CHAPTER XXVI.
THE WITCH'S COTTAGE.
Richard was met on the threshold by mistress Rees, in the same old-fashioned dress, all but the hat, which I have already described.

On her head she wore a widow's cap, with large crown, thick frill, and black ribbon encircling it between them.

She welcomed him with the kindness almost of an old nurse, and led the way to the one chair in the room--beside the hearth, where a fire of peat was smouldering rather than burning beneath the griddle, on which she was cooking oat-cake.

The cottage was clean and tidy.

From the smoky rafters hung many bunches of dried herbs, which she used partly for medicines, partly for charms.
To herself, the line dividing these uses was not very clearly discernible.
'I am in trouble, mistress Rees,' said Richard, as he seated himself.
'Most men do be in trouble most times, master Heywood,' returned the old woman.