hom they would
force her into marriage, Edward Stanley, always left her with a sadder
heart than she had had before.

With Manners the time flew by quickly. He sorely wanted to see
Dorothy again, and as the days rapidly passed he recked not of the
disappointments of the past, but only thought of the few days which
intervened between them and Christmas.

Surely the rumour must be wrong. There would never be two weddings at
the Hall this Christmastide. He, at least, would not believe it.

"Nicholas," he said, as he met that worthy at last, "thou wilt only
marry one?"

"The baron bids me marry the other as well. I would it were not so,
for the maiden cares naught for him. I like not this brother; he is
worse than Margaret's betrothed."

"You must help us, then."

"I must do my duty, but if in doing that I can aid thee thou hast but
to speak the word."

"But you shall help us, Nicholas."

"Why, how?"

"I will tell thee."

"I am a priest, remember. I cannot do anything unworthy even for a
friend like thee; though thou wert my benefactor."

He paused, as if unwilling to wound his friend by his words, and
seeing the look of dismay upon the other's face, he stopped.

"Nicholas," said Manners, "thou shalt do naught but stand. I must see
Dorothy. I shall," he added determinedly. "Some way or other I
shall see her; even though blood be shed I shall do it," and in the
intensity of his feelings he involuntarily put his hand down to his
side to feel for the dagger which was not there.

"I fear thou art too venturesome," expostulated his friend, quietly.

"I am desperate," he replied; "and you, Nicholas, by simply standing
still might help me as much as I require, and might, perchance,
prevent bloodshed, too."

"Hush, friend John, talk not thus foolishly."

"And the blood will be upon your head," continued the distracted
lover. "With or without your aid I must, I shall, see Doll; and that
soon. You know my word is not lightly broken. Did I not succour thee
and save thy life when all conspired against thee?"

"Aye, in truth, and--"

"And I call upon you now, Nicholas, to discharge that debt," pursued
Manners, hotly. "You must; I am resolved, I am well nigh desperate;
and Father Philip sanctioned the troth, Nicholas, and blessed us ere
he died."

"Is that so?"

"Assuredly it is. Thou shalt help us, nor shalt thou be dishonoured in
the deed."

"An you will lead me into no evil I will consent, but I fear to t