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diff --git a/40151-8.txt b/40151-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8da3370..0000000 --- a/40151-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,18130 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Constance Sherwood, by Lady Georgiana Fullerton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Constance Sherwood - An Autobiography Of The Sixteenth Century - -Author: Lady Georgiana Fullerton - -Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40151] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONSTANCE SHERWOOD *** - - - - -Produced by Don Kostuch - - - - - - -[Transcriber's notes] - This text is derived from THE CATHOLIC WORLD, - http://www.archive.org/details/catholicworld01pauluoft - http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39367 - and - http://www.archive.org/details/catholicworld02pauluoft - http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40068 - - It is the collection of serialized chapters for the convenience - of the reader who wishes to read the whole work. -[End Transcriber's notes] - - -From The Month. - -CONSTANCE SHERWOOD. - -AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. - -BY LADY GEORGIANA FULLERTON. - - -CHAPTER I. - - -I had not thought to write the story of my life; but the wishes of -those who have at all times more right to command than occasion to -entreat aught at my hands, have in a manner compelled me thereunto. -The divers trials and the unlooked-for comforts which have come to my -lot during the years that I have been tossed to and fro on this uneasy -sea--the world--have wrought in my soul an exceeding sense of the -goodness of God, and an insight into the meaning of the sentence in -Holy Writ which saith, "His ways are not as our ways, nor his thoughts -like unto our thoughts." And this puts me in mind that there are -sayings which are in every one's mouth, and therefore not to be -lightly gainsayed, which nevertheless do not approve themselves to my -conscience as wholly just and true. Of these is the common adage, -"That misfortunes come not alone." For my own part, I have found that -when a cross has been laid on me, it has mostly been a single one, and -that other sorrows were oftentimes removed, as if to make room for it. -And it has been my wont, when one trial has been passing away, to look -out for the next, even as on a stormy day, when the clouds have rolled -away in one direction and sunshine is breaking overhead, we see others -rising in the distance. There has been no portion of my life free from -some measure of grief or fear sufficient to recall the words that "Man -is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward;" and none so reft of -consolation that, in the midst of suffering, I did not yet cry out, -"The Lord is my shepherd; his rod and his staff comfort me." - -I was born in the year 1557, in a very fair part of England, at -Sherwood Hall, in the county of Stafford. For its comely aspect, -commodious chambers, sunny gardens, and the sweet walks in its -vicinity, it was as commendable a residence for persons of moderate -fortune and contented minds as can well be thought of. Within and -without this my paternal home nothing was wanting which might please -the eye, or minister to tranquillity of mind and healthful -recreation. I reckon it amongst the many favors I have received from a -gracious Providence, that the earlier years of my life were spent -amidst such fair scenes, and in the society of parents who ever took -occasion from earthly things to lead my thoughts to such as are -imperishable, and so to stir up in me a love of the Creator, who has -stamped his image on this visible world in characters of so great -beauty; whilst in the tenderness of those dear parents unto myself I -saw, as it were, a type and representation of his paternal love and -goodness. - -My father was of an ancient family, and allied to such as were of -greater note and more wealthy than his own. He had not, as is the -manner with many squires of our days, left off residing on his own -estate in order to seek after the shows and diversions of London; but -had united to a great humility of mind and a singular affection for -learning a contentedness of spirit which inclined him to dwell in the -place assigned to him by Providence. He had married at an early age, -and had ever conformed to the habits of his neighbors in all lawful -and kindly ways, and sought no other labors but such as were -incidental to the care of his estates, and no recreations but those of -study, joined to a moderate pursuit of field-sports and such social -diversions as the neighborhood afforded. His outward appearance was -rather simple than showy, and his manners grave and composed. When I -call to mind the singular modesty of his disposition, and the -retiredness of his manners, I often marvel how the force of -circumstances and the urging of conscience should have forced one so -little by nature inclined to an unsettled mode of life into one which, -albeit peaceful in its aims, proved so full of danger and disquiet. - -My mother's love I enjoyed but for a brief season. Not that it waxed -cold toward me, as happens with some parents, who look with fondness -on the child and less tenderly on the maiden; but it pleased Almighty -God to take her unto himself when I was but ten years of age. Her face -is as present to me now as any time of my life. No limner's hand ever -drew a more faithful picture than the one I have of her even now -engraved on the tablet of my heart. She had so fair and delicate a -complexion that I can only liken it to the leaf of a white rose with -the lightest tinge of pink in it. Her hair was streaked with gray too -early for her years; but this matched well with the sweet melancholy -of her eyes, which were of a deep violet color. Her eyelids were a -trifle thick, and so were her lips; but there was a pleasantness in -her smile and the dimples about her mouth such as I have not noticed -in any one else. She had a sweet womanly and loving heart, and the -noblest spirit imaginable; a great zeal in the service of God, -tempered with so much sweetness and cordiality that she gave not -easily offence to any one, of howsoever different a way of thinking -from herself; and either won them over to her faith through the -suavity of her temper and the wisdom of her discourse, or else worked -in them a personal liking which made them patient with her, albeit -fierce with others. When I was about seven years of age I noticed that -she waxed thin and pale, and that we seldom went abroad, and walked -only in our own garden and orchard. She seemed glad to sit on a bench -on the sunny side of the house even in summer, and on days when by -reason of the heat I liked to lie down in the shade. My parents -forbade me from going into the village; and, through the perverseness -common to too many young people, on account of that very prohibition I -longed for liberty to do so, and wearied oftentimes of the solitude we -lived in. At a later period I learnt how kind had been their intent in -keeping me during the early years of childhood from a knowledge of the -woeful divisions which the late changes in religion had wrought in our -country; which I might easily have heard from young companions, -and maybe in such sort as to awaken angry feelings, and shed a drop of -bitter in the crystal cup of childhood's pure faith. If we did walk -abroad, it was to visit some sick persons, and carry them food or -clothing or medicines, which my mother prepared with her own hands. -But as she grew weaker, we went less often outside the gates, and the -poor came themselves to fetch away what in her bounty she stored up -for them. I did not notice that our neighbors looked unkindly on us -when we were seen in the village. Children would cry out sometimes, -but half in play, "Down with the Papists!" but I witnessed that their -elders checked them, especially those of the poorer sort; and "God -bless you, Mrs. Sherwood!" and "God save you, madam!" was often in -their mouths, as she whom I loved with so great and reverent an -affection passed alongside of them, or stopped to take breath, leaning -against their cottage-palings. - -Many childish heartaches I can even now remember when I was not -suffered to join in the merry sports of the 1st of May; for then, as -the poet Chaucer sings, the youths and maidens go - - "To fetch the flowers fresh and branch and bloom, - And these, rejoicing in their great delight, - Eke each at other throw the blossoms bright." - -I watched the merry wights as they passed our door on their way to the -groves and meadows, singing mirthful carols, and bent on pleasant -pastimes; and tears stood in my eyes as the sound of their voices died -away in the distance. My father found me thus weeping one May-day, and -carried me with him to a sweet spot in a wood, where wild-flowers grew -like living jewels out of the green carpet of moss on which we sat; -and there, as the birds sang from every bough, and the insects hovered -and hummed over every blossom, he entertained me with such quaint and -pleasant tales, and moved me to merry laughter by his witty devices; -so that I set down that day in my book of memory as one of the -joyfullest in all my childhood. At Easter, when the village children -rolled pasch eggs down the smooth sides of the green hills, my mother -would paint me some herself, and adorned them with such bright colors -and rare sentences that I feared to break them with rude handling, and -kept them by me throughout the year, rather as pictures to be gazed on -than toys to be played with in a wanton fashion. - -On the morning of the Resurrection, when others went to the top of -Cannock Chase to hail the rising sun, as is the custom of those parts, -she would sing so sweetly the psalm which speaketh of the heavens -rejoicing and of the earth being glad, that it grieved me not to stay -at home; albeit I sometimes marvelled that we saw so little company, -and mixed not more freely with our neighbors. - -When I had reached my ninth birthday, whether it was that I took -better heed of words spoken in my hearing, or else that my parents -thought it was time that I should learn somewhat of the conditions of -the times, and so talked more freely in my presence, it so happened -that I heard of the jeopardy in which many who held the Catholic faith -were, and of the laws which were being made to prohibit in our country -the practice of the ancient religion. When Protestants came to our -house--and it was sometimes hard in those days to tell who were such at -heart, or only in outward semblance out of conformity to the queen's -pleasure--I was strictly charged not to speak in their hearing of aught -that had to do with Catholic faith and worship; and I could see at -such times on my mother's face an uneasy expression, as if she was -ever fearing the next words that any one might utter. - -In the autumn of that year we had visitors whose company was so great -an honor to my parents, and the occasion of so much delight to myself, -that I can call to mind every little circumstance of their brief -sojourn under our roof, even as if it had taken place but -yesterday. This visit proved the first step toward an intimacy which -greatly affected the tenor of my life, and prepared the way for the -direction it was hereafter to take. - -These truly honorable and well-beloved guests were my Lady Mounteagle -and her son Mr. James Labourn, who were journeying at that time from -London, where she had been residing at her son-in-law the Duke of -Norfolk's house, to her seat in the country; whither she was carrying -the three children of her daughter, the Duchess of Norfolk, and of -that lady's first husband, the Lord Dacre of the North. The eldest of -these young ladies was of about my own age, and the others younger. - -The day on which her ladyship was expected, I could not sit with -patience at my tambour-frame, or con my lessons, or play on the -virginals; but watched the hours and the minutes in my great desire to -see these noble wenches. I had not hitherto consorted with young -companions, save with Edmund and John Genings, of whom I shall have -occasion to speak hereafter, who were then my playmates, as at a riper -age friends. I thought, in the quaint way in which children couple one -idea with another in their fantastic imaginations, that my Lady -Mounteagle's three daughters would be like the three angels, in my -mother's missal, who visited Abraham in his tent. - -I had craved from my mother a holiday, which she granted on the score -that I should help her that forenoon in the making of the pasties and -jellies, which, as far as her strength allowed, she failed not to lend -a hand to; and also she charged me to set the bed-chambers in fair -order, and to gather fresh flowers wherewith to adorn the parlor. -These tasks had in them a pleasantness which whiled away the time, and -I alternated from the parlor to the store-room, and the kitchen to the -orchard, and the poultry-yard to the pleasure-ground, running as -swiftly from one to the other, and as merrily, as if my feet were -keeping time with the glad beatings of my heart. As I passed along the -avenue, which was bordered on each side by tall trees, ever and anon, -as the wind shook their branches, there fell on my head showers of red -and gold-colored leaves, which made me laugh; so easy is it for the -young to find occasion of mirth in the least trifle when their spirits -are lightsome, as mine were that day. I sat down on a stone bench on -which the western sun was shining, to bind together the posies I had -made; the robins twittered around me; and the