My arms ached to throttle the old wretch. I longed to place my hands around his skinny neck and choke him, but I did nothing. Then old Peter began talking to Lawyer Hendy, and I fell to wondering what the end of the business was to be. That the maid Nancy would fall in with old Peter's plans, I could not believe; and yet she evidently intended to stay there. Would she desire me to be near as her protector? What were her purposes? But the maid's mind was a sealed book to me. Presently she appeared again, her face still set, and her eyes burning with the light of purpose. Old Peter led the way into the dining-hall, and although I could not eat, I took my seat at the table. "We shall not need you," said old Peter to the servants; "leave us. We can talk more freely now," he whined, turning towards us. "Is there anything I can do for you, Mistress Molesworth?" "Yes," she replied steadily; "I wish you to fulfil your obligations to Master Roger Trevanion, and give him the deeds of his estates." "When my son Peter comes home everything shall be settled, my dear lady." "They can be settled now, can they not?" "It will be difficult. I do not suppose our friend Hendy hath the papers at hand." "Yes, I have them here," replied the lawyer. At this I knew not what to say. My mind was torn with conflicting thoughts. CHAPTER XVII. THE CHARGE OF TREASON. Peter Trevisa seemed much chagrined at the course events were taking. Doubtless he would twist and turn like a fox before fulfilling his promises; but the maid stood expectant by as the attorney took some papers from a receptacle and laid them on the table. "Everything is in order here," said the old man quietly. "Of course, certain formalities will have to be complied with, but----" "I will have none of it!" I cried; "none of it." So saying, I rose to leave the room. "Do you wish me to render you any further service, Mistress Molesworth?" I continued hastily, "Have you any commands for me?" "Do you mean to say," she asked quietly, "that you will not use to your advantage the means you have obtained in order to----" I interrupted her rudely, for truly I was sore distraught. "Think not too badly of me," I cried. "I am mean enough, God knows; but being in the company of a good woman has taught me what a man ought to be. No, no. I am a beggar--a beggar I will remain until I win my fortune honourably. Tell me what I can do to serve you?" "Nothing," she replied, coldly, I thought. "You will stay here, then?" "Yes," she replied slowly; "seeing that Mr. Trevisa is so hospitably inclined, I will remain during the night." "Many nights, my fair lady," cried old Peter gaily. "Treviscoe is very fair demesne, and when my son comes back to-morrow he will make it very pleasant for you. Ah! Roger knows that it is our joy to help all those who are sorrowful or oppressed." "And is it your desire that I should leave you here?" I asked almost bitterly.