'In the secluded life led in those days by a maiden of rank, such an event was of deep and peculiar interest; love speedily became the sequel, and in truth the object of it seemed to have been a very loveable fellow. Thus it was, with many bitter tears, that one evening she told him that her frequent absence from home had been remarked, and that she must meet him no more in that wooded hollow, especially as it was the haunt of goblins and other evil spirits.
'On hearing this, the handsome stranger laughed till all the dell seemed to re-echo, caressed her tenderly, and, after urging her on peril of her truth and soul to come to the trysting-place at least once again, left her in haste, as some one was seen to approach them.
'This proved to be James of Jerusalem, who is still remembered as the Black Priest of Dundargue. He wore nothing that was canonical; to have done so would have been as much as his life was worth in those days; thus he was clad in a sable Geneva cloak and doublet, with falling bands, and a calotte cap of black velvet with long lappets.
'He looked deadly pale, and was trembling in every limb, while he crossed himself again and again, and said, in a low and agitated voice,
'"Child Muriel, who is he that left you in such hot haste just now?"
'But Muriel,
"Crimson with shame, with terror mute,"
terror of her father, who was a stern and rigid man, remained silent.
'"Speak, unhappy girl!" urged the priest.
'"I know not his name," she replied, faintly.