"Not likely, since he can read all our hearts. Why, he told me something about you, Tom Leicester; he says you are in love."
"No! did he really now?" and Leicester opened his eyes very wide. "And did he tell you who the lass is?"
"He did so; and surprised me properly." This with a haughty glance.
Leicester held his tongue and turned red.
"Who is it, mistress?" asked the helper.
"He didn't say I was to tell you, young man."
And with these two pricks of her needle she left them both more or less discomfited, and went to scrutinize and anatomize her mistress's heart with plenty of cunning, but no mercy. She related her own part in the affair very briefly, but dwelt with well-feigned sympathy on the priest's feelings. "He turned as white as a sheet, ma'am, when I told him, and offered me his very ring off his finger, he was so grateful; poor man!"
"You did not take it, I hope?" said Mrs. Gaunt, quickly.
"La, no, ma'am. I hadn't the heart."
Mrs. Gaunt was silent awhile. When she spoke again it was to inquire whether Ryder had given him the letter.