Ryder was dejected for a time, and, though not honestly penitent, suffered some remorse at the miserable issue of her intrigues. But her elastic nature soon shook it off, and she felt a certain satisfaction at having reduced Mrs. Gaunt to her own level. This disarmed, her hostility: she watched her as keenly as ever, but out of pure curiosity. One thing puzzled her strangely. Leonard did not visit the house; nor could she even detect any communication between the parties. At last, one day, her mistress told her to put on her hat and go to Father Leonard. Ryder's eyes sparkled; and she was soon equipped. Mrs. Gaunt put a parcel and a letter into her hands. Ryder no sooner got out of her sight than she proceeded to tamper with the letter. But to her just indignation she found it so ingeniously folded and sealed that she could not read a word. The parcel, however, she easily undid, and it contained forty pounds in gold and small notes. "Oho! my lady," said Ryder. She was received by Leonard with a tender emotion he in vain tried to conceal. On reading the letter his features contracted sharply, and he seemed to suffer agony. He would not even open the parcel. "You will take that hack," said he, bitterly. "What, without a word?" "Without a word. But I will write, when I am able." "Don't be long, sir," suggested Ryder. "I am sure my mistress is wearying for you. Consider, sir, she is all alone now." "Not so much alone as I am," said the priest: "nor half so unfortunate." And with this he leaned his head despairingly on his hand, and motioned to Ryder to leave him. "Here's a couple of fools," said she to herself, as she went home. That very evening Thomas Leicester caught her alone, and asked her to marry him. She stared at first, and then treated it as a jest. "You come at the wrong time, young man," said she. "Marriage is put out of countenance. No, no, I will never marry, after what I have seen in this house." Leicester would not take this for an answer, and pressed her hard. "Thomas," said this plausible jade, "I like you very well; but I couldn't leave my mistress in her trouble. Time to talk of marrying when master comes here alive and well." "Nay," said Leicester, "my only chance is while he is away: you care more for his little finger than for my whole body; that they all say." "Who says?" "Jane, and all the lasses." "You simple man, they want you for themselves; that is why they belie me." "Nay, nay; I saw how you carried on, when I brought word he was gone. You let your heart out for once. Don't take me for a fool: I see how 'tis: but I'll face it: for I worship the ground you walk on. Take a thought, my lass. What good can come of your setting your heart on him? I'm young, I'm healthy, and not ugly enough to set the dogs a barking: I've got a good place; I love you dear; I'll cure you of that fancy, and make you as happy as the day is long. I'll try and make you as happy as you will make me, my beauty."