John came.

I stood between the two--afraid to ask what they had undergone; but
sure, from the old man's grave face, and the lad's bright one--
flushed all over with that excitement of danger so delicious to the
young--that the peril had not been small.

"Jael," cried my father, rousing himself, "give us some breakfast;
the lad and me--we have had a hard night's work together."

Jael brought the mug of ale and the bread and cheese; but either did
not or could not notice that the meal had been ordered for more than
one.

"Another plate," said my father, sharply.

"The lad can go into the kitchen, Abel Fletcher: his breakfast is
waiting there."

My father winced--even her master was sometimes rather afraid of
Jael. But conscience or his will conquered.

"Woman, do as I desired. Bring another plate, and another mug of
ale."

And so, to Jael's great wrath, and to my great joy, John Halifax was
bidden, and sat down to the same board as his master. The fact made
an ineffaceable impression on our household.

After breakfast, as we sat by the fire, in the pale haze of that