Then it was that the village clock struck such a late hour as farmers should never hear, except on the nights of fairs.
So the candles were lit, and the new servants respectfully lighted their young masters to the door.
Then left alone, the two girls looked at each other in the blankest manner possible. Beyond a doubt the whole castle was in an uproar; everybody hunting for her, (Nancy said, “hunting for us,”) and how should she explain her absence to the scandal-mongers?
“Well,” said Nancy, “they seem brave lads and honest.”
“And respectful.”
“Hum—good rough kind of souls, my lady.”
“Yes, I wish heartily we were at home.”
“We might as well wish for the queen’s diamonds.”
And here it was both the girls started, for a very distinct tapping came at the window. They were still trembling when the tapping was renewed, and a weak old voice cried, “Cousin—cousin.”
Perhaps Lady Henrietta never heard the old lord’s voice with less dislike than now. She opened the casement herself, and Tristam jumped in as lightly as possible.