LONG, long did Grisell kneel in an agony of prayer and terror, as she seemed already to feel savage hands putting her to the ordeal. The castle had long been quiet and dark, so far as she knew, when there was a faint sound and a low whistle. She sprang to the door and held Ridley’s hand. “Now is the time,” he said, under his breath; “the squire waits. That treacherous little baggage is safe locked into the cellar, whither I lured her to find some malvoisie for the rascaille crew. Come.” He was without his boots, and silently led the way along the narrow passage to the postern door, where stood young Hardcastle with the keys. He let them out and crossed the court with them to the little door leading to a steep descent of the cliffs by a narrow path. Not till the sands were reached did any of the three dare to speak, and then Grisell held out her hands in thanks and farewell. “May I not guard you on your way, lady?” said Pierce. “Best not, sir,” returned Ridley; “best not know whither she is gone. I shall be back again before I am missed or your rogues are stirring.” “When Sir Leonard knows of their devices, lady,” said Pierce, “then will Ridley tell him where to find you and bring you back in all honour.” Grisell could only sigh, and try to speak her thanks to the young man, who kissed her hand, and stood watching her and Ridley as the waning moon lighted them over the glistening sands, till they sought the friendly shadows of the cliffs. And thus Grisell Dacre parted from the home of her fathers. “Cuthbert,” she said, “should you see Sir Leonard, let him know that if—if he would be free from any bond to me I will aid in breaking it, and ask only dowry enough to obtain entrance to a convent, while he weds the lady he loves.” Ridley interrupted her with imprecations on the knight, and exhortations to her to hold her own, and not abandon her rights. “If he keep the lands, he should keep the wife,” was his cry. “His word and heart—” began Grisell. “Folly, my wench. No question but she is bestowed on some one else. You do not want to be quit of him and be mewed in a nunnery.” “I only crave to hide my head and not be the bane of his life.” “Pshaw! You have seen for yourself. Once get over the first glance and you are worth the fairest dame that ever was jousted for in the lists. Send him at least a message as though it were not your will to cast him off.” “If you will have it so, then,” said Grisell, “tell him that if it be his desire, I will strive to make him a true, loyal, and loving wife.” The last words came with a sob, and Ridley gave a little inward chuckle, as of one who suspected that the duties of the good and loving wife would not be unwillingly undertaken.