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"Confiding in the great kindness of your illustrious lordship, I

have taken the liberty to trouble you at this unhappy time; and,

as your illustrious lordship sees, I have also taken the liberty

to bring company with me. This is my housekeeper--"

"She is very welcome."

"And this is a female to whom your lordship has already rendered

great benefits. The mother of-of--"

"Of Lucy," said Agnes.

"Of Lucy!" cried the Unknown, turning to Agnes; "rendered

benefits! I! Just God! It is you who render benefits to me by

coming hither; to me-to this dwelling. You are very welcome. You

bring with you the blessing of Heaven!"

"Oh, I come rather to give you trouble." Approaching him nearer,

she said, in a low voice, "I have to thank you--"

The Unknown interrupted her, asking with much interest concerning

Lucy. He then conducted his new guests to the castle. Agnes

looked at the curate, as if to say, "See if there is any need of

your interfering between us with your advice."