Never once in all the months that Bryda had spent under Mr Lambert's roof had Jack Henderson failed to appear at the door of the house in Dowry Square on Sunday afternoons to inquire if Miss Palmer was disposed for a walk. But he had often to turn away dejected and sorrowful. Sometimes Bryda could not leave Mrs Lambert, sometimes she had promised to take a dish of tea with one or other of the friends of the old lady who frequented her parlour, and praised the girl, who was, as they said, so notable and obliging, and who was really quite the young gentlewoman though country bred and born in a farmhouse. But Jack had worse misgivings than could be caused by Mrs Lambert's disappointing him of his Sunday treat--looked forward to with hungry eagerness from Monday morning to Saturday night--he heard from Chatterton that the suitor whom he had seen in Dowry Square in the autumn was frequently known to be hanging about the place, that he visited Mr Lambert's office, that he had been invited more than once to the midday dinner, and that he had on these occasions made himself generally agreeable. Jack attempted once or twice to question Bryda about the Squire, but she always resented it, and the pleasure of his walk was consequently spoiled. Mrs Lambert, though she never asked Jack Henderson to cross the threshold, was abundantly gracious to Mr Bayfield, and he, taking his cue, flattered the good lady to the top of her bent, sympathised about the crazy apprentice, and declared hanging was too good for him. After the meal was over, Bryda would sit silently by with her work, and the Squire left her alone. But on this memorable Saturday, when the apprentice had finally been dismissed, and his iniquities fully discussed, he leaned over Bryda as he took leave and said,-- 'The morrow is Easter day. Did we not agree for Easter or Whitsuntide?' 'For neither, sir,' was the reply, in a low voice, 'for _neither_,' she repeated. 'Then I may put in an execution on the farm next week. Is it so?' And Bryda answered,-- 'If you are minded to be so cruel, sir.' And so Mr Bayfield left her. 'Miss Palmer,' Mrs Lambert said, 'if that gentleman is paying his addresses to you, it is my duty to express a hope that they are honourable.' Bryda's eyes flashed, and she answered,-- 'The Squire has a matter of business connected with my grandfather, beyond this I have no dealings with him, madam.' 'I am happy to hear it, for although, Miss Palmer, I consider you as a friend rather than a serving-maid, and allow my particular friends to show you kindness, I must remind you that you are not in the class of life from which a country squire would choose a _wife_.' Mr Lambert had left the parlour with the Squire, and Bryda felt that he, at least, knew the real position of affairs.