Susan flounced back to the kitchen without another word, only muttering to herself prognostications of evil if such a popinjay were admitted into the household.  Not that Cuthbert’s sober riding suit merited such a criticism, for there was nothing fine about it at all; yet it had been fashionably cut in its day, and still had the nameless air that always clings to a thoroughly well-made garment, even when it has seen its best days; and the Puritans were already beginning to show, by their plain and severe dress, their contempt for frivolity and extravagance, though the difference between their clothes and those of other men was not so marked as it became in the next reign.

However, there was not much more time for conversation on private themes.  Jacob returned from stabling the horse; the girls from above descended, full of curiosity about this new cousin.  The Coles, father and son, joined the party assembled round the table, and were introduced to Cuthbert, whom, as a Trevlyn, they regarded with considerable interest, and then the guests and the family were all placed—­Mistress Susan and the two elder nieces only seating themselves at the last, when they had finished putting all the savoury dishes on the table.  Cuthbert’s eyes grew round with amaze at the sight of all the good cheer before him.  Even at Trevlyn Chase he had never seen quite such an array of dishes and meats; and as he was the greatest stranger and a traveller to boot, he was helped with the greatest liberality, and pressed to partake of every dish.

Cherry was called upon for an account of her adventures, and was chidden sharply by her aunt for her folly and carelessness after being warned not to be overtaken by the darkness.  But her father was too thankful to have her safe home to say much; and Rachel, who sat on Cuthbert’s other side, plied him with questions about his own share in the adventure, and praised him in warm terms for his heroism, till the lad grew shamefaced and abashed, and was glad when the talk drifted away from private to public matters, and he could listen without being called upon to speak.

Moreover, he was all eagerness to hear what he could of such topics.  He knew so little what was stirring in the country, and was eager to learn more.  He kept hearing the words “Bye” and “Main” bandied about amongst the speakers, and at last he asked his neighbour in a whisper what was meant by the terms.

“Marry, two villainous Popish plots,” answered Rachel, who was glib enough with her tongue.  “And many heads have fallen already, and perhaps more will yet fall; for Sir Walter Raleigh is still in the Tower, and my Lord Grey, too.  Confusion to all traitors and plotters, say I!  Why cannot men live pleasantly and easily?  They might well do so, an they would cease from their evil practices, and from making such a coil about what hurts none.  If they would but go to church like sensible Christians, nobody would have a word against them; but they are like mules and pigs, and they can neither be led nor driven straight.  I go to church every Sunday of my life, and what there is to fall foul of I never can guess.  But men be such blind, obstinate fools, they must always be putting a rope round their necks.  They say London is seething now with plots, and no man can feel safe for a day nor an hour.”