“Perchance,” replied Henry; “but I will explain myself more fully anon.”
This muttered colloquy was overheard by Patch, and faithfully reported by him to the cardinal.
III.
Of the Visit of the Two Guildford Merchants to the
Forester's Hut.
Tristam Lyndwood did not return home till late in the evening; and when informed of the cardinal's visit, he shook his head gravely.
“I am sorry we went to the hunting party,” he observed. “Valentine Hagthorne said mischief would come of it, and I wish I had attended to his advice.”
“I see no mischief in the matter, grandsire,” cried Mabel. “On the contrary, I think I have met with excellent fortune. The good cardinal promises me a high destiny, and says the king himself noticed me.”
“Would his regards had fallen anywhere than on you,” rejoined Tristram. “But I warrant me you told the cardinal your history—all you know of it, at least.”
“I did so,” she replied; “nor did I know I was doing any harm.”