hands, giving himself up to the relief of unwitnessed tears. Above
his head shone the worn glitter of the old armoured device of the
"Sieur Amadis" with its motto--"Mon coeur me soutien"--and only a
psychist could have thought or imagined it possible that the
spirit of the old French knight of Tudor times might still be
working through clouds of circumstance and weaving the web of the
future from the torn threads of the past. And when Robin had
regained his self-possession and had left the room, there was yet
a Presence in its very emptiness,--the silent assertion of an
influence which if it had been given voice and speech might have
said--"Do what you consider is your own will and intention, but
_I_ am still your Master!--and all your thoughts and wishes are
but the reflex of MY desire!"

It was soon known in the village that Innocent had left Briar
Farm--"run away," the gossips said, eager to learn more. But they
could get no information out of Robin Clifford or Priscilla
Priday, and the labourers on the farm knew nothing. The farm work
was going on as usual--that was all they cared about. Mr. Clifford
was very silent--Miss Priday very busy. However, all anxiety and
suspense came to an end very speedily so far as Innocent's safety
was concerned, for in a few days letters arrived from her--both
for Robin and Priscilla--kind, sweetly-expressed letters full of
the tenderest affection.

"Do not be at all sorry or worried about me, dear good Priscilla!"
she wrote. "I know I am doing right to be away from Briar Farm for
a time--and I am quite well and happy. I have been very fortunate
in finding rooms with a lady who is very kind to me, and as soon
as I feel I can do so I will let you know my address. But I don't