something to her lover's statement.

"Yes, then," said Sir George, "I have it now. I guessed it was her
from the very beginning."

"Nay, nay," interrupted Dorothy, "you suspected the smith at first."

"Well, Doll, it makes no matter of difference if I did. 'Tis the
old witch, sure enough, and she will either hang or drown for it, I
swear."

"Not so fast, either though, worthy knight," interrupted Stanley. "I
am not yet satisfied that it really was the witch, for she seems to
have been at home all day, except when she was by the side of the
stocks."

"Courting the proud smith," added Lady Vernon, referring to a rumour
in the neighbourhood.

"But he was killed in the woods," said Dorothy.

"Tut, there's not a doubt about the matter," pursued Sir George, "not
the shadow of a doubt."

"Nevertheless there is something in what Dorothy urges, and we
had better make some sort of inquiry," suggested the more cautious
Stanley; "for thou hast many jealous enemies, Sir George, who would
gladly score a triumph over thee an they had but half a chance."

"Sir Ronald Bury, for instance," added Margaret.