The parcel, however, she easily undid, and it contained forty pounds in gold and small notes. "Oho! my lady," said Ryder.
She was received by Leonard with a tender emotion he in vain tried to conceal.
On reading the letter his features contracted sharply, and he seemed to suffer agony. He would not even open the parcel. "You will take that back," said he, bitterly.
"What, without a word?"
"Without a word. But I will write, when I am able."
"Don't be long, sir," suggested Ryder. "I am sure my mistress is wearying for you. Consider, sir, she is all alone now."
"Not so much alone as I am," said the priest, "nor half so unfortunate."
And with this he leaned his head despairingly on his hand, and motioned to Ryder to leave him.
"Here's a couple of fools," said she to herself, as she went home.
That very evening Thomas Leicester caught her alone, and asked her to marry him.