her side, and her breath came quickly. The soundlessness of the night
was broken by one of the strange sudden gusts of wind which tossed the
trees, and tore at the clouds as they hurried. She heard the footsteps
again, as if it feared its own sound the less when the wind might cover
it. A faint pale gleam showed between two dark clouds behind which the
moon had been hidden; it grew brighter, and a jagged rent was torn, so
that the moon herself for a second or so shone out dazzling bright before
the clouds rushed over her again and shut her in.

It was at this very instant Mistress Anne heard the footsteps once more,
and saw full well a figure in dark cloak and hat which stepped quickly
into the shade of a great tree. But more she saw--and clapped her hand
upon her mouth to stifle the cry that would have otherwise risen in spite
of her--that notwithstanding his fair locks were thrust out of sight
beneath his hat, and he looked strange and almost uncomely, it was the
face of Sir John Oxon, the moon, bursting through the jagged clouds, had
shone upon.




CHAPTER VIII--Two meet in the deserted rose garden, and the old Earl of
Dunstanwolde is made a happy man


It was not until three days later, instead of two, that Sir John Oxon
rode into the courtyard with his servant behind him. He had been
detained on his journey, but looked as if his impatience had not caused
him to suffer, for he wore his finest air of spirit and beauty, and when
he was alone with Sir Jeoffry, made his compliments to the absent ladies,