air felt soft and fresh. -It was the eve of Martinmas-day--Hallowtide Summer, as our country -folk call it. As the sun was sinking behind the hills, the tread of -horses' feet was heard in the distance, and I sprang up on the bench, -shading my eyes with my hand to see the approach of that goodly -travelling-party, which was soon to reach our gates. My parents came -out of the front door, and beckoned me to their side. I held my posies -in my apron, and forgot to set them down; for the first sight of my -Lady Mounteagle, as she rode up the avenue with her son at her side, -and her three grand-daughters with their attendants, and many -richly-attired serving-men beside, filled me with awe. I wondered if -her majesty had looked more grand on the day that she rode into London -to be proclaimed queen. The good lady sat on her palfry in so erect -and stately a manner, as if age had no dominion over her limbs and her -spirits; and there was something so piercing and commanding in her -eye, that it at once compelled reverence and submission. Her son had -somewhat of the same nobility of mien, and was tall and graceful in -his movements; but behind her, on her pillion, sat a small counterpart -of herself, inasmuch as childhood can resemble old age, and youthful -loveliness matronly dignity. This was the eldest of her ladyship's -grand-daughters, my sweet Mistress Ann Dacre. This was my first sight -of her who was hereafter to hold so great a place in my heart and -in my life. As she was lifted from the saddle, and stood in her -riding-habit and plumed hat at our door, making a graceful and modest -obeisance to my parents, one step retired behind her grandam, with a -lovely color tinging her cheeks, and her long lashes veiling her sweet -eyes, I thought I had never seen so fair a creature as this high-born -maiden of my own age; and even now that time, as it has gone by, has -shown me all that a court can display to charm the eyes and enrapture -the fancy, I do not gainsay that same childish thought of mine. Her -sisters, pretty prattlers then, four and six years of age, were led -into the house by their governess. But ere our guests were seated, my -mother bade me kiss my Lady Mounteagle's hand and commend myself to -her goodness, praying her to be a good lady to me, and overlook, out -of her great indulgence, my many defects. At which she patted me on -the cheek, and said, she doubted not but that I was as good a child as -such good parents deserved to have; and indeed, if I was as like my -mother in temper as in face, I must needs be such as her hopes and -wishes would have me. And then she commanded Mistress Ann to salute -me; and I felt my cheeks flush and my heart beat with joy as the sweet -little lady put her arms round my neck, and pressed her lips on my -cheek. - -Presently we all withdrew to our chambers until such time as supper -was served, at which meal the young ladies were present; and I -marvelled to see how becomingly even the youngest of them, who was but -a chit, knew how to behave herself, never asking for anything, or -forgetting to give thanks in a pretty manner when she was helped. For -the which my mother greatly commended their good manners; and her -ladyship said, "In truth, good Mistress Sherwood, I carry a strict -hand over them, never suffering their faults to go unchastised, nor -permitting such liberties as many do to the ruin of their children." I -was straightway seized with a great confusion and fear that this was -meant as a rebuke to me, who, not being much used to company, and -something overindulged by my father, by whose side I was seated, had -spoken to him more than once that day at table, and had also left on -my plate some victuals not to my liking; which, as I learnt at another -time from Mistress Ann, was an offence for which her grandmother would -have sharply reprehended her. I ventured not again to speak in her -presence, and scarcely to raise my eyes toward her. - -The young ladies withdrew early to bed that night, and I had but -little speech with them. Before they left the parlor, Mistress Ann -took her sisters by the hand, and all of them, kneeling at their -grandmother's feet, craved her blessing. I could see a tear in her eye -as she blessed them; and when she laid her hand on the head of the -eldest of her grand-daughters, it lingered there as if to call down -upon her a special benison. The next day my Lady Mounteagle gave -permission for Mistress Ann to go with me into the garden, where I -showed her my flowers and the young rabbits that Edmund Genings and -his brother, my only two playmates, were so fond of; and she told me -how well pleased she was to remove from London unto her grandmother's -seat, where she would have a garden and such pleasant pastimes as are -enjoyed in the country. - -"Prithee, Mistress Ann," I said, with the unmannerly boldness with -which children are wont to question one another, "have you not a -mother, that you live with your grandam?" - -"I thank God that I have," she answered; "and a good mother she is to -me; but by reason of her having lately married the Duke of Norfolk, my -grandmother has at the present time the charge of us." - -"And do you greatly love my Lady Mounteagle?" I asked, misdoubting in -my folly that a lady of so grave aspect and stately carriage should be -loved by children. - -"As greatly as heart can love," was her pretty answer. - -"And do you likewise love the Duke of Norfolk, Mistress Ann?" I asked -again. - -"He is my very good lord and father," she answered; "but my knowledge -of his grace has been so short, I have scarce had time to love him -yet." - -"But I have loved you in no time," I cried, and threw my arms round -her neck. "Directly I saw you, I loved you, Mistress Ann." - -"Mayhap, Mistress Constance," she said, "it is easier to love a little -girl than a great duke." - -"And who do you affection beside her grace your mother, and my lady -your grandam, Mistress Ann?" I said, again returning to the charge; to -which she quickly replied: - -"My brother Francis, my sweet Lord Dacre." - -"Is he a child?" I asked. - -"In truth, Mistress Constance," she answered, "he would not be well -pleased to be called so; and yet methinks he is but a child, being not -older, but rather one year younger than myself, and my dear playmate -and gossip." - -"I wish I had a brother or a sister to play with me," I said; at which -Mistress Ann kissed me and said she was sorry I should lack so great a -comfort, but that I must consider I had a good father of my own, -whereas her own was dead; and that a father was more than a brother. - -In this manner we held discourse all the morning, and, like a rude -imp, I questioned the gracious young lady as to her pastimes and her -studies and the tasks she was set to; and from her innocent -conversation I discovered, as children do, without at the time taking -much heed, but yet so as to remember it afterward, what especial care -had been taken by her grandmother--that religious and discreet -lady--to instill into her virtue and piety, and in using her, beside -saying her prayers, to bestow alms with her own hands on prisoners and -poor people; and in particular to apply herself to the cure of -diseases and wounds, wherein she herself had ever excelled. Mistress -Ann, in her childish but withal thoughtful way, chide me that in my -own garden were only seen flowers which pleased the senses by their -bright colors and perfume, and none of the herbs which tend to the -assuagement of pain and healing of wounds; and she made me promise to -grow some against the time of her next visit. As we went through the -kitchen-garden, she plucked some rosemary and lavender and rue, and -many other odoriferous herbs; and sitting down on a bench, she invited -me to her side, and discoursed on their several virtues and properties -with a pretty sort of learning which was marvellous in one of her -years. She showed me which were good for promoting sleep, and which -for cuts and bruises, and of a third she said it eased the heart. - -"Nay, Mistress Ann," I cried, "but that must be a heartsease;" at -which she smiled, and answered: - -"My grandam says the best medicines for uneasy hearts are the bitter -herb confession and the sweet flower absolution." - -"Have you yet made your first communion, Mistress Ann?" I asked in a -low voice, at which question a bright color came into her cheek, and -she replied: - -"Not yet; but soon I may. I was confirmed not long ago by the good -Bishop of Durham; and at my grandmother's seat I am to be instructed -by a Catholic priest who lives there." - -"Then you do not go to Protestant service?" I said. - -"We did," she answered, "for a short time, whilst we stayed at the -Charterhouse; but my grandam has understood that it is not lawful for -Catholics, and she will not be present at it herself, or suffer us any -more to attend it, neither in her own house nor at his grace's." - -While we were thus talking, the two little ladies, her sisters, came -from the house, having craved leave from the governess to run out into -the garden. Mistress Mary was a pale delicate child, with soft -loving blue eyes; and Mistress Bess, the youngest, a merry imp, whose -rosy cheeks and dimpling smiles were full of glee and merriment. - -"What ugly sober flowers are these, Nan, that thou art playing with?" -she cried, and snatched at the herbs in her sister's lap. "When I -marry my Lord William Howard, I'll wear a posy of roses and -carnations." - -"When I am married," said little Mistress Mary, "I will wear nothing -but lilies." - -"And what shall be thy posy, Nan?" said the little saucy one again, -"when thou dost wed my Lord Surrey?" - -"Hush, hush, madcaps!" cried Mistress Ann. "If your grandam was to -hear you, I doubt not but the rod would be called for." - -Mistress Mary looked round affrighted, but little Mistress Bess said -in a funny manner, "Prithee, Nan, do rods then travel?" - -"Ay; by that same token, Bess, that I heard my lady bid thy nurse take -care to carry one with her." - -"It was nurse told me I was to marry my Lord William, and Madge my -Lord Thomas, and thee, Nan, my Lord Surrey, and brother pretty Meg -Howard," said the little lady, pouting; "but I won't tell grandam of -it an it would be like to make her angry." - -"I would be a nun!" Mistress Mary cried. - -"Hush!" her elder sister said; "that is foolish talking, Madge; my -grandmother told me so when I said the same thing to her a year ago. -Children do not know what Almighty God intends them to do. And now -methinks I see Uncle Labourn making as if he would call us to the -house, and there are the horses coming to the door. We must needs obey -the summons. Prithee, Mistress Constance, do not forget me." - -Forget her! No. From that day to this years have passed over our heads -and left deep scars on our hearts. Divers periods of our lives have -been signalized by many a strange passage; we have rejoiced, and, -oftener still, wept together; we have met in trembling, and parted in -anguish; but through sorrow and through joy, through evil report and -good report, in riches and in poverty, in youth and in age, I have -blessed the day when first I met thee, sweet Ann Dacre, the fairest, -purest flower which ever grew on a noble stem. - -CHAPTER II. - -A year elapsed betwixt the period of the so brief, but to me so -memorable, visit of the welcomest guests our house ever received--to -wit, my Lady Mounteagle and her grand-daughters--and that in which I -met with an accident, which compelled my parents to carry me to -Lichfield for chirurgical advice. Four times in the course of that -year I was honored with letters writ by the hand of Mistress Ann -Dacre; partly, as the gracious young lady said, by reason of her -grandmother's desire that the bud acquaintanceship which had sprouted -in the short-lived season of the aforesaid visit should, by such -intercourse as may be carried on by means of letters, blossom into a -flower of true friendship; and also that that worthy lady and my good -mother willed such a correspondence betwixt us as would serve to the -sharpening of our wits, and the using our pens to be good servants to -our thoughts. In the course of this history I will set down at -intervals some of the letters I received at divers times from this -noble lady; so that those who read these innocent pictures of herself, -portrayed by her own hand, may trace the beginnings of those virtuous -inclinations which at an early age were already working in her soul, -and ever after appeared in her. - -On the 15th day of January of the next year to that in which my eyes -had feasted on this creature so embellished with rare endowments and - accomplished gracefulness, the first letter I had from her came -to my hand; the first link of a chain which knit together her heart -and mine through long seasons of absence and sore troubles, to the -great comforting, as she was often pleased to say, of herself, who was -so far above me in rank, whom she chose to call her friend, and of the -poor friend and servant whom she thus honored beyond her deserts. In -as pretty a handwriting as can well be thought of, she thus wrote: - - "MY SWEET MISTRESS CONSTANCE, - --Though I enjoyed your company but for the too brief time - during which we rested under your honored parents' roof, I - retain so great a sense of the contentment I received - therefrom, and so lively a remembrance of the converse we - held in the grounds adjacent to Sherwood Hall, that I am - better pleased than I can well express that my grandmother - bids me sit down and write to one whom to see and to - converse with once more would be to me one of the chiefest - pleasures in life. And the more welcome is this command by - reason of the hope it raises in me to receive in return a - letter from my well-beloved Mistress Constance, which will - do my heart more good than anything else that can happen - to me. 