"This is a strange happening," I said to myself. "Ever since Richard Cromwell died my father hath spoken of possible change to our fortunes if Charles should come back, not because the king would do aught for us of his own free will, but because we should gain the power to compel him." And then as I thought of these things, in spite of the way the woman had inspired my fancy by the story of the king's marriage, the whole thing became like old wives' fables, and I was glad that I had not been led to make any promises. I had barely got in sight of the gate where I had seen old Adam in the earlier part of the day, when I heard the sound of footsteps. They were not the footsteps of a man: of that I was certain. They were neither firm enough nor heavy enough. Moreover, they were uncertain, and, as I thought, feeble. I stopped and looked along the road, and saw the form of a woman coming towards me. Bright although the moonlight was, I could not at first make out her age or her station, but as she drew nearer I thought that she was old and poor. "Whither go you, dame?" I asked as she came up. "And what is that to you, young master?" By this time I was able to see that she was bent, and that her clothes were those of one of low degree. I knew by the way she spoke that she was toothless, for her words were not clearly spoken. "It may be much to me, dame," I replied, "but whether it be or no, I would warn you against going to the house yonder, for the dogs be let loose of a night, and they would make short work of you." She mumbled some words which I could not understand; then looking up at me, she said, "And who may you be, young master?" "I am Master Rashcliffe's son," I replied. At this she gave a start, and scanned me more eagerly than before. "Ay, ay, I should a' known," I heard her mumble, "I should a' known, for did not Katharine tell me?" At this I was all ears again, and all eyes too for that matter, for evidently she knew something of the woman who was even then at the house talking with my father. "Dogs or no dogs, I must e'en go," she said presently. "Why? is your business of import?" I asked. "Ay, or I would not have come all the way from St. Paul's Cross to Epping. For that matter I should never have got here did not a man coming hither give me a lift on his cart. But, young master, tell me. Hath a woman come to your father's house this day?" "What kind of a woman?" I asked. "A woman who hath forty-five years, but carries them lightly," she replied; "a woman who hath not the attire of a woman of quality, and yet speaketh as if she were; a woman who years ago lived at Rashcliffe Manor." "And if such a woman hath been there?" I said. "Then must I go thither." "But if she hath been there, and is gone?" "Then lack-a-day, I know not; ay, but even then I must know what she hath told Master Rashcliffe." "Come with me," I said; "I will take you to the house." "But is she there?" she asked eagerly.