I have no doubt that the last thing they expected to find in this place was one who knew them.' The landlord nodded.

'Joe,' he said, turning to a servant, 'fetch the constable.

You will find him at the Falcon.' 'That is talking!' cried my lady, clapping her hands gleefully.

'That is talking!' And then addressing the girl, 'Now, madam,' she said, 'I'll have your pride pulled down! If I don't have you in the stocks for this, tease my back!' There was a snigger at that, in the background, by the door; and a crush to get in and see how the rogues took their exposure; for my lady's shrill voice could be heard in the hall, and half the inn was running to listen.

Mrs.Masterson, who had collapsed at the mention of the constable, and could now do nothing but moan and weep, and the attorney, who spluttered vain threats in a voice quavering between fear and passion evoked little sympathy.