John Merton inquired, as was right, after Sir Thomas, and openly shook his head when he heard of his sufferings (for he and his wife were as good Catholics as any in the country); and when the room was empty for a moment of the maids, spoke of a priest who, he had been told, would say mass in Tansley next day (for it was in this way, for the most part, that such news was carried from mouth to mouth).

Then, when the maids came in again, the battle of the tithe was fought once more, and Mr.Thomas pronounced sentence for the second time.
They blessed themselves, all four of them, openly at the end, and went out at last to their horses.
"Will you ride with us, sir ?" asked Anthony; "we can go your way.

Robin here has something to say to you." "I shall be happy if you will give me your company for a little.

I must be at Padley before dark, if I can, and must visit a couple of houses on the way." He called out to his two servants, who ran out from the kitchen wiping their mouths, telling them to follow at once, and the three rode off down the hill.
Then Robin told him.
He was silent for a while after he had put a question or two, biting his lower lip a little, and putting his little beard into his mouth.

Then he burst out.
"And I dare not ask you to come to me for Easter," he said.