"I can carry coal-scuttles, my friend," said Mr. Cuthbert Stevens, insinuatingly. "And I could black a boot. In a week (or as soon as my purpose was served) I should have a bad cough, find that the work was too hard for me, and leave." "Father Cuthbert, you are a clever fellow!" said Gilbert, slowly. Father Cuthbert made no attempt to deny the impeachment. "And where am I to be, while you are blacking your boots and carrying your coal-scuttles?" "Quietly pursuing your inquiries between here and Exeter, and keeping out of scrapes--if you can. You will find me here again this day month." On the evening of the next day, Squire Passmore saw and engaged a new under-footman. "A tall, personable fellow," said he to his family; "very well-spoken, and capable, he seems. He comes from Exeter, and his name is George Shepherd." And much vexed was he, for he had taken a fancy to his new servant, when, four days later, Robert announced to him that George had such a bad cough, and found the work so hard for his weak chest, that he wished to leave at the end of the month. "It ben't always the strongest-looking as is the strongest," observed Cicely on the subject; "and I'm a-feared, Madam, that George is but weakly, for all he looks so capable." Madam Passmore, who felt very sorry for poor George, tried diet-drinks, linseed tea, and lozenges, but all were to no purpose; and at the end of the month the new footman left. "What _are_ you doing, Mr. Stevens?" demanded Gilbert Irvine, as he entered the lodger's room at Moreton on the same evening that the under-footman's place at Ashcliffe Hull was again left vacant. "Good-evening, Gilbert," responded Mr. Stevens, without looking up. "Only making my official shirts into a rather smaller and neater bundle. They may serve again, you know." "And what news?" asked Gilbert. "You were right," said Mr. Stevens. "They have found it out, and have made up the well-door. But Mrs. Celia knows nothing about the hiding-place, though she sleeps in the chamber." "Well, and why couldn't you believe me at first? What have you gained by all your trouble?" "Why could I not believe you?" repeated Stevens. "Because you are rash, as I always tell you. And what have I gained? A month's board and lodging, and thirteen and fourpence. Look at it." "Ugh!" said Gilbert to the shillings. "Well, I would not have blacked a lot of dirty boots for you, if you'd been twice as many!" "A mistake, Gilbert! a sad mistake!" said Stevens, tying up his bundle. "Never be above doing anything for the good of the Church." "Nor telling any number of lies," responded Gilbert. "Well, and where are we to go now?" "Back to France, and report to my Lady Ingram as quickly as possible." "And what then?" "That is for her to say. I should think she will come and fetch the girl." "And how are we to live meanwhile?"