en route doubtless to York and
its busy marts. They were gathered about an abundant meal spread at
one end of the large table and were talking loudly of their business.
At the other end of the board, their heads close together in subdued
and earnest converse, were two Benedictines in the black tunic and gown
of the Order. De Lacy had early learned on the Continent that a
traveling monk usually meant mischief afoot for some one; and as from
their manner of talk they evidently had not been journeying together,
but were just met, and possibly by prearrangement, it would be well he
thought to keep them under a temporary surveillance. Over near the
window in the rear of the room were two lusty-looking men-at-arms, each
with a big mug of ale at his elbow; and as they wore no badge of
service, they also would bear watching. The eighth and last was of De
Lacy's own rank, but older by at least ten years; and he stared across
with such persistence that Aymer grew annoyed and drew back into the
shadow.

Until the night when he had lost his betrothed, Aymer de Lacy had been
genial, frank and open-hearted; taking life as it came, meeting man
against man in the open, searching not into the dark. But the outrage
at the Hermit's Cell, and the days of distress which followed had
worked a change. He was growing cold and stern and distrustful;
cautious of speech; reserved and distant in manner; seeking always for
a clue behind even the most friendly face or cordial greeting; and
holding every stranger under the ban of suspicion.

At length having long since finished his wine, he was about to rap on
the table for the landlord when the front door opened and a young girl
glided into the room. She wore the fancy dress of the tymbestere, a
red bodice slashed and spangled, and a red skirt that came midway
between the knee and the ground, disclosing a pair of trim and shapely
ankles and small feet. But as if to compensate for this display, her
face was hidden by a black mask through which the eyes shone and
smiled, but which effectively concealed her other features.

Pausing an instant, until satisfied she was observed by all, she began
a slow and stately dance, timing her steps to the soft jingle of her
tambourine. The girl had a lithe gracefulness and stately bearing
unusual in those of her class--whose exhibitions were rather of the
fast and furious kind with a liberal display of their forms--and when
with a last low curtsy she e