I did not reply save to give a hearty laugh and to press Nancy's hand, which lay on my arm.
"I am afraid there may be dark days for England ahead, but you, Trevanion, have entered into light. Now, then, before I go let me see your tenants and servants dance again."
So I called to the old fiddlers, men who had lived in the parish all their lives, and they struck up "Sir Roger de Coverley," when old and young laughed alike.
"All seem happy save yon old blind beggar," remarked my friend; "he seems sad and hungry."
"Then he shall not be sad and hungry long," I said, noting for the first time an old man on the lawn; "stay a little longer, and you shall see that he will soon be as happy as the rest."
"No," replied Boscawen; "I give you good evening, and all joy," and therewith he went away.
"Fetch yon old man, Daniel, and give him of the best of everything," I said; "food and drink, aye, and a pipe and tobacco too. No man shall be sad and weary to-day if I can help it."
So Daniel fetched him, and all the while young and old laughed and danced for very joy, aye, white-haired tottering old men and women, as well as the little children made the place ring with their joyous shouts.
"You are happy, my love, are you not?" I said turning to the dear maid at my side.
"Yes, perfectly happy, but for one cloud in the sky."