"'Tis strange," said Martin, "to behold the spirit which everywhere actuates those who profess more religion than their neighbours, both Protestants and Catholics. By my faith, men will dispute upon the subject, cut a throat for religion, indite most learned matter appertaining,—anything but live for it."
"'Tis even so, Martin," said Sir Hugh with a sigh, "and therefore doth it behove us, and all those who are not of this bigoted and intolerant spirit, to guard our hearths from the danger of such association. A presentiment of evil is upon my mind since this man's coming, which I cannot shake off. Be it thy business to look to his wants this evening. To-morrow Father Eustace returns, and we shall then know more about his designs."
"Ah, that Eustace!" muttered Martin to himself. "Hath he ever seen this man?" he inquired aloud.
"I think not," said Sir Hugh; "they have never met to my knowledge."
"Enough," said Martin; "leave him to me. Now break we off, and let us join our party. See where the lady Charlotte leads her two attendant swains toward the house yonder. This new-found friend, Sir Hugh," continued Martin, "this youth, whose merits seem so far beyond his fortunes, is he likely to remain long at Clopton?"
"He tarries here to-night, Martin," said Sir Hugh, "and shall be ever welcome. We are deeply his debtor."
"Humph," said Martin significantly, "I supposed as much, and I suppose it must even be so,—but——"