She was conscious of Chatterton's presence, but her back was turned to him.
Presently she turned her head, and saw a pair of extraordinary eyes fixed on her. It was not an impertinent gaze like that of Squire Bayfield's, it was simply one of almost wistful earnestness.
'I am wondering, miss,' he began, 'what made you come to this hole?'
'I came because I am poor, and wish to help them at home.'
'No,' Bryda said, 'it need not be a curse.'
Then she went on with her rolling and kneading. Presently she said again,--
'I have a question about law to ask Mr Lambert and I am afraid to approach him.'
'I don't wonder. Well, what is the question?'
'If a person promised to pay back a debt, and put his hand to a bond, and the man to whom he owed the money died before it was paid, would the son of that man have a right to it?'
'If it had been so set down in the bond that the heirs of his body should have it, yes, he'd have to pay it.'
'Then there is no hope,' Bryda said, with a sigh, and Chatterton saw her wipe a tear away with the corner of her apron.
'Hark, miss,' he said, 'I am poor, and treated here like a dog because I am poor. I have a good mother, and if you would like to see her she would be proud to see you. I can escort you there on Sunday, and show you a thing or two.'
'May? Sunday is everyone's holiday. I should feel it an honour to guide you to St Mary's grand church. It is there my father found all these fine poems, you know, up in the muniment room.'
'I knew you were very learned. I have the story of the "Fryars passing over the old Bridge" in my pocket-book. I cut it out of the newspaper.'
'But I can read you better things than that, if you care to hear them. I have a splendid poem called the "Tragedy of Ælla." The minstrel's song would be to your taste, perhaps. But I must away now. Count me as your friend in this miserable hole should you need one.'
'I do need a friend,' poor Bryda said; 'I am friendless in Bristol except for one,' she added. 'You know him--Mr Jack Henderson.'
'Yes, I know him, a big country lout and bumpkin, whom his uncle is trying to polish as he polishes his silver goods, poor fool for his pains.'
But Bryda rose on the defensive for Jack.
'Mr Henderson is a good and true friend, sir, nor can I hear him ill-spoken of.'