The stout servant was brought from the kitchen in a state of trepidation, and, after curtsying awkwardly to the assembled gentlemen, flopped heavily into a chair, covered her face with her apron, and burst into sobs.

Her story--which was extracted from her with much difficulty--bore out the innkeeper's account of her early morning interview with Ronald.

She said the poor young gentleman had opened the door when she knocked with his tea.

He was fully dressed, with his boots in his hand, and he said he wouldn't wait for any breakfast, though she had offered to cook him some fresh fish the master had caught the day before.

He asked her to clean his boots, but as she was carrying them away he called her back and said he would wear them as they were.