"That is well," returned De Boteler; and then, after a momentary but earnest gaze at Margaret, he turned away and left the cottage.
Holgrave entered soon after the baron's departure. Margaret strove to meet him with a smile; but it was not the sunny glow, that usually greeted his return. He detected the effort; nay, as he bent down to kiss her cheek, he saw that she trembled.
"What ails you, Margaret?" inquired he tenderly. "You are not well?"
"O yes," replied Margaret. "I am perfectly well, but—I have been a little frightened."
"By whom? Calverley?"
"No; his master."
"The baron! Surely Margaret—"
"Oh! Stephen," said Margaret, alarmed at the sudden fierceness his countenance assumed. "Indeed he said no harm. Did he, mother?"
"No," replied Edith, "and if he had, Stephen, your wife knew how to answer him as befitting a virtuous woman."
"It was well," replied Holgrave; "I am a freeman, and may go where I list, and not King Edward himself shall insult a freeman's wife!—but do not weep, Margaret, I am not angered with you."