And placing her finger upon her lips, in token of silence, she stepped backwards, drew aside the tapestry, and, opening the door, called to the two Asshetons, both of whom instantly came to her, and were not a little surprised to learn that all differences had been adjusted, and that Roger Nowell acknowledged himself entirely in error, retracting all the charges he had brought against her; while, on her part, she was fully satisfied with his explanations and apologies, and promised not to entertain any feelings of resentment towards him. "You have made up the matter, indeed," cried Nicholas, "and, as Master Roger Nowell is a widower, perhaps a match may come of it. Such an arrangement"-- "This is no occasion for jesting, Nicholas," interrupted the lady, sharply. "Nay, I but threw out a hint," rejoined the squire. "It would set the question of the land for ever at rest." "It is set at rest--for ever!" replied the lady, with a side look at the magistrate. "'May I become subject to the Fiend if I fail in my promise,'" repeated Nowell to himself. "Those words bind me like a chain of iron. I must get out of this accursed house as fast as I can." As if his thoughts had been divined by Mistress Nutter, she here observed to him, "To make our reconciliation complete, Master Nowell, I must entreat you to pass the day with me. I will give you the best entertainment my house affords--nay, I will take no denial; and you too, Nicholas, and you, Richard, you will stay and keep the worthy magistrate company." The two Asshetons willingly assented, but Roger Nowell would fain have been excused. A look, however, from his hostess enforced compliance. "The proposal will be highly agreeable, I am sure, to Master Potts," remarked Nicholas, with a laugh; "for though much better, in consequence of the balsam applied by Blackadder, he is scarcely in condition for the saddle." "I will warrant him well to-morrow morning," said Mistress Nutter. "Where is he?" inquired Nowell. "In the library with Parson Holden," replied Nicholas; "making himself as comfortable as circumstances will permit, with a flask of Rhenish before him." "I will go to him, then," said Nowell. "Take care what you say to him," observed Mistress Nutter, in a low tone, and raising her finger to her lips. Heaving a deep sigh, the magistrate then repaired to the library, a small room panelled with black oak, and furnished with a few cases of ancient tomes. The attorney and the divine were seated at a table, with a big square-built bottle and long-stemmed glasses before them, and Master Potts, with a wry grimace, excused himself from rising on his respected and singular good client's approach. "Do not disturb yourself," said Nowell, gruffly; "we shall not leave Rough Lee to-day." "I am glad to hear it," replied Potts, moving the cushions on his chair and eyeing the square-built bottle affectionately. "Nor to-morrow, it may be--nor the day after--nor at all, possibly," said Nowell.