angels, who shall keep thee from all spells of the Evil One, and from the vain threats of his crafty messengers. But let not the old witch cross my path yet awhile, lest the old Adam rise up within me and bid me give her such a ducking in yon river as would doubtless rid us of her for ever, and bring her blood upon my head! 'Tis well she is a weak woman, or my hands would verily have been long since laid upon her in wholesome correction!" CHAPTER XIII. SIR GALAHAD'S MISSION. "Thinkers are scarce as gold: but he, whose thoughts embrace all his subject, pursues it uninterruptedly and fearless of consequences, is a diamond of enormous size."--LAVATER. The winter following the return of Primrose to her old home brought her no repetition of the previous year's travels and gaieties, and only such news of her friend Lady Bryn Afon as an occasional letter afforded. These letters, however, gave her much pleasure, being always written in most loving and gracious terms, and showing particular interest in her pursuits and studies, which latter the lady begged her to pursue diligently, more especially her practisings upon the harp, she herself having instructed her in this art during their sojourn together abroad, and having bestowed upon her a most beautiful instrument for her own possession, which was pronounced by a certain old harpist of Caer Cynau, from whom she continued to receive instruction, to be one which the ancient bards of Wales themselves might touch with pleasure! Of these now extinct musicians of renown this venerable harpist declared himself a direct descendant, and considered himself no mean successor, and was even so gracious as to discern some sign of their ancient skill in his young pupil, which he set himself with all pains to develop to the best of his power, finding in her own increasing enjoyment of the art and growing skill a full reward of his labours. The Lady Bryn Afon exhorted Primrose to profit well by his teachings, as well as by all such means as the vicar's great learning afforded her of storing up information during the shining hours of her youth. She told her that her own state of health progressed but sadly, and that she must needs again winter abroad, but this time in company with her husband, who was loth again to part from her for so long a time, and to whom the king had granted leave of absence from his royal person that he might cheer her with his society as befitted a true and loving husband. So the long winter months wore away once more in the valley, and very happily for Primrose, who, having herself no wish to part again so soon from her faithful guardian, was glad that her services were not immediately required, and that she had leisure during the long winter evenings for much reading and study, and for bringing to a greater perfection her playing upon her beloved instrument, ere she should be again summoned into her friend's presence.