Patience laughed, for she did laugh now, with a certain ring of gladness which had never been there before. "That we cannot do," she answered. "I cannot leave the farm, and Mr. Ewan cannot leave the vicarage."
As she said these words Mr. Ewan entered the sitting-room, smiled at Aunt Patience, who coloured deeply, for she knew he must have heard Agnes's last words, but he gave no sign, only laid a voluminous packet of papers in front of her.
"These are for you, Agnes," he said. "I met a king's messenger bringing them, and he entrusted them to me." Both Patience and Mr. Ewan exchanged glances, while Agnes fingered the parchment and slowly broke the seal.
"What is it?" she said. "I cannot read this cramped writing. What have I to do with the king?"
"Give it to me; let me read it to you," said Mr. Ewan.
"Oh no, not all these long pages!" said Agnes, "just tell me what it means. What does the king want with me?"
"Nothing," answered Mr. Ewan, "except to give back to you what by right is yours, the lands and estates of De Lisle Abbey."
"There is no De Lisle Abbey; it is Newbolt Manor," said Agnes sharply, "and I won't have it."
"You cannot help yourself. I think you must," said Patience.
"No, Aunt Patience, you may say what you will, but I will never go there. It would never be to me like home; I would sooner remain with you always. I will write and tell the king as much; I do not want to be Lady of De Lisle Abbey."