strokes to
the preparation of the feast, immediately took their allotted places,
and Manners found himself at the end of the row within the shadow of
the wall, and separated from the rest by the intervening body of the
leader.

"The baron sends this for the musicians," said the page, as he
deposited a large pitcher of ale upon the gallery floor. "They are
coming now, and he would like some merry tunes."

Even as the lad spoke the guests came pouring into the room; laughing,
joking, talking; almost all of them in the merriest possible mood.

Manners scrutinised their faces keenly, and he thought with regret of
the time not long ago, when he too had been one of the happiest of all
the merry guests of just such another party. But where was Doll? He
could not see her anywhere, and so intent was he on searching for his
beloved, that the blast of the trumpets by his side startled him and
made him fairly jump with surprise.

Mechanically he took his instrument up. The tune was simple and he
knew it well, but even as he played his eye wandered from the sheet
before him to scan the merry throng below.

Ha! there she was. He discovered her at last, but her gait was lively
and her dress was amongst the gayest of the gay; and as she entered
leaning upon Sir Edward Stanley's arm she wore a smile upon her face.
His heart misgave him at the sight. Had Lettice deceived him? For a
moment he entertained the thought, and he cursed the hope which she
had planted in his heart, and then in a fear of anxiety he lay the
lute down and looked to find the fatal bow of black.

What was it he saw? His gaze was rivetted upon her dress, by the side
of which hung the long fan. His eyes seemed to dance about, his head
swam, and, before he could determine the question, Dorothy had passed
by and taken her place at the table.

Father Nicholas asked a blessing which was even longer and more
wearisome than his predecessor had indulged in, and the occupants of
the gallery took advantage of the long interval to quaff the
greater portion of the refreshing beverage which Sir George, with
characteristic generosity, had sent up to them.

The prayer had a conclusion though, and when the good father reached
it the fact was signalised by an unanimous, if not very sincere "amen"
from the guests, while the band struck up another lively tune.

Throughout the meal the musicians had little rest. One tune was played
and immediately another was struck up to take