"Wait awhile, and I will let you know if there is any reply; go to the kitchen after you have stabled your pony—the maids will get you some dinner," said Susan.
The lad bowed low and took his departure, glad to follow out Susan's instructions.
Susan turned to her father, who had looked on smilingly.
"Pardon me, dear father," she said, "I will be with you anon."
William Jefferay nodded assent. Susan hastened to her own room and quickly opened her letter.
Yes, it was from Geoffrey de Fynes; she had half hoped to have seen him this day, why had he written instead?
So, with a heart surmising evil, she proceeded to read the letter. As she did so, her cheeks paled and her hands trembled. Then she rang a small silver bell which stood at her side, and her maid Janet appeared in answer to the summons.
"Ask my father to come hither to me, Janet," she said, and the maid hastened away.
Her father presently entered her room, his face still wreathed with smiles.
But the expression of his face changed suddenly as he looked upon his daughter, who held out the letter to him.