This last sentiment, uttered in a faint voice, was called forth by an involuntary shuddering of poor Mr. Dempsey, who, feeling that the whole scrutiny of the party was directed towards his hiding-place, trembled so violently that the plumes nodded, and the bone necklace jingled with the motion. While Mr. Nickie attributed these signs to the wind, he at the same time conceived a very low estimate of poor Tate's understanding,--an impression not altogether un-warranted by the sidelong and stealthy looks which he threw at the canoe and its occupants. “You seem rather afraid of Mr. Daly,” said he, with a sneering laugh. “And so would you be, too, if he was as near you as that chap is,” replied Tate, sternly. “I 've known braver-looking men than either of us not like to stand before him. I mind the day--” Tate-s reminiscences were brought to a sudden stop by perceiving his mistress and Miss Darcy approaching the cottage; and hastening forward, he threw open the door, while by way of introduction he said,-- “A gentleman for the master, my Lady.” Lady Eleanor flushed up, and as suddenly grew pale. She guessed at once the man and his errand. “The Knight of Gwynne is from home, sir,” said she, in a voice her efforts could not render firm. “I understand as much, madam,” said Nickie, who was struggling to recover the easy self-possession of his manner with the butler, but whose awkwardness increased at every instant. “I believe you expect him in a day or two?” This was said to elicit if there might be some variance in the statement of Lady Eleanor and her servant. “You are misinformed, sir. He is not in the kingdom, nor do I anticipate his speedy return.” “So I told him, my Lady,” broke in the old butler. “I said the King wanted him--” “You may leave the room, Tate,” said Lady Eleanor, who perceived with annoyance the sneering expression old Tate's simplicity had called up in the stranger's face. “Now, sir,” said she, turning towards him, “may I ask if your business with the Knight of Gwynne is of that nature that cannot be transacted in his absence or through his law agent?” “Scarcely, madam,” said Nickie, with a sententious gravity, who, in the vantage-ground his power gave him, seemed rather desirous of prolonging the interview. “Mr. Darcy's part can scarcely be performed by deputy, even if he found any one friendly enough to undertake it.” Lady Eleanor never spoke, but her hand grasped her daughter's more closely, and they both stood pale and trembling with agitation. Helen was the first to rally from this access of terror, and with an assured voice she said,-- “You have heard, sir, that the Knight of Gwynne is absent; and as you say your business is with him alone, is there any further reason for your presence here?”