"I am the physician honoured by your mother with her commands," he answered, "and entrusted with the care of her health. To such knowledge of me you are welcome, fair child! Nay, no more questionings! Let us to business. It is your wish to accompany the Lady Bryn Afon on her travels this winter." "My mother's wishes must be mine," answered Primrose. "My dear father here and our vicar counsel me to go, telling me it is good for me to see somewhat of other lands while I am young, and to learn the languages spoken by other people than ourselves, and to see their manners and customs; and so I feel myself, although I would fain not be parted from dad even for a day. Yet, if I am perchance some other maiden than I seem, it may be well not to slight so kind an offer, whereby I may profit myself, and become more worthy of my mother's name. Of all this she will judge, and I will abide by her answer." "That is well spoken," said the Black Horseman; "I will convey your letter to her with all safety, and return with her answer with what speed I may. Perchance in a week's time you may again see me; earlier I dare not promise, for travelling is tedious, and I am no longer so young as when I first made my journeys to and fro on your behalf, fair Primrose." Indeed, the physician's coal-black hair was now deeply tinged with grey, and his beard likewise, and somewhat of the ravages of Time began to be apparent in his rugged and powerful countenance. Yet he was not yet much past the prime of life, and the eagle glance of his eye was as keen as ever, and as he rose to depart Primrose could not but gaze at his tall, well-knit figure and handsome features with admiration. He stooped and kissed her little hand gallantly, and was gone in the deepening summer twilight, while she stood wondering with what further questionings she dared torment him.