With Manners the time flew by quickly. He sorely wanted to see
Dorothy again, and as the days rapidly passed he recked not of the
disappointments of the past, but only thought of the few days which
intervened between them and Christmas.

Surely the rumour must be wrong. There would never be two weddings at
the Hall this Christmastide. He, at least, would not believe it.

"Nicholas," he said, as he met that worthy at last, "thou wilt only
marry one?"

"The baron bids me marry the other as well. I would it were not so,
for the maiden cares naught for him. I like not this brother; he is
worse than Margaret's betrothed."

"You must help us, then."

"I must do my duty, but if in doing that I can aid thee thou hast but
to speak the word."

"But you shall help us, Nicholas."

"Why, how?"

"I will tell thee."

"I am a priest, remember. I cannot do anything unworthy even for a
friend like thee; though thou wert my benefactor."

He paused, as if unwilling to wound his friend by his words, and