“My Magda, I have been thinking much of late.  I have many plans, and some of them must needs be carried out in all haste.  But ere I can fulfil them as I would, I must needs have my wife at my side to help and support me.  There will be woman’s work as well as man’s, and such work as thou dost love.”

“Tell me,” she said, lifting her eyes to his face.

“Magda, thou dost know that tomorrow there will be a form of trial, and Anthony Dalaber and others will make submission, be condemned to do penance, and in a few days will fulfil that penance, and then be restored to communion with the church, and to liberty and life?”

“Yes, I know,” answered Magdalen gravely.

“And when this has been done, and they are free, it will be better, far better, that they should quit Oxford for a while, and remain in some seclusion, away from prying eyes and from the suspicion which must attach to all those upon whom the taint of heresy has once fallen.  Oxford will be no place for them for a while.”

“I can believe that they would be happier elsewhere,” she answered.  “But I sometimes fear for Anthony.  He will suffer from agonies of shame and remorse; I know he will.  Thou dost think him right to make submission, but he will feel that in so doing he has denied his faith and his Lord.  I fear for him, and so does Freda.  She is very unhappy.”

“I know it,” answered Arthur quickly; “I can see both sides of this most difficult question of conscience.  But I may not be the one to blame Anthony, for I have greatly persuaded him to this act of submission, and I would that, if blame attach to any in Freda’s mind, she should throw that blame on me.  I will speak with her later anent the matter.

“But, Magda, this is the plan I am revolving in my mind.  I would provide for Anthony and for others a place of rest and peace and refreshment, where they can regain health of body and serenity of spirit.  And where better than at the old manor near to Poghley, where we have spent so many happy days of yore?  But I would have my wife with me there—­not as guest, but as mistress of the house.  And Freda would have a home with us, and thy father likewise, when he desired it.  But thou dost know how that he greatly desires to visit Italy; and wert thou my wife, and Freda beneath our care, then he could start with a free heart upon his journey.  And we would take up our abode together at Poghley, and live such a life as I have sometimes dreamed of, but which has ever seemed too fair and peaceful for attainment in this world of strife.”

Magdalen’s eyes grew bright and big with the rush of thoughts that came over her.

“And thou wouldst have Anthony and his friends, and would seek for them there health, both of body and of spirit?  Oh, that would be a sweet and commendable work, Arthur.  I would that I might share it with thee.”