"Admitting it did, what evil came of it? None; only an ordinary event, Richard and Eustace being separated from us. So long as the war lasts we must expect that, and be patiently resigned to it." Though sager grown, Vaga was still not equal to the strain of any prolonged resignation. Of a subtle, nervous nature, she was easily affected by signs and omens, felt presentiments and had belief in them. One was upon her at this same moment, and in an instant after she saw that which seemed likely to justify it. "Look!" she cried; "look yonder?" They were in the withdrawing-room, having entered it after eating breakfast, she herself standing at one of the windows, with eyes bent down the long avenue. What had elicited her exclamation was a figure that, having passed inside the park gates, was coming on for the house. A woman, but of man's stature, and by this easily identifiable. For at the first glance Vaga recognised the sister of Cadger Jack. It was not that which had caused her to exclaim so excitedly. Winny was an almost everyday visitor at the big house, having much business there, and nothing strange would be thought of her coming to it at any time. The strangeness was the way in which she was making approach, hurriedly and in long strides--almost at a run! "What can it mean?" mechanically interrogated Sabrina, who had joined the other at the window. "So unlike Winifred's usual stately step! Unlike her manner too--she seems greatly excited. Something amiss, I fear." "Oh, sister! I'm sure of it. Just what I've been thinking and saying. She has news for us, and sad news--you'll see." "I trust not. Stay! this is Monmouth market day, possibly she has been to the market and heard something there. In that case it's not likely to affect us much, all we care for being on the other side of the Forest. And yet the cadgers could scarce have been to the market and back again already? 'Tis too early. But we shall soon know." By this the cadgeress was pushing open the wicket-gate of the _haw-haw_, and, now near, they could read the expression upon her features, which showed full of concern. Though the month of October, the morning was warm, and the window in which they, stood, a casement, had been thrown open. Stepping into a little balcony outside, and leaning over the rail, Sabrina called out interrogatively--"You have some news for us, Win?" "'Deed yes, my lady. That hae I, an' sorry be's I to say't." "Bad news, then?" exclaimed both sisters in a breath, their hearts audibly beating. "Is it anything from Gloucester?" gasped out the elder one, the other mentally echoing the question. "No, my ladies. It be all 'bout Monnerth." This some little relieved them, and more tranquilly they waited to hear what the news was. "Them be's bad, as ye ha' guessed," continued the cadgeress. "Him have been took by the Cavalieres." "Him! Who?" simultaneously exclaimed the sisters, again greatly excited.