The eyes of the aged domestic filled with tears, and a look of anxious indecision, which was even more distressing than his tears, crossed his pale face. Bernard was moved.
“’Fore God,” he said, catching up Adam’s hand, “I am true, old man! Mark thou how it will end!”
Adam looked up, and, raising his hand, devoutly crossed himself.
“So God deal between me and thee, as thou art true or false!” he said, in an agitated voice. “But no more now, Sir! My mistress hath been asking for thee earnestly.”
“Lead the way!” answered Bernard. “I have that for her will make her glad.”
With a quick step, the old man, now quite composed again, led the way up the stairs, and shortly brought him to Evaline’s presence.
She was sitting exactly as he had left her, with Martha, still seeking to cheer her, at her side. They both rose, however, when he entered, and Evaline gazed inquiringly in his face.
“God be with thee, lady!” he said, with a smile. “What wouldst thou have?”
His smile, and the tone in which he spoke, which was more cheerful than his wont, brought a flush of animation to Evaline’s face, and the look of inquiry that she had fixed upon him became more intense.
“Thou hast heard somewhat, Master Gray,” she said. “Is Sir Walter Raleigh at large again?”