"Our way perhaps lies the same," said Egremont.

"I should deem not," said the stranger, "nor are we alone."

"And we must be stirring, for we have far to go," said he who
was dressed in black.

"My journey is very brief," said Egremont, making a desperate
effort to invite communication; "and I am on horseback!"

"And we on foot," said the elder; "nor shall we stop till we
reach Mowbray;" and with a slight salute, they left Egremont
alone. There was something in the manner of the elder
stranger which repressed the possibility of Egremont following
him. Leaving then the cloister garden in another direction,
he speculated on meeting them outside the abbey. He passed
through the Lady's chapel. The beautiful Religious was not
there. He gained the west front; no one was visible. He took
a rapid survey of each side of the abbey; not a being to be
recognized. He fancied they must have advanced towards the
Abbey Farm; yet they might have proceeded further on in the
dale. Perplexed, he lost time. Finally he proceeded towards
the farm, but did not overtake them; reached it, but learned
nothing of them; and arrived at his brother's full of a
strange yet sweet perplexity.