I turned and saw a woman, accompanied by four children, coming towards us, and as they saw us they seemed to quicken their footsteps as if for gladness. The man with whom I had been speaking, kissed them all affectionately, and then each looked to the other as if for news. "I have obtained enough for food to-night," said the man. "We can e'en call at Elizabeth Jory's and get bread, and we can all sleep in the cottage in the wood." "I am very cold," whimpered one of the children. "But I can soon light a fire. Do not be afraid, my dear ones. The Lord will provide. But how have you fared, good wife?" The woman shook her head. "She dares not come till to-morrow night," she said. "The Lord will provide till then," said the man; but his voice was piteous, and I saw the tears well up in her eyes. "You have a friend who will help you to-morrow night?" I said eagerly; but to this the woman made no reply, rather she turned away her head like one afraid. "You said the Lord would provide," I said, as I took some coins from my pouch. "Perchance He hath sent me to help you. Here is something that will meet your needs till your friend cometh." "Are you one of the Lord's children?" asked the man, as he looked at my somewhat gay attire. "I trust so," I said, for in truth I knew not what better to say. "But are you one who hath also suffered for God's work? Forgive my asking, for while your attire is that of a Court gallant, your face is as if set towards the city of God." "I have suffered imprisonment for not obeying the king," I made answer. He looked at me steadily. "Surely I have seen you before," he said, "and yet your face is strange to me. Have you by chance ever visited this neighbourhood before?" "Yes," I replied. "Long ago, young master? Oh, you need not fear to tell me. If you have suffered because of your disobedience to the king, you should be one of God's children." "I was in the Chapel of Herne twelve months ago last June," I replied. "Surely, surely you cannot be he who helped our friend out of----" He stopped and gazed eagerly at me as if afraid to say more. "My name is Roland Rashcliffe," I said, whereupon he grasped my hand in joy. "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes," he said. "Know you aught of her?" I said, wellnigh overcome with the hope that was in my heart. "Know aught of her!" he cried. "Why----" "Husband, husband!" interrupted the woman. The man ceased speaking for a moment. "Thank you, wife," he said, after a pause; "the road is full of pitfalls, and a promise should be faithfully kept." "But I desire to be your friend," I cried eagerly. "Here, take this money, and if further help fails you, will you let me know, and I will give you more." "Young master, I believe the Lord hath touched your heart," he cried, "and surely He hath brought you to us. May God bless you, and make you a blessing! But I am not a beggar, neither have I asked you for aught."