She turned to express her thanks, but he was
gone.
It was not long ere several domestics, alarmed at their absence, came in
search; and Constance, borne gently along, was soon restored to her
anxious parent. But he looked thoughtful and disturbed when the
stranger's person was described, evidently averse to hold any
communication on the subject. Nurse Agnes grew eloquent in his praise,
until the following conversation that same evening in the kitchen turned
aside the current of her opinions.
"A rough grey cloak, gossip, thou sayest?" again inquired a
hard-featured hind from the chimney-corner.
"I tell thee a cloak, and a cap turned up in front. He doused it off
nobly, and took to the water like a spaniel!"
"Why, 'tis the wild man of the woods!" said another listener, who had
hitherto been silent, but whose remark seemed to strike terror into the
whole group. They looked round as if anticipating a visit from this
fearful personage. Dame Agnes crossed herself, and muttered her prayers
with great despatch; something was at length audible and articulate, as
follows:--
"Mercy on me! my days are numbered.
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