eeches, and
top-boots, one of the few remaining members of her mother's family sent
his chaplain to remonstrate and advise her father to command her to
forbear from appearing in such impudent attire.

There was, indeed, a stirring scene when this message was delivered by
its bearer. The chaplain was an awkward, timid creature, who had heard
stories enough of Wildairs Hall and its master to undertake his mission
with a quaking soul. To have refused to obey any behest of his patron
would have cost him his living, and knowing this beyond a doubt, he was
forced to gird up his loins and gather together all the little courage he
could muster to beard the lion in his den.

The first thing he beheld on entering the big hall was a beautiful tall
youth wearing his own rich black hair, and dressed in scarlet coat for
hunting. He was playing with a dog, making it leap over his crop, and
both laughing and swearing at its clumsiness. He glanced at the chaplain
with a laughing, brilliant eye, returning the poor man's humble bow with
a slight nod as he plainly hearkened to what he said as he explained his
errand.

"I come from my Lord Twemlow, who is your master's kinsman," the chaplain
faltered; "I am bidden to see and speak to him if it be possible, and his
lordship much desires that Sir Jeoffry will allow it to be so. My Lord
Twemlow--"

The beautiful youth left his playing with the dog and came forward with
all the air of the young master of the house.

"My Lord Twemlow sends you?" he said. "'Tis long since his lordship
favoured us with messages. Where is Sir Jeoffry, Lovatt?"

"In the dining-hall," answered the servant. "He went there but a moment
past, Mistress."

The chaplain gave such a start as made him drop his shovel hat.
"Mistress!" And this was she--this fine young creature who was tall and
grandly enough built and knit to seem a radiant being even when clad in
masculine attire. He picked up his hat and bowed so low that it almost
swept the floor in his obeisance. He was not used to female beauty which
deigned to cast great smiling eyes upon him, for at my Lord Twemlow's
table he sat so far below the salt that women looked not his way.

This beauty looked at him as if she was amused at the thought of
something in her own mind. He wondered tremblingly if she guessed what
he came for and knew how her father would receive it.

"Come with me," she said; "I will take you to him. He would not see you
if I