I fear the appearance of this monk bodes no good to our family; and what makes it worse is, it is not the first ill omen that has befallen us to-day, Master Richard was unlucky enough to stand on Abbot Paslew's grave!" "Mercy on us! that was unlucky indeed!" cried Adam, in great trepidation.

"Poor dear young gentleman! Bid him take especial care of himself, good Master Nicholas.

I noticed just now, that yon fearsome monk regarded him more attentively than you.

Bid him be careful, I conjure you, sir.

But here comes my honoured master and his guests.
Here, Gregory, Dickon, bestir yourselves, knaves; and serve supper at the upper table in a trice." Any apprehensions Nicholas might entertain for Richard were at this moment relieved, for as Sir Ralph and his guests came in at one door, the young man entered by another.