"But thinkest thou we ought so?" "I think, sweet wife," answered he, tenderly, "that we ought to follow God's leading. He can let either; and if He see it best, whether for Robin or for Thekla, that will He. But for myself, I do confess I am afeard of handling His rod. I dare not walk unless I see Him going afore. And here, beloved, I see not myself that He goeth afore, except to bid us leave things take their course. Dost thou?" "I see nothing," she answered; "I feel blind and in a maze touching it all." "Then," said he, "let us `tarry the Lord's leisure.'" It was finally settled between John and Isoult that the former should see Mr Rose after the evening service on the following Sunday, when he was to preach at Bow Church, and speak to him on the subject of Robin and Thekla. So after the service they all returned home but John; and though no one told Robin why he stayed behind, Isoult fancied from the lad's face that he guessed the cause. It was a long time before John's return. Isoult dismissed Esther to bed, determining to wait herself; and with some indistinct observation about "young folk that could turn night into day," Dr Thorpe took up his candle and trudged up-stairs also. Robin sat on; and Isoult had not the heart to say anything to him; for she saw that his thoughts were at Bow Church, not occupied with the copy of Latimer's sermon on the Plough, which lay open before him. At last John came, with a slow, even step, from which his wife augured ill before he entered the room. He smiled when he saw Robin still there. "Ill news, Father!" said Robin. "You need not to tell me." "Thou art a sely prophet, lad," answered John, kindly. "At this time I have no news at all for thee, neither good nor ill, only that Mr Rose giveth no absolute nay, and doth but undertake to think upon the matter, and discourse with Mrs Rose. Is that such ill news, trow?" "Thank you," answered Robin in a low voice. "You did your best, I know. Good-night." And he lifted his candle and departed. But Isoult thought the lad looked sad and disappointed; and she was sorry for him. "Well, Jack, how spedst thou?" said she, when Robin was gone. "Ah, grandmother Eva!" replied Jack, smiling. "Wouldst know all?" "Now, Jack!" said she, "flout me not for my womanly curiosity, but tell me. I am but a woman." "Pure truth, dear heart," answered he, yet smiling. "Well, I had to await a short space, for I found Thekla with her father, and I could not open the matter afore her. So at last I prayed her of leave [asked her to go] (seeing no other way to be rid of her), for I would speak with Mr Rose privily. Then went she presently away, and I brake Robin's matter." "And what said he?" "He looked more amazed than thou; and trust me that was no little." "But what said he?" repeated Isoult.