Thou wilt have to go to Rough Lee and Malkin Tower to-night." Jem nodded, to show his perfect apprehension of what was said and his assent to it, and while Mistress Nutter moved on with a slow and dignified step, he returned to Jennet, and told her she must go home directly, a piece of intelligence which was not received very graciously by the little maiden; but nothing heeding her unwillingness, Jem walked her off quickly in the direction of the cottage; but while on the way to it, they accidentally encountered their mother, Elizabeth Device, and therefore stopped.
"Yo mun go up to th' Abbey directly, mother," said Jem, with a wink, "Mistress Nutter wishes to see ye.

Yo'n find her i' t' ruins o' t' owd convent church.

Tak kere yo're neaw seen.

Yo onderstond." "Yeigh," replied Elizabeth, nodding her head significantly, "ey'n go at wonst, an see efter Alizon ot t' same time.

Fo ey'm towd hoo has fainted, an been ta'en to th' Abbey by Lady Assheton." "Never heed Alizon," replied Jem, gruffly.