The proud noble bit his lip, and with a silent wave of his hand
dismissed the foster-brothers.

"Thou art but a churl at best, Nick," said Marmaduke, as the door
closed on the young men. "Many a baron would have sold his father's
hall for such words from the earl's lip."

"Let barons sell their free conduct for fair words. I keep myself
unshackled to join that cause which best fills the market and reforms
the law. But tell me, I pray thee, Sir Knight, what makes Warner and
his daughter so dear to your lord?"

"What! know you not?--and has she not told you?--Ah, what was I about
to say?"

"Can there be a secret between the earl and the scholar?" asked Alwyn,
in wonder.

"If there be, it is our place to respect it," returned the Nevile,
adjusting his manteline; "and now we must command the litter."

In spite of all the more urgent and harassing affairs that pressed
upon him, the earl found an early time to attend to his guests. His
welcome to Sibyll was more than courteous,--it was paternal. As she
approached him, timidly and with a downcast eye, he advanced, placed
his hand upon her head,--

"The Holy Mother ever have thee in her charge, child!--This is a
father's kiss, young mistress," added the earl, pressing his lips to
her forehead; "and in this kiss, remember that I pledge to thee care