'Tis said that marriages are made in heaven. When I - asked my grandam if it were so, she said, 'I am of - opinion, Nan, they are made in many more places than one; - and I would to God none were made but such as are agreed - upon in so good a place.' But methinks some friendships - are likewise made in heaven; and if it be so, I doubt not - but that when we met, and out of that brief meeting there - arose so great and sudden a liking in my heart for you, - Mistress Constance,--which, I thank God, you were not slow - to reciprocate,--that our angels had met where we hope one - day to be, and agreed together touching that matter. - - "It suits ill a bad pen like mine to describe the fair seat we - reside in at this present time--the house of Mr. James Labourn, - which he has lent unto my grandmother. 'Tis most commodious and - pleasant, and after long sojourn in London, even in winter, a - terrestrial paradise. But, like the garden of Eden, not without - dangers; for the too much delight I took in out-of-doors pastimes-- - and most of all on the lake when it was frozen, and we had merry - sports upon it, to the neglect of my lessons, not heeding the lapse - of time in the pursuit of pleasure--brought me into trouble and sore - disgrace. My grandmother ordered me into confinement for three days - in my own chamber, and I saw her not nor received her blessing all - that time; at the end of which she sharply reproved me for my fault, - and bade me hold in mind that 'twas when loitering in a garden Eve - met the tempter, and threatened further and severe punishment if I - applied not diligently to my studies. When I had knelt down and - begged pardon, promising amendment, she drew me to her and kissed - me, which it was not her wont often to do. 'Nan,' she said, 'I would - have thee use thy natural parts, and improve thyself in virtue and - learning; for such is the extremity of the times, that ere long it - may be that many first shall be last and many last shall be first in - this realm of England. But virtue and learning are properties which - no man can steal from another; and I would fain see thee endowed - with a goodly store of both. That great man and true confessor, Sir - Thomas More, had nothing so much at heart as his daughter's - instruction; and Mistress Margaret Roper, once my sweet friend, - though some years older than my poor self, who still laments her - loss, had such fine things said of her by the greatest men of this - age, as would astonish thee to hear; but they were what she had a - right to and very well deserved. And the strengthening of her mind - through study and religious discipline served her well at the - time of her great trouble; for where other women would have lacked - sense and courage how to act, she kept her wits about her, and - ministered such comfort to her father, remaining near him at the - last, and taking note of his wishes, and finding means to bury him - in a Christian manner, which none other durst attempt, that she had - occasion to thank God who gave her a head as well as a heart. And - who knows, Nan, what may befal thee, and what need thou mayst have - of the like advantages?' - - "My grandmother looked so kindly on me then, that, albeit abashed at - the remembrance of my fault, I sought to move her to further - discourse; and knowing what great pleasure she had in speaking of - Sir Thomas More, at whose house in Chelsea she had oftentimes been a - visitor in her youth, I enticed her to it by cunning questions - touching the customs he observed in his family. - - "'Ah, Nan!' she said, that house was a school and exercise - of the Christian religion. There was neither man nor woman - in it who was not employed in liberal discipline and - fruitful reading, although the principal study was - religion. There was no quarrelling, not so much as a - peevish word to be heard; nor was any one seen idle; all - were in their several employs: nor was there wanting sober - mirth. And so well-managed a government Sir Thomas did not - maintain by severity and chiding, but by gentleness and - kindness.' - - "Methought as she said this, that my dear grandam in that matter of - chiding had not taken a leaf out of Sir Thomas's book; and there was - no doubt a transparency in my face which revealed to her this - thought of mine; for she straightly looked at me and said, 'Nan, a - penny for thy thoughts!' at the which I felt myself blushing, but - knew nothing would serve her but the truth; so I said, in as humble - a manner as I could think of, 'An if you will excuse me, grandam, I - thought if Sir Thomas managed so well without chiding, that you - manage well with it.' At the which she gave me a light nip on the - forehead, and said, 'Go to, child; dost think that any but saints - can rule a household without chiding, or train children without - whipping? Go thy ways, and mend them too, if thou wouldst escape - chastisement; and take with thee, Nan, the words of one whom we - shall never again see the like of in this poor country, which he - used to his wife or any of his children if they were diseased or - troubled, "We must not look at our pleasures to go to heaven in - feather-beds, or to be carried up thither even by the chins."' And - so she dismissed me; and I have here set down my fault, and the - singular goodness showed me by my grandmother when it was pardoned, - not thinking I can write anything better worth notice than the - virtuous talk with which she then favored me. - - "There is in this house a chapel very neat and rich, and an ancient - Catholic priest is here, who says mass most days; at the which we, - with my grandmother, assist, and such of her servants as have not - conformed to the times; and this good father instructs us in the - principles of Catholic religion. On the eve of the feast of the - Nativity of Christ, my lady stayed in the chapel from eight at night - till two in the morning; but sent us to bed at nine, after the - litanies were said, until eleven, when there was a sermon, and at - twelve o'clock three masses said, which being ended we broke our - fast with a mince-pie, and went again to bed. And all the - Christmas-time we were allowed two hours after each meal for - recreation, instead of one. At other times, we play not at any game - for money; but then we had a shilling a-piece to make us merry; - which my grandmother says is fitting in this time of mirth and joy - for his birth who is the sole origin and spring of true comfort. And - now, sweet Mistress Constance, I must bid you farewell; for the - greatest of joys has befallen me, and a whole holiday to enjoy - it. My sweet Lord Dacre is come to pay his duty to my lady and tarry - some days here, on his way to Thetford, the Duke of Norfolk's seat, - where his grace and the duchess my good mother have removed. He is a - beauty, Mistress Constance; and nature has so profusely conferred on - him privileges, that when her majesty the queen saw him a short time - back on horseback, in the park at Richmond, she called him to her - carriage-door and honored him with a kiss, and the motto of the - finest boy she ever beheld. But I may not run on in this fashion, - letting my pen outstrip modesty, like a foolish creature, making my - brother a looking-glass and continual object for my eyes; but learn - to love him, as my grandam says, in God, of whom he is only - borrowed, and not so as to set my heart wholly on him. So beseeching - God bless you and yours, good Mistress Constance, I ever remain, - your loving friend and humble servant, - - "ANN DACRE." - -Oh, how soon were my Lady Mounteagle's words exalted in the event! and -what a sad brief note was penned by that affectionate sister not one -month after she writ those lines, so full of hope and pleasure in the -prospect of her brother's sweet company! For the fair boy that was the -continual object of her eyes and the dear comfort of her heart was -accidentally slain by the fall of a vaulting horse upon him at the -duke's house at Thetford. - - "MY GOOD MISTRESS CONSTANCE" - (she wrote, a few days after his lamentable death),--"The lovingest - brother a sister ever had, and the most gracious creature ever born, - is dead; and if it pleased God I wish I were dead too, for my heart - is well-nigh broken. But I hope in God his soul is now in heaven, - for that he was so young and innocent; and when here, a short time - ago, my grandmother procured that he should for the first, and as it - has pleased God also for the only and the last, time, confess and be - absolved by a Catholic priest, in the which the hand of Providence - is visible to our great comfort, and reasonable hope of his - salvation. Commending him and your poor friend, who has great need - of them, to your good prayers, I remain your affectionate and humble - servant, - - "ANN DACRE." - -In that year died also, in childbirth, her grace the Duchess of -Norfolk, Mistress Ann's mother; and she then wrote in a less -passionate, but withal less comfortable, grief than at her brother's -loss, and, as I have heard since, my Lady Mounteagle had her -death-blow at that time, and never lifted up her head again as -heretofore. It was noticed that ever after she spent more time in -prayer and gave greater alms. Her daughter, the duchess, who at the -instance of her husband had conformed to the times, desired to have -been reconciled on her deathbed by a priest, who for that end was -conducted into the garden, yet could not have access unto her by -reason of the duke's vigilance to hinder it, or at least of his -continual presence in her chamber at the time. And soon after, his -grace, whose wards they were, sent for his three step-daughters to the -Charterhouse; the parting with which, and the fears she entertained -that he would have them carried to services and sermons in the public -churches, and hinder them in the exercise of Catholic faith and -worship, drove the sword yet deeper through my Lady Mounteagle's -heart, and brought down her gray hairs with sorrow to the grave, -notwithstanding that the duke greatly esteemed and respected her, and -was a very moral nobleman, of exceeding good temper and moderate -disposition. But of this more anon, as 'tis my own history I am -writing, and it is meet I should relate in the order of time what -events came under my notice whilst in Lichfield, whither my -mother carried me, as has been aforesaid, to be treated by a famous -physician for a severe hurt I had received. It was deemed convenient -that I should tarry some time under his care; and Mr. Genings, a -kinsman of her own, who with his wife and children resided in that -town, one of the chiefest in the county, offered to keep me in their -house as long as was convenient thereunto a kindness which my parents -the more readily accepted at his hands from their having often shown -the like unto his children when the air of the country was desired for -them. - -Mr. and Mrs. Genings were of the religion by law established. He was -thought to be Catholic at heart; albeit he was often heard to speak -very bitterly against all who obeyed not the queen in conforming to -the new mode of worship, with the exception, indeed, of my mother, for -whom he had always a truly great affection. This gentleman's house was -in the close of the cathedral, and had a garden to it well stored with -fair shrubs and flowers of various sorts. As I lay on a low settle -near the window, being forbid to walk for the space of three weeks, my -eyes were ever straying from my sampler to the shade and sunshine out -of doors. Instead of plying at my needle, I watched the bees at their -sweet labor midst the honeysuckles of the porch, or the swallows -darting in and out of the eaves of the cathedral, or the butterflies -at their idle sports over the beds of mignonette and heliotrope under -the low wall, covered with ivy, betwixt the garden and the close. Mr. -Genings had two sons, the eldest of which was some years older and the -other younger than myself. The first, whose name was Edmund, had been -weakly when a child, and by reason of this a frequent sojourner at -Sherwood Hall, where he was carried for change of air after the many -illnesses incident to early age. My mother, who was some years married -before she had a child of her own, conceived a truly maternal -affection for this young kinsman, and took much pains with him both as -to the care of his body and the training of his mind. He was an apt -pupil, and she had so happy a manner of imparting knowledge, that he -learnt more, as he has since said, in those brief sojourns in her -house than at school from more austere masters. After I came into the -world, he took delight to rock me in my cradle, or play with me as I -sat on my mother's knee; and when I first began to walk, he would lead -me by the hand into the garden, and laugh to see me clutch marigolds -or cry for a sunflower. - -"I warrant thou hast an eye to gold, Con," he would say; "for 'tis the -yellow flowers that please thee best." - -There is an old hollow tree on the lawn at Sherwood Hall where I often -hid from him in sport, and he would make pretence to seek me -elsewhere, till a laugh revealed me to him, and a chase ensued down -the approach or round the maze. He never tired of my petulance, or -spoke rude words, as boys are wont to do; and had a more serious and -contemplative spirit than is often seen in young people, and likewise -a singular fancy for gazing at the sky when glowing with sunset hues -or darkened by storms, and most of all when studded at