"He is kindly considerate for my welfare," answered the young chaplain; "and if he truly has no urgent need of me, I confess that a short stay in this lovely spot will please me well enough. Lady Bryn Afon's apartments are in perfect readinesss, due preparation having been made for her waiting-maids likewise, and for the companion she brings with her." "She brings then a guest?" asked Lady Rosamond carelessly. "Know you who she may be?" "I have understood," answered Master Vere, "that the far-famed river-maiden was again in attendance upon her. My Lord Bryn Afon has told me of the strong attachment she has formed for her, and of her having already accompanied her in her travels abroad some few years since. He appears well satisfied that the maiden is a fitting companion for her." "Know you aught of this fair maid of Gwynnon?" asked Lady Rosamond. "Nay," he answered, "save only some tales of her deserted infancy, which have reached my ears during the times of my lecturing in your neighbourhood, together with some mention of her great beauty of countenance, and devotion to her foster-father." "Yes, 'tis a strange tale," said Lady Rosamond. "Since that time I have myself seen somewhat of her, and do also entertain no small affection for her. Well, we must be going, for Sir Ivor begins to wear a grave countenance over my unwearying tongue! We shall have no fear in leaving our fair friends to your reverend charge. My lord and I ride homewards to-morrow after a night's sojourn with good Master Rhys Prichard, and shall shortly after repair to town, which will doubtless be our next place of meeting with you. Adieu! reverend knight, and may no more supernatural visions disturb the even tenor of your way!" CHAPTER XVII. THE VISION EMBODIED. "Could you but know what 'tis to bear, my friend, One image stamped within you, turning blank The else imperial brilliance of your mind,-- A weakness, but most precious,--like a flaw I' the diamond, which should shape forth some sweet face Yet to create, and meanwhile treasured there Lest nature lose her gracious thought for ever!" --ROBERT BROWNING.