me that he was still
beyond the seas, and that it was not like he would ever set foot on
English soil again."

Cuthbert was silent. But he presently asked a question.

"But who is this Father Urban? and why should his appearance mean
aught, or disturb thee?"

"Father Urban is a Jesuit, and one of those they call seminary
priests, and all such are held in detestation and suspicion above
all other Papists. When men lay hands on them they show them scant
mercy. It is a saying in this land that when treason and murder and
wickedness is abroad, a seminary priest is sure to be the leading
spirit. When those two last plots were hatching, this Father Urban
was in the country. He has returned now, and many men are looking
abroad with fear, wondering how soon the calm will be interrupted.
I like it not; I like it not; and I caution thee to keep away from
yon house, and to have no dealings with the Papists. They be
treacherous friends as well as wily foes. It were best and safest
for thee to keep away from all such. Thou art not one of them; why
shouldest thou consort with them?"

"I do not consort with them," answered Cuthbert; "but I have none
of thy hatred for the name, and these men have been kind and
friendly to me. I owe much to the lessons Anthony Cole has taught
me. I have no knowledge of their secrets, but I cannot see why I
may not speak a friendly word with them; even my uncle does that."

"Ay, but he goes not to their house--and his name is not Trevlyn."

"But what of that? the Trevlyns are now a stanch family, in favour
with the King and his counsellors."

"Ay, but the name is not forgotten in many quarters as belonging to
a race of persecuting Papists. It takes long for old memories to
die out. Thou hadst better take heed, Cuthbert. A whisper against
thee would soon spread and take root. I prithee meddle not in such
matters, lest some ill befall thee!"

Cuthbert thanked honest Jacob for his goodwill and for his warning,
but he could not see that it was needed. He was but an obscure
youth, of no note in the world. He had no dealings with any of
those plots of which men were whispering, and he could not see how
any act of his could raise suspicion of any sort against him. He
was growing intensely curious about the seething fire beneath the
outer crust of quietness and security. If some great plot were
hatching, if some great upheaval were at hand, why might not he
scent out something beforehand? Why might no