"Lord St. Leger's popularity is well known," he said. "It has always
been a friendly and generous race. Yet I think I should have been turned
out of the woods."
"Do not say so," I implored him, in a passion of vexation. "My
grandfather would love you because of what you have done for the dog. He
is devoted to dumb animals. In any case, he would not have objected to a
gentleman walking in his woods. That the postern gate is left open is a
proof that people come and go as they will."
"That may be," he said. "The St. Legers have always been at peace with
their fellow-men, yet I would not be caught a trespasser."
There was a sudden darkness by which I conjectured that the sun had sunk
below the horizon.
"I must be going," I said in a great hurry. "They will be anxious about
me at home. For the rest, _I_ give you the freedom of the woods. Come
and go when you will. You are welcome to Aghadoe."
His face lit up.
"Faith, it's pleasant to a homeless man like myself to be assured of a
welcome," he said. "And now, Miss Bawn, let me see you to the confines
of the wood, within sight of the Abbey. Out on the hills and plains it
is yet day, but in the woods night comes early, to give a chance perhaps
to the birds who have been awake since cock-crow.
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