“I must go,” she said, at last, “but whether it be aye or whether it be nay, in life and in death I am thine alone.  Kiss me, John, and let me go.”

Manners was deeply agitated.  He took her face in both his hands, and stooping down, he kissed her again and again.

“It may be the last time,” he said, “but trust me, Doll, I am only thine.  I shall keep my love-troth true.  Keep a stout heart, my sweet one, and by my faith we shall be happy yet.”

They had approached the Hall as near as was safe, and now the moment for parting had arrived Dorothy tried to speak, but her heart was too full, and words failed to come at her command.  She listened to her lover’s last injunction to keep up a brave heart, and wringing his hands in agonised silence, she gathered her cloak around her, and hastened into the Hall.

CHAPTER XXXI.

The token.

  And whilst the feast progressed apace,
    The music swelled in joyous strain;
  But midst the group was one fair face
    That scarcely hid the look of pain. 
  And ever and anon she looked away;
  And when the others went she turned to stay.

Early next morning, as Manners was engaged in collecting faggots for the hungry fires at the Hall, he was startled to hear himself addressed by his proper name.

He turned round aghast, but was reassured when he saw that it was none other than Lettice’s lover who stood by his side.

“Hush, Will,” he said, “call me Hubert still; it were dangerous for my name to be overheard.  But thou hast news for me, I can read it in thy face.”

“Aye,” replied the youth, “Mistress Dorothy sent Lettice with a message for thee, but old Roger knew not where thou would’st be found.”

“Where is it?” cried the lover, impatiently, “let me see it; ’tis the answer, I’ll warrant me.”

“Nay, I have it not.  Lettice awaits thee at the hut; she would not even let me bring it to thee, for her mistress, she says, charged her to tell it to none but thee.”

“At the hut,” repeated Manners, as he started to return.  Is she there now?”

“She is awaiting thee; but, Master Manners, let me crave a favour first.”

“Quick, then,” was the hasty reply, “tell me what it is, for I cannot wait.”

“Lettice has been rating me well,” returned the downcast lover, as he started to return with Manners.  “She is angered against me that I followed thee last night.  She will not look at me now, and if I open my mouth about it she swears she will speak to me no more.  A word from thee, good sir, would set the matter right again, else I fear me I have lost her favour, and there be many round about who would gladly take my place.”

“Oh,” laughed Manners, “I will see to that, and happen you may do me some good service in return?”

“Aye, master, that I will,” he replied, mightily relieved.