That treacherous little baggage is safe locked into the cellar,
whither I lured her to find some malvoisie for the rascaille crew.
Come."
He was without his boots, and silently led the way along the narrow
passage to the postern door, where stood young Hardcastle with the
keys. He let them out and crossed the court with them to the little
door leading to a steep descent of the cliffs by a narrow path. Not
till the sands were reached did any of the three dare to speak, and
then Grisell held out her hands in thanks and farewell.
"May I not guard you on your way, lady?" said Pierce.
"Best not, sir," returned Ridley; "best not know whither she is gone.
I shall be back again before I am missed or your rogues are
stirring."
"When Sir Leonard knows of their devices, lady," said Pierce, "then
will Ridley tell him where to find you and bring you back in all
honour."
Grisell could only sigh, and try to speak her thanks to the young
man, who kissed her hand, and stood watching her and Ridley as the
waning moon lighted them over the glistening sands, till they sought
the friendly shadows of the cliffs. And thus Grisell Dacre parted
from the home of her fathers.
"Cuthbert," she said, "should you see Sir Leonard, let him know that
if--if he would be free from any bond to me I will aid in breaking
it, and ask only dowry enough to obtain entrance to a convent, while
he weds the lady he loves.
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