night with -stars. On a calm clear night I have noticed him for a length of time, -forgetting all things else, fix his eyes on the heavens, as if reading -the glory of the Lord therein revealed. - -My parents did not speak to him of Catholic faith and worship, because -Mr. Genings, before he suffered his sons to stay in their house, had -made them promise that no talk of religion should be ministered to -them in their childhood. It was a sore trial to my mother to refrain, -as the Psalmist saith, from good words, which were ever rising from -her heart to her lips, as pure water from a deep spring. But she -instructed him in many things which belong to gentle learning, and in -French, which she knew well; and taught him music, in which he -made great progress. And this wrought with his father to the -furtherance of these his visits to us. I doubt not but that, when she -told him the names of the heavenly luminaries, she inwardly prayed he -might one day shine as a star in the kingdom of God; or when she -discoursed of flowers and their properties, that he should blossom as -a rose in the wilderness of this faithless world; or whilst guiding -his hands to play on the clavichord, that he might one day join in the -glorious harmony of the celestial choirs. Her face itself was a -preachment, and the tones of her voice, and the tremulous sighs she -breathed when she kissed him or gave him her blessing, had, I ween, a -privilege to reach his heart, the goodness of which was readable in -his countenance. Dear Edmund Genings, thou wert indeed a brother to me -in kind care and companionship whilst I stayed in Lichfield that -never-to-be-forgotten year! How gently didst thou minister to the sick -child, for the first time tasting the cup of suffering; now easing her -head with a soft pillow, now strewing her couch with fresh-gathered -flowers, or feeding her with fruit which had the bloom on it, or -taking her hand and holding it in thine own to cheer her to endurance! -Thou wert so patient and so loving, both with her who was a great -trouble to thee and oftentimes fretful with pain, and likewise with -thine own little brother, an angel in beauty and wit, but withal of so -petulant and froward a disposition that none in the house durst -contradict him, child as he was; for his parents were indeed weak in -their fondness for him. In no place and at no time have I seen a boy -so indulged and so caressed as this John Genings. He had a pretty -wilfulness and such playful ways that his very faults found favor with -those who should have corrected them, and he got praise where others -would have met with chastisement. Edmund's love for this fair urchin -was such as is seldom seen in any save in a parent for a child. It was -laughable to see the lovely imp governing one who should have been his -master, but through much love was his slave, and in a thousand cunning -ways, and by fanciful tricks, constraining him to do his bidding. -Never was a more wayward spirit enclosed in a more winsome form than -in John Genings. Never did childish gracefulness rule more absolutely -over superior age, or love reverse the conditions of ordinary -supremacy, than in the persons of these two brothers. - -A strange thing occurred at that time, which I witnessed not myself, -and on which I can give no opinion, but as a fact will here set it -down, and let such as read this story deem of it as they please. One -night that, by reason of the unwonted chilliness of the evening, such -as sometimes occurs in our climate even in summer, a fire had been lit -in the parlor, and the family were gathered round it, Edmund came of a -sudden into the room, and every one took notice that his face was very -pale. He seemed in a great fear, and whispered to his mother, who said -aloud--"Thou must have been asleep, and art still dreaming, child." -Upon which he was very urgent for her to go into the garden, and used -many entreaties thereunto. Upon which, at last, she rose and followed -him. In another moment she called for her husband, who went out, and -with him three or four other persons that were in the room, and I -remained alone for the space of ten or fifteen minutes. When they -returned, I heard them speaking with great fear and amazement of what -they had seen; and Edmund Genings has often since described to me what -he first, and afterward all the others, had beheld in the sky. He was -gazing at the heavens, as was his wont, when a strange spectacle -appeared to him in the air. As it were, a number of armed men with -weapons, killing and murdering others that were disarmed, and great -store of blood running everywhere about them. His parents and those -with them witnessed the same thing, and a great fear fell upon -them all. I noticed that all that evening they seemed scared, and -could not speak of this appearance in the sky without shuddering. But -one that was more bold than the rest took heart, and cried, "God send -it does not forbode that the Papists will murder us all in our beds!" -And Mistress Genings, whose mother was a French Huguenot, said, -"Amen!" I marked that her husband and one or two more of the company -groaned, and one made, as if unwittingly, the sign of the cross. There -were some I know in that town, nay and in that house, that were at -heart of the old religion, albeit, by reason of the times, they did -not give over attending Protestants' worship. - -A few days later I was sitting alone, and had a long fit of musing -over the many new thoughts that were crowding into my mind, as yet too -childish to master them, when Edmund came in, and I saw he had been -weeping. He said nothing at first, and made believe he was reading; -but I could see tears trickling down through his fingers as he covered -his face with his hands. Presently he looked up and cried out, - -"Cousin Constance, Jack is going away from us." - -"And if it please God, not for a long time," I answered; for it -grieved me to see him sad. - -"Nay, but he is going for many years, I fear," Edmund said. "My uncle, -Jean de Luc, has asked for him to be brought up in his house at La -Rochelle. He is his godfather, and has a great store of money, which -he says he will leave to Jack. Alack! cousin Constance, I would that -there was no such thing in the world as money, and no such country as -France. I wish we were all dead." And then he fell to weeping again -very bitterly. - -I told him in a childish manner what my mother was wont to say to me -when any little trouble fell to my lot--that we should be patient, and -offer up our sufferings to God. - -"But I can do nothing now for Jack," he cried. "It was my first -thought at waking and my last at night, how to please the dear urchin; -but now 'tis all over." - -"Oh, but Edmund," I cried, "an if you were to be as good as the -blessed saints in heaven, you could do a great deal for Jack." - -"How so, cousin Constance?" he asked, not comprehending my meaning; -and thereupon I answered: - -"When once I said to my sweet mother, 'It grieves me, dear heart, that -I can give thee nothing, who gives me so much,' she bade me take heed -that every prayer we say, every good work we do, howsoever imperfect, -and every pain we suffer, may be offered up for those we love; and so -out of poverty, and weakness, and sorrow, we have wherewith to make -precious and costly and cheerful gifts." - -I spoke as a child, repeating what I had heard; but he listened not as -a child. A sudden light came into his eyes, and methinks his good -angel showed him in that hour more than my poor lips could utter. - -"If it be as your sweet mother says," he joyfully cried, "we are rich -indeed; and, even though we be sinners and not saints, we have -somewhat to give, I ween, if it be only our heartaches, cousin -Constance, so they be seasoned with prayers." - -The thought which in my simplicity I had set before him took root, as -it were, in his mind. His love for a little child had prepared the way -for it; and the great brotherly affection which had so long dwelt in -his heart proved a harbinger of the more perfect gift of charity; so -that a heavenly message was perchance conveyed to him that day by one -who likewise was a child, even as the word of the Lord came to the -prophet through the lips of the infant Samuel. From that time forward -he bore up bravely against his grief; which was the sharper inasmuch -that he who was the cause of it showed none in return, but rather joy -in the expectancy of the change which was to part them. He would -still be a-prattling on it, and telling all who came in his way that -he was going to France to a good uncle; nor ever intended to return, -for his mother was to carry him to La Rochelle, and she should stay -there with him, he said, and not come back to ugly Lichfield. - -"And art thou not sorry, Jack," I asked him one day, "to leave poor -Edmund, who loves thee so well?" - -The little madcap was coursing round the room, and cried, as he ran -past me, for he had more wit and spirit than sense or manners: - -"Edmund must seek after me, and take pains to find me, if so be he -would have me." - -These words, which the boy said in his play, have often come back to -my mind since the two brothers have attained unto a happy though -dissimilar end. - -When the time had arrived for Mistress Genings and her youngest son to -go beyond seas, as I was now improved in health and able to walk, my -father fetched me home, and prevailed on Mr. Genings to let Edmund go -back with us, with the intent to divert his mind from his grief at his -brother's departure. - -I found my parents greatly disturbed at the news they had had touching -the imprisonment of thirteen priests on account of religion, and of -Mr. Orton being likewise arrested, who was a gentleman very dear to -them for his great virtues and the steadfast friendship he had ever -shown to them. - -My mother questioned Edmund as to the sign he had seen in the heavens -a short time back, of which the report had reached them; and he -confirming the truth thereof, she clasped her hands and cried: - -"Then I fear me much this forebodes the death of these blessed -confessors, Father Weston and the rest." - -Upon which Edmund said, in a humble manner: - -"Good Mistress Sherwood, my dear mother thought it signified that -those of your religion would murder in their beds such as are of the -queen's religion; so maybe in both cases there is naught to -apprehend." - -"My good child," my mother answered, "in regard of those now in -durance for their faith, the danger is so manifest, that if it please -not the Almighty to work a miracle for their deliverance, I see not -how they may escape." - -After that we sat awhile in silence; my father reading, my mother and -I working, and Edmund at the window intent as usual upon the stars, -which were shining one by one in the deep azure of the darkening sky. -As one of greater brightness than the rest shone through the branches -of the old tree, where I used to hide some years before, he pointed to -it, and said to me, who was sitting nearest to him at the window: - -"Cousin Constance, think you the Star of Bethlehem showed fairer in -the skies than yon bright star that has just risen behind your -favorite oak? What and if that star had a message for us!" - -My father heard him, and smiled. "I was even then," he said, "reading -the words of one who was led to the true religion by the contemplation -of the starry skies. In a Southern clime, where those fair luminaries -shine with more splendor than in our Northern heavens, St. Augustine -wrote thus;" and then he read a few sentences in Latin from the book -in his hand,--"Raising ourselves up, we passed by degrees through all -things bodily, even the very heavens, whence sun and moon and stars -shine upon the earth. Yea, we soared yet higher by inward musing and -discourse and admiring of God's works, and we came to our own minds -and went beyond them, so as to arrive at that region of never-failing -plenty where thou feedest Israel for ever with the food of truth." -These words had a sweet and solemn force in them which struck on the -ear like a strain of unearthly music, such as the wind-harp wakes in -the silence of the night. In a low voice, so low that it was like -the breathing of a sigh, I heard Edmund say, "What is truth?" But when -he had uttered those words, straightway turning toward me as if to -divert his thoughts from that too pithy question, he cried: "Prithee, -cousin Constance, hast thou ended reading, I warrant for the hundredth -time, that letter in thine hand? and hast thou not a mind to impart to -thy poor kinsman the sweet conceits I doubt not are therein -contained?" I could not choose but smile at his speech; for I had -indeed feasted my eyes on the handwriting of my dear friend, now no -longer Mistress Dacre, and learnt off, as it were by heart, its -contents. And albeit I refused at first to comply with his request, -which I had secretly a mind to; no sooner did he give over the urging -of it than I stole to his side, and, though I would by no means let it -out of my hand, and folded down one side of the sheet to hide what was -private in it, I offered to read such parts aloud as treated of -matters which might be spoken of without hindrance. - -With a smiling countenance, then, he set himself to listen, and I to -be the mouthpiece of the dear writer, whose wit was so far in advance -of her years, as I have since had reason to observe, never having met -at any time with one in whom wisdom put forth such early shoots. - - "DEAR MISTRESS CONSTANCE" - (thus the sweet lady wrote),--"Wherefore this long silence and - neglect of your poor friend? An if it be true, which pains me much - to hear, that the good limb