"My young mistress, when did you see Father Leonard last?" said Griffith, gnawing his lip.
"How can I tell? Why it was miles ago; when I was a mere girl. You know he went away before you did."
"I know nothing of the kind. Tell me the truth now. He has visited here since I went away."
"Nay, papa."
"That is strange. She visits him, then?"
"What, mamma? She seldom stirs out; and never beyond the village. We keep no carriage now. Mamma is turned such a miser. She is afraid you will be poor; so she puts it all by for you. But now you are come, we shall have carriages and things again. Oh, by-the-by, Father Leonard! I heard them say he had left England, so I did."
"When was that?"
"Well, I think that was a little bit after you went away."
"That is strange," said Griffith, thoughtfully.
He led his little girl by the hand, but scarcely listened to her prattle; he was so surprised and puzzled by the information he had elicited from her.