"Permit me to explain," he went on.

"I came here thus early on your service, to warn you, Master Peter, not to go abroad to-day, since a writ is out for your arrest, and as yet I have had no time to quash it by friendly settlement.

Well, as it chanced, I met that handsome lady who was with you yesterday, returning from her marketing--a friendly soul--she says she is your cousin.

She brought me to the house, and having learned that your father, whom I wished to see, was at his prayers, good man, in the old chapel, led me to its door and left me to seek him.

I entered, but could not find him, so, having waited a while, strayed into this garden through the open door, purposing to walk here till some one should appear, and, you see, I have been fortunate beyond my expectations or deserts." "So!" said Peter shortly, for the man's manner and elaborated explanations filled him with disgust.