Mrs. Rivett's house stood a little apart from the town, with a court
and gates opening on the road over the down; and just as eleven
strokes were chiming from the town clock below, a somewhat bent,
silver-haired man, in a square cap and black gown, leaning on a
stick, came out of it. Stead, after the respectful fashion of his
earlier days, put his knee to the ground, doffed his steeple-crowned
hat and craved a blessing, both he and the Doctor casting a quick
glance round so as to be sure there was no one in sight.
Dr. Eales gave it earnestly, as one to whom it was a rare joy to find
a country youth thus demanding it, and as he looked at the honest
face he said:
"You are mine hostess' good purveyor, methinks, to whom I have often
owed a wholesome meal."
"Steadfast Kenton, so please your reverence. There is a secret
matter on which I would fain have your counsel, and Mistress
Lightfoot thought I might speak to you here with greater safety."
"She did well. Speak on, my good boy, if we walk up and down here we
shall be private.
Pages:
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193