He will wonder as much as we." Laughing again, I ran off and left the company crowding to a man round the stubborn Vicar.

It was well indeed that I did not linger, for, having come to the Manor at my best speed, I found my lord's coach already at the door and himself in cloak and hat about to step into it.
But he waited to hear my breathless story, and, when I came to the pith of it, snatched my letter from my hand and read it eagerly.

At first I thought he was playing a part and meant only to deny his kindness or delay the confession of it.

His manner soon undeceived me; he was in truth amazed, as the Vicar had predicted, but more than that, he was, if I read his face aright, sorely displeased also; for a heavy frown gathered on his brow, and he walked with me in utter silence the better half of the length of the terrace.
"I have nothing to do with it," he said bitterly.

"I and my family have done the King and his too much service to have the giving away of favours.