In vain the steward declared he had spoken the truth.

The stranger evidently disbelieved him; but, as he could obtain no more satisfactory answer to his interrogations, he suddenly shifted his ground, and inquired whether Sir William's daughter, Mistress Viviana, was likewise absent from home.
"Before I reply to the question, I must know by whom and wherefore it is put ?" returned the steward, evasively.
"Trouble not yourself further, friend, but deliver this letter to her," rejoined the horseman, flinging a packet across the moat.

"It is addressed to her father, but there is no reason why she should not be acquainted with its contents." "Take it up, Olin Birtwissel," cried the steward, eyeing the packet which had fallen at his feet suspiciously; "take it up, I say, and hold it to the light, that I may consider it well before I carry it to our young mistress.

I have heard of strange treacheries practised by such means, and care not to meddle with it." "Neither do I, good Master Heydocke," replied Birtwissel.

"I would not touch it for a twelvemonth's wages.