"Not so fast, either though, worthy knight," interrupted Stanley. "I am not yet satisfied that it really was the witch, for she seems to have been at home all day, except when she was by the side of the stocks."
"Courting the proud smith," added Lady Vernon, referring to a rumour in the neighbourhood.
"But he was killed in the woods," said Dorothy.
"Tut, there's not a doubt about the matter," pursued Sir George, "not the shadow of a doubt."
"Nevertheless there is something in what Dorothy urges, and we had better make some sort of inquiry," suggested the more cautious Stanley; "for thou hast many jealous enemies, Sir George, who would gladly score a triumph over thee an they had but half a chance."
"Sir Ronald Bury, for instance," added Margaret.
"But why Sir Ronald?" asked De Lacey. "He is a simple enough knight, I trow."
"Pooh, I care naught for him," replied Sir George Vernon; "he is jealous of the beauty of my daughters."
"And wants a husband for his child," added Lady Maude.
"Let him want, then," testily returned the baron. "He may turn green with envy for aught I care. I'll do it to his face, I will."