it, but his red face was so rueful that I could not, and at last he
had to smile also.

"Why, what have you done?" I asked. "Now it is my turn to know
reasons why. Here is a new offence to be seen into."

"I only told her that I had spoken to you on the subject, and was
going to talk to the ealdorman, her father, if she would not save
me the trouble by telling me herself all about it."

"And then?"

"She got up and went away, tossing her head, without a word. So I
had a talk with the ealdorman, and learnt all; but after that I
tried to see her, and that black-haired Welsh maiden of hers told
me that she would not see me."

"It seems to me that you have had a bad day," I said. "But what
does it matter? You have done what seemed right, and if it is taken
in the wrong way you cannot help it."

"It does matter," he said. "If she is wroth with me, I don't mind
telling you that I am fit to hang myself. Could you not set things
right for me, somehow? You are an old friend."

"No, hardly; for I am not in favour there just now."

"Well, I shall go and try to get round the Welsh girl to speak for
me."