you to St Mary's grand church. It is there my father found all these
fine poems, you know, up in the muniment room.'

'I knew you were very learned. I have the story of the "Fryars passing
over the old Bridge" in my pocket-book. I cut it out of the newspaper.'

'But I can read you better things than that, if you care to hear them. I
have a splendid poem called the "Tragedy of AElla." The minstrel's song
would be to your taste, perhaps. But I must away now. Count me as your
friend in this miserable hole should you need one.'

'I do need a friend,' poor Bryda said; 'I am friendless in Bristol
except for one,' she added. 'You know him--Mr Jack Henderson.'

'Yes, I know him, a big country lout and bumpkin, whom his uncle is
trying to polish as he polishes his silver goods, poor fool for his
pains.'

But Bryda rose on the defensive for Jack.

'Mr Henderson is a good and true friend, sir, nor can I hear him
ill-spoken of.'

'Nay, I meant no harm,' Chatterton said, and the next minute Bryda was
left to her pastry making and cake mixing.

'If Jack should ask me to go out on Sunday he will be angered against me
for promising to go with that strange boy, but what fire there is in
his eyes, what a noble mien he has when he answers Mrs Symes.'

Here Bryda's soliloquy was abruptly broken in on by Mrs Symes' voice.

'Seasoning your pastry with gossip, I hear. Have a care of yon fellow. I
think an evil spirit is in him, and so do many beside me, let me tell
you, miss.'

CHAPTER VII

CONSULTATION.

Bryda watched her opportunity, and finding Mr Lambert alone in the
parlour, on the first Sunday morning of her residence in Dowry Square,
she laid before him her grandfather's troubles. Mr Lambert's advice was
soon given.

'Let him sell goods to the value of three hundred pound