She came to meet him, and he read alarm, incredulous
alarm, in her face. She put her hands in his. "Is it sooth?" she
said, in a strange, awe-stricken voice.
"You have heard, then, my wench?"
"Thora speaks in a strange tone, as though evil were brewing against
me. But you, and Master Hardcastle, and Sir Lucas, and the rest
would never let them touch me?"
"They should only do so through my heart's blood, dear child; but
mine would be soon shed, and Hardcastle is a weakly lad, whom those
fellows believe to be bewitched. We must find some other way!"
"Sir Leonard would save me if he knew. Alas! the good Earl of
Salisbury is dead."
"'Tis true. If we could hide you till we be rid of these men. But
where?" and he made a despairing gesture.
Grisell stood stunned and dazed as the horrible prospect rose before
her of being seized by these lawless men, tortured by the savage
hands of the witch-finder, subjected to a cruel death, by fire, or at
best by water. She pressed her hands together, feeling utterly
desolate, and prayed her prayer to the God of the fatherless to save
her or brace her to endure.
Presently Cuthbert exclaimed, "Would Master Groats, the Poticary,
shelter you till this is over-past? His wife is deaf and must
perforce keep counsel."
"He would! I verily believe he would," exclaimed Grisell; "and no
suspicion would light on him. How soon can I go to him, and how?"
"If it may be, this very night," said Ridley.
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