Every now and then came a messenger from some one high in authority in the great city, and the despatch he bore was duly perused and replied to by Sir Mark; who passed the greater part of his time at the foundry, but paid occasional visits to the Moat, where he was always most courteously received. There were cold grave looks for the young knight at the Pool-house, but always smiles and side-long glances at the Moat; but somehow the cold, grave looks only inflamed his passion, while the sight of Mistress Anne begat dislike. But she knew well enough how to play her part, and though after Sir Mark's departure Polly had her ears well boxed for the first remark she made--Dame Beckley fled to her garden of simples to seek for peace, as if it were some cunning plant--and Sir Thomas blew out his cheeks, opened his eyes, and then went into his sanctum to study the King's work on witchcraft--the tremendous storms that arose never spread outside the precincts of the Moat, and Sir Mark believed the lady to be simplicity and gentleness itself. These visits of Sir Mark brought wealth to one inhabitant of Roehurst, to wit, Mother Goodhugh, who always received a visit from Anne Beckley directly after the visitor had left; when the old woman, who had been cunning enough to learn all the news of the place, was ready enough in pointing out how matters were working for her good. "Don't be afraid, dearie," she said one day, after going through a good deal of mummery. "That spell seemed to point to the fact that Captain Gil was to be thy lord, but his terrible crime has changed all that, and Sir Mark will marry thee." "But he is always there!" cried Anne. "Well, child, is it not to be near to thee? Don't you fear. Ask thy maiden Polly to question Janet Burger, and she will learn that Mace and Sir Mark hardly meet, and when they do she be as cold as so much ice." "Yes," said Anne; "that is true enough." "And how did you know, dearie?" "I bade Polly question Janet." "Then you see how right I am, my child. Oh, yes; it will all work right. Trust me, the gallant youth be only down here that he may be near to thee." A few days later Anne Beckley arrived at the cottage with flaming eyes. "Mother Goodhugh," she cried, "you failed before, but now you must try, and try well, to work some spell on that creature at the Pool." "And why, child?" "Because I hear it said that Sir Mark is going to marry her." "Tchch! nonsense! What put that silly notion in thine head?" "It is true. It came from Janet." "Oh, pay no heed to her, my dearie. Only trust to me and all will come right in the end." "But, mother," began Anne, impatiently. "Nay, nay, child, all you have to do is to wait and see. I promise thee again that thy gallant shall never wed Jeremiah Cobbe's child; and it will be well for her if she does not perish at the stake." Anne Beckley looked curiously at the old woman, who met her eyes with a malicious leer.