They talked a little more about Chris, and Ralph soon saw on which side Nicholas ranged himself. It was an unfeigned pleasure to this hunting squire to have a monk for a brother-in-law; there was no knowing how short purgatory might not be for them all under the circumstances.
It was evident, too, when they came up with the others a couple of miles further on, that Nicholas’s attitude towards the young man had undergone a change. He looked at him with a deep respect, refrained from criticising his bloodless hands, and was soon riding on in front beside him, talking eagerly and deferentially, while Ralph followed with Mary and his father.
“You have heard?” he said to her presently.
“Father has just told me,” she said. “We are very much pleased—dear Chris!”
“And then there is Meg,” put in her father.
“Oh! Meg; yes, I knew she would. She is made for a nun.”
Sir James edged his horse in presently close to Ralph, as Mary went in front through a narrow opening in the wood.
“Be good to him,” he said. “He thinks so much of you.”
Ralph glanced up and smiled into the tender keen eyes that were looking into his own.
“Why, of course, sir,” he said.