which, together with its fellow, like - two trusty footmen, carried you so well and nimbly along the alleys - of your garden this time last year, has, like an arrant knave, - played fast and loose, and failed in its good service,--wherein, I am - told, you have suffered much inconvenience,--is it just that that - other servant, your hand, should prove rebellious too, refuse to - perform its office, and write no more letters at your bidding? For - I'll warrant 'tis the hand is the culprit, not the will; which - nevertheless should be master, and compel it to obedience. So, an - you love me, chide roundly that contumacious hand, which fails in - its duty, which should not be troublesome, if you but had for me - one-half of the affection I have for you. And indeed, Mistress - Constance, a letter from you would be to me, at this time, the - welcomest thing I can think of; for since we left my grandmother's - seat, and came to the Charterhouse, I have new friends, and many - more and greater than I deserve or ever thought to have; but, by - reason of difference of age or of religion, they are not such as I - can well open my mind to, as I might to you, if it pleased God we - should meet again. The Duke of Norfolk is a very good lord and - father to me; but when there are more ways of thinking than one in a - house, 'tis no easy matter to please all which have a right to be - considered; and, in the matter of religion, 'tis very hard to avoid - giving offence. But no more of this at present; only I would to God - Mr. Fox were beyond seas, and my lady of Westmoreland at her home in - the North; and that we had no worse company in this house than Mr. - Martin, my Lord Surrey's tutor, who is a gentleman of great learning - and knowledge, as every one says, and of extraordinary modesty in - his behavior. My Lord Surrey has a truly great regard for him, and - profits much in his learning by his means. I notice he is Catholic - in his judgment and affections; and my lord says he will not stay - with him, if his grace his father procures ministers to preach to - his household and family, and obliges all therein to frequent - Protestant service. I wish my grandmother was in London; for I am - sometimes sore troubled in my mind touching Catholic religion and - conforming to the times, of which an abundance of talk is ministered - unto us, to my exceeding great discomfort, by my Lady Westmoreland, - his grace's sister, and others also. An if I say aught thereon - to Mistress Fawcett (a grave and ancient gentlewoman, who had the - care of my Lord Surrey during his infancy, and is now set over us - his grace's wards), and of misliking the duke's ministers and that - pestilent Mr. Fox--(I fear me, Mistress Constance, I should not have - writ that unbeseeming word, and I will e'en draw a line across it, - but still as you may read it for indeed 'tis what he is; but 'tis - from himself I learnt it, who in his sermons calls Catholic religion - a pestilent idolatry, and Catholic priests pestilent teachers and - servants of Antichrist, and the holy Pope at Rome the man of sin) - she grows uneasy, and bids me be a good child to her, and not to - bring her into trouble with his grace, who is indeed a very good - lord to us in all matters but that one of compelling us to hear - sermons and the like. My Lord Surrey mislikes all kinds of sermons, - and loves Mr. Martin so well, that he stops his ears when Mr. Fox - preaches on the dark midnight of papacy and the dawn of the gospel's - restored light. And it angers him, as well it should, to hear him - call his majesty King Philip of Spain, who is his own godfather, - from whom he received his name, a wicked popish tyrant and a son of - Antichrist. My Lady Margaret, his sister, who is a year younger than - himself, and has a most admirable beauty and excellent good nature, - is vastly taken with what she hears from me of Catholic religion; - but methinks this is partly by reason of her misliking Mr. Fulk and - Mr. Clarke's long preachments, which we are compelled to hearken to; - and their fashion of spending Sunday, which they do call the - Sabbath-day, wherein we must needs keep silence, and when not in - church sit still at home, which to one of her lively disposition is - heavy penance. Methinks when Sunday comes we be all in disgrace; - 'tis so like a day of correction. My Lord Surrey has more liberty; - for Mr. Martin carries him and his brothers after service into the - pleasant fields about Westminster Abbey and the village of Charing - Cross, and suffers them to play at ball under the trees, so they do - not quarrel amongst themselves. My Lord Henry Howard, his grace's - brother, always maintains and defends the Catholic religion against - his sister of Westmoreland; and he spoke to my uncles Leonard, - Edward, and Francis, and likewise to my aunt Lady Montague, that - they should write unto my grandmother touching his grace bringing us - up as Protestants. But the Duke of Norfolk, Mrs. Fawcett says, is - our guardian, and she apprehends he is resolved that we shall - conform to the times, and that no liberty be allowed us for the - exercise of Catholic religion." - -At this part of the letter I stopped reading; and Edmund, turning to -my father, who, though he before had perused it, was also listening, -said: "And if this be liberty of conscience, which Protestants speak -of, I see no great liberty and no great conscience in the matter." - -His cheek flushed as he spoke, and there was a hoarseness in his voice -which betokened the working of strong feelings within him. My father -smiled with a sort of pitiful sadness, and answered: - -"My good boy, when thou art somewhat further advanced in years, thou -wilt learn that the two words thou art speaking of are such as men -have abused the meaning of more than any others that can be thought -of; and I pray to God they do not continue to do so as long as the -world lasts. It seems to me that they mostly mean by 'liberty' a -freedom to compel others to think and to act as they have themselves a -mind to; and by 'conscience' the promptings of their own judgments -moved by their own passions." - -"But 'tis hard," Edmund said, "'tis at times very hard, Mr. Sherwood, -to know whereunto conscience points, in the midst of so many inward -clamors as are raised in the soul by conflicting passions of dutiful -affection and filial reverence struggling for the mastery. Ay, -and no visible token of God's will to make that darkness light. Tis -that," he cried, more moved as he went on, "that makes me so often -gaze upward. Would to God I might see a sign in the skies! for there -are no sign-posts on life's path to guide us on our way to the -heavenly Jerusalem, which our ministers speak of." - -"If thou diligently seekest for sign-posts, my good boy," my father -answered, "fear not but that he who said, 'Seek, and you shall find,' -will furnish thee with them. He has not left himself without -witnesses, or his religion to be groped after in hopeless darkness, so -that men may not discern, even in these troublous times, where the -truth lies, so they be in earnest in their search after it. But I will -not urge thee by the cogency of arguments, or be drawn out of the -reserve I have hitherto observed in these matters, which be -nevertheless the mightiest that can be thought of as regards the -soul's health." - -And so, breaking off this discourse, he walked out upon the terrace; -and I withdrew to the table, where my mother was sitting, and once -more conned over the last pages of _my lady's_ letter, which, when the -reader hath read, he will perceive the writer's rank and her right to -be thus titled. - - "And now, Mistress Constance, I must needs inform you of a - matter I would not leave you ignorant of, so that you - should learn from strangers what so nearly concerns one - whom you have a friendship to--and that is my betrothal - with my Lord Surrey. The ceremony was public, inasmuch as - was needful for the solemnising of a contract which is - binding for life--'until death us do part,' as the - marriage service hath it. How great a change this has - wrought in my thoughts, none knows but myself; for though - I be but twelve years of age (for his grace would have the - ceremony to take place on my birthday), one year older - than yourself, and so lately a child that not a very long - time ago my grandmother would chastise me with her own - hands for my faults, I now am wedded to my young lord, and - by his grace and all the household titled Countess of - Surrey! And I thank God to be no worse mated; for my lord, - who is a few months younger than me, and a very child for - frolicksome spirits and wild mirth, has, notwithstanding, - so great a pleasantness of manners and so forward a wit, - that one must needs have pleasure in his company; and I - only wish I had more of it. Whilst we were only friends - and playmates, I used to chide and withstand him, as one - older and one more staid and discreet than himself; but, - ah me! since we have been wedded, 'tis grand to hear him - discourse on the duty of wives, and quote the Bible to - show they must obey their husbands. He carries it in a - very lordly fashion; and if I comply not at once with his - commands, he cries out what he has heard at the - play-house: - - 'Such duty as the subject owes the prince - Even such a woman oweth to her husband; - And when she's froward, peevish sullen, sour, - And not obedient to his honest will, - What is she but a foul contending rebel - And graceless traitor to her loving lord? - I am ashamed that women are so simple - To offer war where they should kneel for peace; - Or seek for rule, supremacy, or sway, - Where they are bound to serve, love, and obey.' - - He has a most excellent memory. If he has but once heard out of any - English or Latin book so much read as is contained in a leaf, he - will forthwith perfectly repeat it. My Lord Henry, his uncle, for a - trial, invented twenty long and difficult words a few days back, - which he had never seen or heard before; yet did he recite them - readily, every one in the same order as they were written, having - only once read them over. But, touching that matter of obedience, - which I care not to gainsay, 'tis not easy at present to obey my - lord my husband, and his grace his father, and Mistress Fawcett, - too, who holds as strict a hand over the Countess of Surrey as over - Mistress Ann Dacre; for the commands of these my rulers do not at - all times accord: but I pray to God I may do my duty, and be a good - wife to my lord; and I wish, as I said before, my grandmother - had been here, and that I had been favored with her good counsel, - and had had the benefit of shrift and spiritual advice ere I entered - on this stage of my life, which is so new to me, who was but a child - a few weeks ago, and am yet treated as such in more respects than - one. - - "My lord has told me a secret which Higford, his father's servant, - let out to him; and 'tis something so weighty and of so great - import, that since he left me my thoughts have been truants from my - books, and Monsieur Sebastian, who comes to practice us on the lute, - stopped his ears, and cried out that the Signora Contessa had no - mercy on him, so to murther his compositions. Tis not the part of a - true wife to reveal her husband's secrets, or else I would tell you, - Mistress Constance, this great news, which I can with trouble keep - to myself; and I shall not be easy till I have seen my lord again, - which should be when we walk in the garden this evening; but I pray - to God he may not be off instead to the Mall, to play at kittlepins; - for then I have small chance to get speech with him to-day. Mr. - Martin is my very good friend, and reminds the earl of his duty to - his lady; but if my lord comes at his bidding, when he would be - elsewhere than in my company, 'tis little contentment I have in his - visits. - - "'Tis yesterday I writ thus much, and now 'tis the day to send this - letter; and I saw not my lord last night by reason of his - grandfather my Lord Arundel sending to fetch me unto his house in - the Strand. His goodness to me is so great, that nothing more can be - desired; and his daughter my Lady Lumley is the greatest comfort I - have in the world. She showed me a fair picture of my lord's mother, - who died the day he was born, not then full seventeen years of age. - She was of so amiable a disposition, so prudent, virtuous, and - religious, that all who knew her could not but love and esteem her. - And I read a letter which this sweet lady had written in Latin to - her father on his birthday, to his great contentment, who had - procured her to be well instructed in that language, as well as in - her own and in all commendable learning. Then I played at primero - with my Lord Arundel and my Lady Lumley and my uncle Francis. The - knave of hearts was fixed upon for the quinola, and I won the flush. - My uncle Francis cried the winning card should be titled Dudley. - 'Not so,' quoth the earl; 'the knave that would match with the queen - in the suit of hearts should never win the game.' And further talk - ensued; from which I learnt that my Lord Arundel and the Duke of - Norfolk mislike my Lord Leicester, and would not he should marry the - queen; and my uncle laughed, and said, 'My lord, no good Englishman - is there but must be of your lordship's mind, though none have so - good reason as yourself to hinder so base a contract; for if my Lord - of Leicester should climb unto her majesty's throne, beshrew me if - he will not remember the box on the ear your lordship ministered to - him some time since;' at which the earl laughed, too; but my Lady - Lumley cried, 'I would to God