Cuthbert could assure the disappointed lover that this was no indication of coldness on Petronella's part, but that it was done from a sense of filial duty, combined with a fear of some violence on her father's part towards her lover should he be provoked too far.

Cuthbert was as certain as Philip could wish that Petronella's heart was entirely his.

He had read the girl's secret in the tones of her voice and in the shy glances of her soft eyes.

He told Philip, too, of the gold that was awaiting the girl in her uncle's keeping, and added that he was certain sure that Martin Holt would be glad enough to give it over to his niece if she had a sturdy husband of the Reformed faith to take care of her and it.

His only fear was of its falling into the hands of the Papists, which thing would have been abhorrent to the grand sire whose legacy the money was.