They went home more soberly, having been directed by Mrs. Jewel to a field bordered by a copse, where grew the most magnificent of Titania’s pensioners tall, wearing splendid rubies in their coats; and in due time the trio presented themselves at home, weary, but glowing with the innocent excitement of their adventures. Harriet was the first to proclaim that they had seen a horseman who must be Sir Amyas. “Had sister seen him?” “Only through the window of the kitchen where I was making puff paste.” “He called then! Did my papa see him?” “My father was in no condition to see any one, being under the hands and razor of Palmer.” “La! what a sad pity. Did he leave no message?” “He left his compliments, and hoped his late partner was not fatigued.” “Is he at the Great House? Will he call again?” “He is on his way to make a visit in Monmouthshire, together with a brother office, who is related to my Lady Herries, and finding that their road led them within twenty miles of our town, the decided on making a diversion to see her. It was only from her that Sir Amyas understood how close he was to his mother’s property, for my Lady is extremely jealous of her prerogative.” “How did you hear all this, sister?” “Sir George Herries rode over this afternoon and sat an hour with my father, delighting him by averring that the young gentleman has his mother’s charms of person, together with his father’s solidity of principle and character, and that he will do honour to his name.” “O, I hope he will come back by this route!” cried Harriet. “Of that there is small likelihood,” said Betty. “His mother is nearly certain to prevent it since she is sure to take umbrage at his having visited the Great House without her permission.” CHAPTER IV. MY LADY’S MISSIVE. To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY. Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour. The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat. He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.