my brother of Norfolk were rid of my - Lord Leicester's friendship, which has, I much fear me, more danger - in it than his enmity. God send he does not lead his grace into - troubles greater than can well be thought of!' Alack, Mistress - Constance, what uneasy times are these which we have fallen on! for - methinks 'troubles' is the word in every one's mouth. As I was about - to step into the chair at the hall-door at Arundel House, I heard - one of my lord's guard say to another, 'I trust the white horse will - be in quiet, and so we shall be out of trouble.' I have asked Mr. - Martin what these words should mean; whereupon he told me the white - horse, which indeed I might have known, was the Earl of Arundel's - cognisance; and that the times were very troublesome, and plots were - spoken of in the North anent the Queen of Scots, her majesty the - queen's cousin, who is at Chatesworth; and when he said that, - all of a sudden I grew red, and my cheeks burned like two hot coals; - but he took no heed, and said, 'A true servant might well wish his - master out of trouble, when troubles were so rife.' And now shame - take me for taking up so much of your time, which should be spent in - more profitable ways than the reading of my poor letters; and I must - needs beg you to write soon, and hold me as long as I have held you, - and love me, sweet one, as I love you. My Lady Margaret, who is in a - sense twice my sister, says she is jealous of Mistress Constance - Sherwood, and would steal away my heart from her; but, though she is - a winsome and cunning thief in such matters, I warrant you she shall - fail therein. And so, commending myself to your good prayers, I - remain - - "Your true friend and loving servant, - "ANN SURREY." - -As I finished and was folding up my letter the clock struck nine. It -was waning darker without by reason of a cloud which had obscured the -moon. I heard my father still pacing up and down the gravel-walk, and -ever and anon staying his footsteps awhile, as if watching. After a -short space the moon shone out again, and I saw the shadows of two -persons against the wall of the kitchen garden. Presently the -hall-door was fastened and bolted, as I knew by the rattling of the -chain which hung across it. Then my father looked in at the door and -said, "'Tis time, goodwife, for young folks to be abed." Upon which my -mother rose and made as if she was about to withdraw to her -bed-chamber. Edmund followed us up stairs, and, wishing us both -good-night, went into the closet where he slept. Then my mother, -taking me by the hand, led me into my father's study. - - -CHAPTER III. - -As I entered the library, which my father used for purposes of -business as well as of study, I saw a gentleman who had often been at -our house before, and whom I knew to be a priest, though he was -dressed as a working-man of the better sort and had on a riding coat -of coarse materials. He beckoned me to him, and I, kneeling, received -his blessing. - -"What, up yet, little one?" he said; "and yet thou must bestir thyself -betimes to-morrow for prayers. These are not days in which priests may -play the sluggard and be found abed when the sun rises." - -"At what hour must you be on foot, reverend father?" my mother asked, -as sitting down at a table by his side she filled his plate with -whatever might tempt him to eat, the which he seemed little inclined -to. - -"Before dawn, good Mrs. Sherwood," he answered; "and across the fields -into the forest before ever the laboring men are astir; and you know -best when that is." - -"An if it be so, which I fear it must," my father said, "we must e'en -have the chapel ready by two o'clock. And, goodwife, you should -presently get that wench to bed." - -"Nay, good mother," I cried, and threw my arms round her waist, -"prithee let me sit up to-night; I can lie abed all to-morrow." So -wistfully and urgently did I plead, that she, who had grown of late -somewhat loth to deny any request of mine, yielded to my entreaties, -and only willed that I should lie down on a settle betwixt her chair -and the chimney, in which a fagot was blazing, though it was -summer-time, but the weather was chilly. I gazed by turns on my -mother's pale face and my father's, which was thoughtful, and on the -good priest's, who was in an easy-chair, wherein they had compelled -him to sit, opposite to me on the other side of the chimney. He -looked, as I remember him then, as if in body and in mind he had -suffered more than he could almost bear. - -After some discourse had been ministered betwixt him and my father of -the journey he had been taking, and the friends he had seen since last -he had visited our house, my mother said, in a tremulous voice, "And -now, good Mr. Mush, an if it would not pain you too sorely, tell us if -it be true that your dear daughter in Christ, Mrs. Clitherow, as -indeed won the martyr's crown, as some letters from York reported to -us a short time back?" - -Upon this Mr. Mush raised his head, which had sunk on his breast, and -said, "She that was my spiritual daughter in times past, and now, as I -humbly hope, my glorious mother in heaven, the gracious martyr Mrs. -Clitherow, has overcome all her enemies, and passed from this mortal -life with rare and marvellous triumph into the peaceable city of God, -there to receive a worthy crown of endless immortality and joy." His -eye, that had been before heavy and dim, now shone with sudden light, -and it seemed as if the cord about his heart was loosed, and his -spirit found vent at last in words after a long and painful silence. -More eloquent still was his countenance than his words as he -exclaimed, "Torments overcame her not, nor the sweetness of life, nor -her vehement affection for husband and children, nor the -flattering allurements and deceitful promises of the persecutors. -Finally, the world, the flesh, and the devil overcame her not. She, a -woman, with invincible courage entered combat against them all, to -defend the ancient faith, wherein both she and her enemies were -baptized and gave their promise to God to keep the same until death. O -sacred martyr!" and, with clasped hands and streaming eyes, the good -father went on, "remember me, I beseech thee humbly, in thy perfect -charity, whom thou hast left miserable behind thee, in time past thy -unworthy father and now most unworthy servant, made ever joyful by thy -virtuous life, and now lamenting thy death and thy absence, and yet -rejoicing in thy glory." - -A sob burst from my mother's breast, and she hid her face against my -father's shoulder. There was a brief silence, during which many -quickly-rising thoughts passed through my mind. Of Daniel in the -lions' den, and the Machabees and the early Christians; and of the -great store of blood which had been shed of late in this our country, -and of which amongst the slain were truly martyrs, and which were not; -of the vision in the sky which had been seen at Lichfield; and chiefly -of that blessed woman Mrs. Clitherow, whose virtue and good works I -had often before heard of, such as serving the poor and harboring -priests, and loving God's Church with a wonderful affection greater -than can be thought of. Then I heard my father say, "How was it at the -last, good Mr. Mush?" I oped my eyes, and hung on the lips of the good -priest even as if to devour his words as he gave utterance to them. - -"She refused to be tried by the country," he answered, in a tremulous -voice; "and so they murthered her." - -"How so?" my mother asked, shading her eyes with her hand, as if to -exclude the mental sight of that which she yet sought to know. - -"They pressed her to death," he slowly uttered; "and the last words -she was heard to say were 'Jesu, Jesu, Jesu! have mercy on me!' She -was in dying about a quarter of an hour, and then her blessed spirit -was released and took its flight to heaven. May we die the death of -the righteous, and may our last end be like hers!" - -Again my mother hid her face in my father's bosom, and methought she -said not "Amen" to that prayer; but turning to Mr. Mush with a flushed -cheek and troubled eye, she asked, "And why did the blessed Mrs. -Clitherow refuse to be tried by the country, reverend father, and -thereby subject herself to that lingering death?" - -"These were her words when questioned and urged on that point," he -answered, "which sufficiently clear her from all accusation of -obstinacy or desperation, and combine the rare discretion and charity -which were in her at all times: 'Alas!' quoth she, 'if I should have -put myself on the country, evidence must needs have come against me -touching my harboring of priests and the holy sacrifice of the mass in -my house, which I know none could give but only my children and -servants; and it would have been to me more grievous than a thousand -deaths if I should have seen any of them brought forth before me, to -give evidence against me in so good a cause and be guilty of my blood; -and, secondly,' quoth she, 'I know well the country must needs have -found me guilty to please the council, who so earnestly seek my blood, -and then all they had been accessory to my death and damnably offended -God. I therefore think, in the way of charity, for my part to hinder -the country from such a sin; and seeing it must needs be done, to -cause as few to do it as might be; and that was the judge himself.' So -she thought, and thereupon she acted, with that single view to God's -glory and the good of men's souls that was ever the passion of her -fervent spirit." - -"Her children?" my mother murmured in a faint voice, still hiding her -face from him. "That little Agnes you used to tell us of, that -was so dear to her poor mother, how has it fared with her?" - -Mr. Mush answered, "Her _happy_ mother sent her hose and shoes to her -daughter at the last, signifying that she should serve God and follow -her steps of virtue. She was committed to ward because she would not -betray her mother, and there whipped and extremely used for that she -would not go to the church and hear a sermon. When her mother was -murthered, the heretics came to her and said that unless she would go -to the church, her mother should be put to death. The child, thinking -to save the life of her who had given her birth, went to a sermon, and -thus they deceived her." - -"God forgive them!" my father ejaculated; and I, creeping to my -mother's side, threw my arms about her neck, upon which she, caressing -me, said: - -"Now thou wilt be up to their deceits, Conny, if they should practice -the same arts on thee." - -"Mother," I cried, clinging to her, "I will go with thee to prison and -to death; but to their church I will not go who love not our Blessed -Lady." - -"So help thee God!" my father cried, and laid his hand on my head. - -"Take heart, good Mrs. Sherwood," Mr. Mush said to my mother, who was -weeping; "God may spare you such trials as those which that sweet -saint rejoiced in, or he can give you a like strength to hers. We have -need in these times to bear in mind that comfortable saying of holy -writ, 'As your day shall your strength be.'" - -"'Tis strange," my father observed, "how these present troubles seem -to awake the readiness, nay the wish, to suffer for truth's sake. It -is like a new sense in a soul heretofore but too prone to eschew -suffering of any sort: 'tis even as the keen breezes of our own -Cannock Chase stimulate the frame to exertions which it would shrink -from in the duller air of the Trent Valley." - -"Ah! and is it even so with you, my friend?" exclaimed Mr. Mush. "From -my heart I rejoice at it: such thoughts are oftentimes forerunners of -God's call to a soul marked out for his special service." - -My mother, against whom I was leaning since mention had been made of -Mrs. Clitherow's daughter, began to tremble; and rising said she would -go to the chapel to prepare for confession. Taking me by the hand, she -mounted the stairs to the room which was used as such since the -ancient faith had been proscribed. One by one that night we knelt at -the feet of the good shepherd, who, like his Lord, was ready to lay -down his life for his sheep, and were shriven. Then, at two of the -clock, mass was said, and my parents and most of our servants -received, and likewise some neighbors to whom notice had been sent in -secret of Mr. Mush's coming. When my mother returned from the altar to -her seat, I marvelled at the change in her countenance. She who had -been so troubled before the coming of the Heavenly Guest into her -breast, wore now so serene and joyful an aspect, that the looking upon -her at that time wrought in me a new and comfortable sense of the -greatness of that divine sacrament. I found not the thought of death -frighten me then; for albeit on that night I for the first time fully -arrived at the knowledge of the peril and jeopardy in which the -Catholics of this land do live; nevertheless this knowledge awoke in -me more exultation than fear. I had seen precautions used, and -reserves maintained, of which I now perceived the cause. For some time -past my parents had prepared the way for this no-longer-to-be-deferred -enlightenment. The small account they had taught me to make of the -wealth and comforts of this perishable world, and the histories they -had recounted to me of the sufferings of Christians in the early times -of the Church, had been directed unto this end. They had, as it were, -laid the wood on the altar of my heart, which they prayed might one -day burn into a flame. And now when, by reason of the discourse -I had heard touching Mrs. Clitherow's blessed but painful end for -harboring of priests in her house, and the presence of one under our -roof, I took heed that the danger had come nigh unto our own doors, my -heart seemed to beat with a singular joy. Childhood sets no great -store on life: the passage from this world to the next is not terrible -to such as have had no shadows cast on their paths by their own or -others' sins. Heaven is not a far-off region to the pure in heart; but -rather a home, where God, as St. Thomas sings, - - "Vitam sine termino - Nobis donet in patria." - -But, ah me! how transient are the lights and shades which flit across -the childish mind! and how mutable the temper of youth, never long -impressed by any event, however grave! Not many days after Mr. Mush's -visit to our house, another letter from the Countess of Surrey came -into my hand, and drove from my thoughts for the time all but the -matters therein disclosed. - - "SWEET MISTRESS CONSTANCE" - (my lady wrote),--"In my last letter I made mention, in an obscure - fashion, of a secret which my lord had told me touching a matter of - great weight which Higford, his grace's steward, had let out to him; - and now that the whole world is speaking of what was then in hand, - and that troubles have come of it, I must needs relieve my mind by - writing thereof to her who is the best friend I have in the world, - if I may judge by the virtuous counsel and loving words her letters - do contain. 