`` My father , '' returned Dick , in the same tone of voice , `` trust me , I design nothing ; but as for your innocence , I may not forget that ye cleared yourself but lamely . '' `` A man may be innocently guilty , '' replied the priest . `` He may be set blindfolded upon a mission , ignorant of its true scope . So it was with me . I did decoy your father to his death ; but as Heaven sees us in this sacred place , I knew not what I did . '' `` It may be , '' returned Dick . `` But see what a strange web ye have woven , that I should be , at this hour , at once your prisoner and your judge ; that ye should both threaten my days and deprecate my anger . Methinks , if ye had been all your life a true man and good priest , ye would neither thus fear nor thus detest me . And now to your prayers . I do obey you , since needs must ; but I will not be burthened with your company . '' The priest uttered a sigh so heavy that it had almost touched the lad into some sentiment of pity , and he bowed his head upon his hands like a man borne down below a weight of care . He joined no longer in the psalms ; but Dick could hear the beads rattle through his fingers and the prayers a-pattering between his teeth . Yet a little , and the grey of the morning began to struggle through the painted casements of the church , and to put to shame the glimmer of the tapers . The light slowly broadened and brightened , and presently through the south-eastern clerestories a flush of rosy sunlight flickered on the walls . The storm was over ; the great clouds had disburdened their snow and fled farther on , and the new day was breaking on a merry winter landscape sheathed in white . A bustle of church officers followed ; the bier was carried forth to the deadhouse , and the stains of blood were cleansed from off the tiles , that no such ill-omened spectacle should disgrace the marriage of Lord Shoreby . At the same time , the very ecclesiastics who had been so dismally engaged all night began to put on morning faces , to do honour to the merrier ceremony which was about to follow . And further to announce the coming of the day , the pious of the town began to assemble and fall to prayer before their favourite shrines , or wait their turn at the confessionals . Favoured by this stir , it was of course easily possible for any man to avoid the vigilance of Sir Daniel 's sentries at the door ; and presently Dick , looking about him wearily , caught the eye of no less a person than Will Lawless , still in his monk 's habit . The outlaw , at the same moment , recognised his leader , and privily signed to him with hand and eye .
Now , XXXXX was far from having forgiven the old rogue his most untimely drunkenness , but he had no desire to involve him in his own predicament ; and he signalled back to him , as plain as he was able , to begone .
Daniel Dick Lawless bier casements days deadhouse sentries storm tapers