Supper soon smoked upon the board; but, though it was set for three, nobody else appeared.
Griffith inquired of Ryder whether he was to sup alone.
She replied: "My mistress desires you not to wait for her. She has no stomach."
"Well, then, I have," said Griffith, and fell to with a will.
Ryder, who waited on this occasion, stood and eyed him with curiosity: his conduct was so unlike a woman's.
Just as he concluded, the door opened, and a burly form entered. Griffith rose, and embraced him with his arms and lips, after the fashion of the day. "Welcome, thou one honest priest!" said he.
"Welcome, thrice welcome, my long lost son!" said the cordial Francis.
"Sit down, man, and eat with me. I'll begin again, for you."
"Presently, Squire; I've work to do first. Go thou and bid thy mistress come hither to me."
Ryder, to whom this was addressed, went out, and left the gentlemen together.