Bid his memory be honored among ye; and oh, tell the sovereign for whom he fell, better a death like this than treachery and shame." She had paused as fearing observation, but perceiving the attention of all more fixed on the glittering cavalcade than on herself, she placed one of those glossy curls in the young earl's hand, and continued-- "Give this to my poor Agnes, with her mother's blessing, and bid her take comfort, bid her not weep and mourn for me.

A prison, even death is preferable now to life, for she is cared for.

I trust her to Sir Nigel's love; I know that he will tend her as a brother till a happier hour makes her all his own.

Commend me to my sovereign, and tell him, might I choose my path again, despite its anguish, 'twould be that which I have trod.

And now farewell, young lord, I bless thee for this meeting." "Dominus vobiscum mea filia, et vale," responded the supposed monk, in a loud voice, for he had only time to assure the countess by a look of deep sympathy of his willingness to execute her simplest wish, and hide the ringlet in his bosom, ere Hereford turned towards him, with a gaze of stern inquiry.