'Tis like you have heard somewhat of that same matter, - Mistress Constance; for much talk has been ministered anent it since - I wrote, amongst people of all sorts, and with various intents to - the hindering or the promoting thereof. I mean touching the marriage - of his grace the Duke of Norfolk with the Queen of Scots, which is - much desired by some, and very little wished for by others. My lord, - as is reasonable in one of his years and of so noble a spirit, and - his sister, who is in all things the counterpart of her brother, - have set their hearts thereon since the first inkling they had of - it; for this queen had so noted a fame for her excellent beauty and - sweet disposition that it has wrought in them an extraordinary - passionate desire to title her mother, and to see their father so - nobly mated, though not more than he deserves; for, as my lord says, - his grace's estate in England is worth little less than the whole - realm of Scotland, in the ill state to which the wars have reduced - it; and when he is in his own tennis-court at Norwich, he thinks - himself as great as a king. - - "As a good wife, I should wish as my lord does; and indeed this - marriage, Mistress Constance, would please me well; for the Queen of - Scots is Catholic, and methinks if his grace were to wed her, there - might arise some good out of it to such as are dependent on his - grace touching matters of religion; and since Mr. Martin has gone - beyond seas, 'tis very little I hear in this house but what is - contrary to the teaching I had at my grandmother's. My lord saith - this queen's troubles will be ended if she doth marry his grace, for - so Higford has told him; but when I spoke thereof to my Lady Lumley, - she prayed God his grace's might not then begin, but charged me to - be silent thereon before my Lord Arundel, who has greatly set his - heart on this match. She said words were in every one's mouth - concerning this marriage which should never have been spoken of but - amongst a few. 'Nan,' quoth she, 'if Phil and thou do let your - children's tongues wag anent a matter which may well be one of life - and death, more harm may come of it than can well be thought of.' So - prithee, Mistress Constance, do you be silent as the grave on what I - have herein written, if so be you have not heard of it but - from me. My lord had a quarrel with my Lord Essex, who is about his - own age, anent the Queen of Scots, a few days since, when he came to - spend his birthday with him; for my lord was twelve years old last - week, and I gave him a fair jewel to set in his cap, for a - love-token and for remembrance. My lord said that the Queen of Scots - was a lady of so great virtue and beauty that none else could be - compared with her; upon which my lord of Essex cried it was high - treason to the queen's majesty to say so, and that if her grace held - so long a time in prison one who was her near kinswoman, it was by - reason of her having murthered her husband and fomented rebellion in - this kingdom of England, for the which she did deserve to be - extremely used. My lord was very wroth at this, and swore he was no - traitor, and that the Queen of Scots was no murtheress, and he would - lay down his head on the block rather than suffer any should style - her such; upon which my lord of Essex asked, 'Prithee, my Lord - Surrey, were you at Thornham last week when the queen's majesty was - on a visit to your grandfather, my Lord Arundel?' 'No,' cried my - lord, 'your lordship being there yourself in my Lord Leicester's - suite, must needs have noticed I was absent; for if I had been - present, methinks 'tis I and not your lordship would have waited - behind her majesty's chair at table and held a napkin to her.' 'And - if you had, my lord,' quoth my Lord Essex, waxing hot in his speech, - 'you would have noticed how her grace's majesty gave a nip to his - grace your father, who was sitting by her side, and said she would - have him take heed on what pillow he rested his head.' 'And I would - have you take heed,' cries my lord, 'how you suffer your tongue to - wag in an unseemly manner anent her grace's majesty and his grace my - father and the Queen of Scots, who is kinswoman to both, and even - now a prisoner, which should make men careful how they speak of her - who cannot speak in her own cause; for it is a very inhuman part, my - lord, to tread on such as misfortune has cast down.' There was a - nobleness in these words such as I have often taken note of in my - lord, though so young, and which his playmate yielded to; so that - nothing more was said at that time anent those matters, which indeed - do seem too weighty to be discoursed upon by young folks. But I have - thought since on the lines which 'tis said the queen's majesty wrote - when she was herself a prisoner, which begin, - - 'O Fortune! how thy restless, wavering state - Hath fraught with cares my troubled wit; - Witness this present prison, whither fate - Could bear me, and the joys I quit'-- - - and wondered she should have no greater pity on those in the same - plight, as so many be at this time. Ah me! I would not keep a bird - in a cage an I could help it, and 'tis sad men are not more tender - of such as are of a like nature with themselves! - - "My lord was away some days after this at Oxford, whither he had - been carried to be present at the queen's visit, and at the play of - _Palamon and Arcite_, which her majesty heard in the common hall of - Christ's Church. One evening, as my lady Margaret and I (like two - twin cherries on one stalk, my lord would say, for he is mightily - taken with the stage-plays he doth hear, and hath a trick of framing - his speech from them) were sitting at the window near unto the - garden practising our lutes and singing madrigals, he surprised us - with his sweet company, in which I find an ever increasing content, - and cried out as he approached, 'Ladies, I hold this sentence of the - poet as a canon of my creed, that whom God loveth not, they love not - music.' And then he said that albeit Italian was a very harmonious - and sweet language which pleasantly tickleth the ear, he for his - part loved English best, even in singing. Upon which, finding him in - the humor for discreet and sensible conversation, which, - albeit he hath good parts and a ready wit, is not always the case, - by reason of his being, as boys mostly are, prone to wagging, I took - occasion to relate what I had heard my Lord of Arundel say touching - his visit to the court of Brussels, when the Duchess of Parma - invited him to a banquet to meet the Prince of Orange and most of - the chief courtiers. The discourse was carried on in French; but my - lord, albeit he could speak well in that language, nevertheless made - use of an interpreter. At the which the Prince of Orange expressed - his surprise to Sir John Wilson, who was present, that an English - nobleman of so great birth and breeding should be ignorant of the - French tongue, which the earl presently hearing, said, 'Tell the - prince that I like to speak in that language in which I can best - utter my mind and not mistake.' And I perceive, my lord,' I said, - 'that you are of a like mind with his lordship, and no lover of - new-fangled and curious terms.' - - "Upon which my dear earl laughed, and related unto us how the queen - had been pleased to take notice of him at Oxford, and spoke merrily - to him of his marriage. 'And prithee, Phil, what were her highness's - words?' quoth his prying sister, like a true daughter of Eve. At - which my lord stroked his chin, as if to smooth his beard which is - still to come, and said her majesty had cried, 'God's pity, child, - thou wilt tire of thy wife afore you have both left the nursery.' - 'Alack,' cried Meg, 'if any but her highness had said it, thy hand - would have been on thy sword, brother, and I'll warrant thou didst - turn as red as a turkey-cock, when her majesty thus titled thee a - baby. Nay, do not frown, but be a good lord to us, and tell Nan and - me if the queen said aught else.' Then my lord cleared his brow, and - related how in the hunting scene in the play, when the cry of the - hounds was heard outside the stage, which was excellently well - imitated, some scholars who were seated near him, and he must - confess himself also, did shout, 'There, there--he's caught, he's - caught!' upon which her grace's majesty laughed, and merrily cried - out from her box, 'Those boys in very troth are ready to leap out of - the windows!' 'And had you such pleasant sports each day, brother?' - quoth our Meg. 'No, by my troth,' my lord answered; 'the more's the - pity; for the next day there was a disputation held in physic and - divinity from two to seven; and Dr. Westphaling held forth at so - great length that her majesty sent word to him to end his discourse - without delay, to the great relief and comfort of all present. But - he would not give over, lest, having committed all to memory, he - should forget the rest if he omitted any part of it, and be brought - to shame before the university and the court.' 'What said her - highness when she saw he heeded not her commands?' Meg asked. 'She - was angered at first,' quoth my lord, 'that he durst go on with his - discourse when she had sent him word presently to stop, whereby she - had herself been prevented from speaking, which the Spanish - Ambassador had asked her to do; but when she heard the reason it - moved her to laughter, and she titled him a parrot.' - - "'And spoke not her majesty at all?' I asked; and my lord said, 'She - would not have been a woman, Nan, an she had held her tongue after - being once resolved to use it. She made the next day an oration in - Latin, and stopped in the midst to bid my Lord Burleigh be seated, - and not to stand painfully on his gouty feet. Beshrew me, but I - think she did it to show the poor dean how much better her memory - served her than his had done, for she looked round to where he was - standing ere she resumed her discourse. And now, Meg, clear thy - throat and tune thy pipe, for not another word will I speak till - thou hast sung that ditty good Mr. Martin set to music for thee.' I - have set it down here, Mistress Constance, with the notes as - she sung it, that you may sing it also; and not like it the less that - my quaint fancy pictures the maiden the poet sings of, in her 'frock - of frolic green,' like unto my sweet friend who dwells not far from - one of the fair rivers therein named. - - A knight, as antique stories tell, - A daughter had named Dawsabel, - A maiden fair and free; - She wore a frock of frolic green, - Might well become a maiden queen, - Which seemly was to see. - - The silk well could she twist and twine, - And make the fine March pine, - And with the needle work; - And she could help the priest to say - His matins on a holy day, - And sing a psalm in kirk. - - Her features all as fresh above - As is the grass that grows by Dove, - And lythe as lass of Kent; - Her skin as soft as Leinster wool, - And white as snow on Penhisk Hull, - Or swan that swims on Trent. - - This maiden on a morn betime - Goes forth when May is in its prime, - To get sweet setywall, - The honeysuckle, the hurlock, - The lily and the lady-smock, - To deck her father's hall. - - "'Ah,' cried my lord, when Meg had ended her song, beshrew me, if - Monsieur Sebastian's madrigals are one-half so dainty as this - English piece of harmony.' And then,--for his lordship's head is at - present running on pageants such as he witnessed at Nonsuch and at - Oxford,--he would have me call into the garden Madge and Bess, - whilst he fetched his brothers to take part in a May game, not - indeed in season now, but which, he says, is too good sport not to - be followed all the year round. So he must needs dress himself as - Robin Hood, with a wreath on his head and a sheaf of arrows in his - girdle, and me as Maid Marian; and Meg, for that she is taller by an - inch than any of us, though younger than him and me, he said should - play Little John, and Bess Friar Tuck, for that she looks so - gleesome and has a face so red and round. 'And Tom,' he cried, 'thou - needst not be at pains to change thy name, for we will dub thee Tom - the piper.' 'And what is Will to be?' asked my Lady Bess, who, since - I be titled Countess of Surrey, must needs be styled My Lady William - Howard.' 