“Make your mind easy!” said he. “Go in and get you ready, lad, and I’ll see to get you the leave.”
Stephen turned into the Castle, to fetch his cloak and make up a parcel of provisions, while Osbert went to the Earl, returning in a few minutes with leave of absence for Stephen. To the great satisfaction of the latter, Anania was not at home; so he plundered her larder, and set off, leaving Osbert to make his excuses, and to tell her just as much, or as little, as he found convenient. Stephen was sorely tempted to go first to Bensington, but he knew that both principle and policy directed the previous search for Orme. He found that exemplary gentleman, after an hour’s search, drinking and gambling in a low ale-booth outside South Gate; and having first pumped on him to get him sober, he sent him off to his work with a lecture. Then, going a little way down Grandpont Street, he turned across Presthey, and coming out below Saint Edmund’s Well, took the road to Bensington.
The journey was accomplished in much shorter time than on the previous occasion. As Stephen came up to the Witch’s hut, he heard the sound of a low, monotonous voice; and being untroubled, at that period of the world’s history, by any idea that eavesdropping was a dishonourable employment, he immediately applied his ear to the keyhole. To his great satisfaction, he recognised Ermine’s voice. The words were these:—
“‘I confess to Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hiddest these things from the wise and prudent, and revealedst them unto little children. Even so, Father; for this was well-pleasing before Thee. All things are to Me delivered from My Father; and none knoweth the Son save the Father; neither the Father doth any know, save the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal Him. Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’”
“Did He say that, now, dearie?” asked the voice of the White Witch. “Eh, it sounds good—it does so! I’m burdened, saints knows; I’d like to find a bit o’ rest and refreshing. Life’s a heavy burden, and sin’s a heavier; and there’s a many things I see are sins now, that I never did afore you came. But how am I to know that He’s willing?”
“Won’t you come and see, Mother?” said Ermine softly.
“Husht! Bide a bit, my dear: there’s a little sound at the door as I don’t rightly understand. Maybe—”
In another moment the wicket opened, and Haldane’s face looked out upon Stephen.
“Good evening, Mother!” said Stephen, holding up the ball of grey wool.
“Ay, you got it, did you? Come in—you’re welcome.”