delay for further supplies.  That this fortress, almost the only one remaining to his brother, would remain unmolested, Nigel did not for one moment believe, but he did hope that, in case of a siege, if amply provided with stores, it might hold out till the intense cold of the season and climate would turn the besiegers from their purpose; at all events, the advancing winter would be more favorable to the besieged than the besiegers, and though the garrison was comparatively small, the place itself was of such great strength as to guarantee the indulgence of his hopes.  That the original garrison were too timorous and wavering for him to place much dependence on them he readily perceived, but he trusted much to the beneficial influence which his own steady, true-hearted followers might be enabled to infuse.

Nigel was young, brave, and animated by every feeling which inspires courage and hope in the buoyant heart of youth.  The gloom which had oppressed him in parting with his brother, and indeed had partially clouded his spirit during their rapid journey, vanished before the duties and responsibilities which thronged round him, now that he felt himself the guard and seneschal of the castle intrusted to his charge; now that new duties devolved on him, duties particularly dear to a young and gallant spirit like his own; duties, too, that bound him closer and closer with the gentle being in whose welfare and happiness his own were shrined.  It was with a bright smile, then, and animated brow he joined his Agnes early the following morning, in a stroll through a small woody inclosure dignified by the name of garden, which occupied part of the inner court.  The old minstrel who had so attracted the attention of Agnes was there before them.  He stood against a projecting buttress, his arms folded, his eyes fixed, it seemed on vacancy, and evidently not aware he was approached till Nigel spoke.

“Good morrow, father.  I thought we had been the earliest to greet this fresh and frosty air, save those on guard, yet you are before us.  Nay, wherefore doff thy cap, good father?  The air is somewhat too frosty for thy silvered head.”

“I cannot doff it to a nobler, gentle youth,” answered the old man, courteously, “save to my sovereign’s self; and as his representative, I pay willing homage to his brother.”

“Ha! dost thou know me, father?  And was it because I am King Robert’s brother thine eyes so rested on me yester morn, mournfully, methought, as if the joy with which I hailed the gleam of sunshine smiling on our banner had little echo in thy breast?”

“Not that, not that,” answered the old man, tremulous; “I scarce remarked it, for my thoughts were in that future which is sometimes given me to read.  I saw thee, noble youth, but ’twas not here.  Dim visions come across my waking hours; it is not well to note them,” and he turned away as if he might not meet those eager eyes.

“Not here! yet I was at his side, good father,” and Agnes laid her fair hand on the old man’s arm.