'Why, there's only the fool left,' quoth my lord, 'for thy - sweetheart to play, Bess.' At the which her ladyship and his - lordship too began to stamp and cry, and would have sobbed outright, - but sweet Madge, whose face waxes so white and her eyes so large and - blue that methinks she is more like to an angel than a child, put - out her little thin hands with a pretty gesture, and said, 'I'll be - the fool, brother Surrey, and Will shall be the dragon, and Bess - ride the hobby-horse, an it will please her.' 'Nay, but she is Friar - Tuck,' quoth my lord, 'and should not ride.' 'And prithee wherefore - no?' cried the forward imp, who, now she no more fears her grandam's - rod, has grown very saucy and bold; 'why should not the good friar - ride, an it doth pleasure him?' - - "At the which we laughed and fell to acting our parts with no little - merriment and noise, and sundry reprehensions from my lord when we - mistook our postures or the lines he would have us to recite. And at - the end he set up a pole on the grass-plat for the Maying, and we - danced and sung around it to a merry tune, which set our feet flying - in time with the music: - - Now in the month of maying, - When the merry lads are playing, - Fa, la, la. - - Each with his bonny lasse, - Upon the greeny grasse, - Fa, la, la. - - Madge was not strong enough to dance, but she stole away to gather - white and blue violets, and made a fair garland to set on my head, - to my lord's great content, and would have me unloose my hair on my - shoulders, which fell nearly to my feet, and waved in the wind in a - wild fashion; which he said was beseeming for a bold outlaw's bride, - and what he had seen in the Maid Marian, who had played in the - pageant at Nonsuch. Mrs. Fawcett misdoubted that this sport of ours - should be approved by Mr. Charke, who calls all stage-playing - Satan's recreations, and a sure road unto hell; and that we shall - hear on it in his next preachment; for he has held forth to her at - length on that same point, and upbraided her for that she did suffer - such foolish and profane pastimes to be carried on in his grace's - house. Ah me! I see no harm in it; and if, when my lord visits me, I - play not with him as he chooses, 'tis not a thing to be expected - that he will come only to sing psalms or play chess, which Mr. - Charke holds to be the only game it befits Christians to entertain - themselves with. 'Tis hard to know what is right and wrong when - persons be of such different minds, and no ghostly adviser to be - had, such as I was used to at my grandmother's house. - - "All, Mistress Constance! when I last wrote unto you I said troubles - was the word in every one's mouth, and ere I had finished this - letter--which I was then writing, and have kept by me ever - since--what, think you, has befallen us? 'Tis anent the marriage of - his grace with the Queen of Scots; which I now do wish it had - pleased God none had ever thought of. Some weeks since my lord had - told me, with great glee, that the Spanish ambassador was about to - petition her majesty the queen for the release of her highness's - cousin; and Higford and Bannister, and the rest of his grace's - household--whom, since Mr. Martin went beyond seas, my lord spends - much of his time with, and more of it methinks than is beseeming or - to the profit of his manners and advancement of his behavior--have - told him that this would prepare the way for the - greatly-to-be-desired end of his grace's marriage with that queen; - and my lord was reckoning up all the fine sports and pageants and - noble entertainments would be enacted at Kenninghall and Thetford - when that right princely wedding should take place; and how he - should himself carry the train of the queen-duchess when she went - into church; who was the fairest woman, he said, in the whole world, - and none ever seen to be compared with her since the days of Grecian - Helen. But when, some days ago, I questioned my lord touching the - success of the ambassador's suits, and the queen's answer thereto, - he said: 'By my troth, Nan, I understand that her highness sent away - the gooseman, for so she entitled Senor Guzman, with a flea in his - ear; for she said he had come on a fool's errand, and gave him for - her answer that she would advise the Queen of Scots to bear her - condition with less impatience, or she might chance to find some of - those on whom she relied shorter by a head.' Oh, my lord,' I cried; - 'my dear Phil! God send she was not speaking of his grace your - father!' 'Nan,' quoth he, 'she looked at his grace the next day with - looks of so great anger and disdain, that my lord of Leicester--that - false and villainous knave--gave signs of so great triumph as if his - grace was even on his way to the Tower. Beshrew me, if I would not - run my rapier through his body if I could!' 'And where is his grace - at present?' I asked. 'He came to town night,' quoth my lord, 'with - my Arundel, and this morning went Kenninghall.' After this for some - days I heard no more, for a new tutor came to my lord, who suffers - him not to stay in the waiting-room with his grace's gentlemen, and - keeps so strict a hand over him touching his studies, that in his - brief hours of recreation he would rather play at quoits, and other - active pastimes, than converse with his lady. Alack! I wish he were - a few years older, and I should have more comfort of him than now, - when I must needs put up with his humors, which be as changeful, by - reason of his great youth, as the lights and shades on the grass - 'neath an aspen-tree. I must be throwing a ball for hours, or - learning a stage-part, when I would fain speak of the weighty - matters which be on hand, such as I have told you of. Howsoever, as - good luck would have it, my Lady Lumley sent for me to spend - the day with her; and from her ladyship I learnt that his grace had - written to the queen that he had withdrawn from the court because of - the pain he felt at her displeasure, and his mortification at the - treatment he had been subjected to by the insolence of his foes, by - whom he has been made a common table talk; and that her majesty had - laid upon him her commands straightway to return to court. That was - all was known that day; but at the very time that I was writing the - first of these woeful tidings to you, Mistress Constance, his grace-- - whom I now know that I do love dearly, and with a true daughter's - heart, by the dreadful fear and pain I am in--was arrested at - Burnham, where he had stopped on his road to Windsor, and committed - to the Tower. Alack! alack! what will follow? I will leave this my - letter open until I have further news to send. - - "His grace was examined this day before my Lord-keeper Bacon, and my - Lords Northampton, Sadler, Bedford, and Cecil; and they have - reported to her majesty that the duke had not put himself under - penalty of the law by any overt act of treason, and that it would be - difficult to convict him without this. My Lord of Arundel, at whose - house I was when these tidings came, said her majesty was so angered - at this judgment, that she cried out in a passion, 'Away! what the - law fails to do my authority shall effect;' and straightway fell - into a fit, her passion was so great; and they were forced to apply - vinegar to restore her. I had a wicked thought come into my mind, - Mistress Constance, that I should not have been concerned if the - queen's majesty had died in that fit, which I befear me was high - treason, and a mortal sin, to wish for one to die in a state of sin. - But, alack! since I have left going to shrift I find it hard to - fight against bad thoughts and naughty tempers; and when I say my - prayers, and the old words come to my lips, which the preachments I - hear do contradict, I am sometimes well-nigh tempted to give over - praying at all. But I pray to God I may never be so wicked; and - though I may not have my beads (which were taken from me), that the - good Bishop of Durham gave me when I was confirmed, I use my fingers - in their stead; and whilst his grace was at the Tower I did say as - many 'Hail Maries' in one day as I ever did in my life before; and - promised him, who is God's own dear Son and hers, if his grace came - out of prison, never to be a day of my life without saying a prayer, - or giving an alms, or doing a good turn to those which be in the - same case, near at hand or throughout the world; and I ween there - are many such of all sorts at this time. - - "Your loving servant to command, whose heart is at present heavier - than her pen, - "ANN SURREY." - - "P. S. My Lord of Westmoreland has left London, and his lady is in a - sad plight. I hear such things said on all sides touching Papists as - I can scarce credit, and I pray to God they be not true. But an if - they be so bad as some do say, why does his grace run his head into - danger for the sake of the Popish queen, as men do style her? They - have arrested Higford and Bannister last night, and they are to - taste of the rack to-day, to satisfy the queen, who is so urgent on - it. My lord is greatly concerned thereat, and cried when he spoke of - it, albeit he tried to hide his tears. I asked him to show me what - sort of pain it was; whereupon he twisted my arm till I cried out - and bade him desist. God help me! I could not have endured the pain - an instant longer; and if they have naught to tell anent these plots - and against his grace, they needs must speak what is false when - under the rack. Oh, 'tis terrible to think what men do suffer and - cause others to suffer!" - -This letter came into my hand on a day when my father had gone into -Lichfield touching some business; and he brought with it the -news of a rising in the north, and that his Grace of Northumberland -and my Lord of Westmoreland had taken arms on hearing of the Duke of -Norfolk's arrest; and the Catholics, under Mr. Richard Norton and Lord -Latimer, had joined their standard, and were bearing the cross before -the insurgents. My father was sore cast down at these tidings; for he -looked for no good from what was rebellion against a lawful sovereign, -and a consorting with troublesome spirits, swayed by no love of our -holy religion but rather contrary to it, as my Lord of Westmoreland -and some others of those leading lords. And he hence foreboded fresh -trials to all such as were of the ancient faith all over England; -which was not long in accruing even in our own case; for a short time -after, we were for the first time visited by pursuivants, on a day and -in such a manner as I will now briefly relate. - -CHAPTER IV. - -On the Sunday morning which followed the day on which the news had -reached us of the rising in Northumberland, I went, as was my wont, -into my mother's dressing-room, to crave her blessing, and I asked of -her if the priest who came to say mass for us most Sundays had -arrived. She said he had been, and had gone away again, and that she -greatly feared we should have no prayers that day, saving such as we -might offer up for ourselves; "together," she added after a pause, -"with a bitter sacrifice of tears and of such sufferings as we have -heard of, but as yet not known the taste of ourselves." - -Again I felt in my heart a throbbing feeling, which had in it an -admixture of pain and joy--made up, I ween, of conflicting -passions--such as curiosity feeding on the presentment of an -approaching change; of the motions of grace in a soul which faintly -discerns the happiness of suffering for conscience sake; and the fear -of suffering natural to the human heart. - -"Why are we to have no mass, sweet mother?" I asked, encircling her -waist in my arms; "and wherefore has good Mr. Bryan gone away?" - -"We received advice late last evening," she answered, "that the -queen's pursuivants have orders to search this day the houses of the -most noted recusants in this neighborhood; and 'tis likely they may -begin with us, who have never made a secret of our faith, and never -will." - -"And will they kill us if they come?" I asked, with that same -trembling eagerness I have so often known since when danger was at -hand. - -"Not now, not to-day, Conny," she answered; "but I pray to God they do -not carry us away to prison; for since this rising in the north, to be -a Catholic and a traitor is one and the same in their eyes who have to -judge us. We must needs hide our books and church furniture; so give -me thy beads, sweet one, and the cross from thy neck." - -I waxed red when my mother bade me unloose the string, and tightly -clasped the cross in both my hands "Let them kill me, mother," I -cried; "but take not off my cross." - -"Maybe," she said, "the queen's officers would trample on it, and -injure their own souls in dishonoring a holy symbol." And as she spoke -she took it from me, and hid it in a recess behind the chimney; which -no sooner was done, than we heard a sound of horses' feet in the -approach; and going to the window, I cried out, "Here is a store of -armed men on horseback!" Ere I had uttered the words, one of them had -dismounted and loudly knocked at the door with his truncheon; upon -which my mother, taking me by the hand, went down stairs into the -parlor where my father was. It seemed as if those knocks had struck on -her heart, so great a trembling came over her. My father bade the -servants throw open the door; and the sheriff came in, with two -pursuivants and some more men with him, and produced a warrant to -search the house; which my father having read, he bowed his head, and -gave orders not to hinder them in their duty. He stood himself the -while in the hall, his face as white as a smock, and his teeth almost -running through his lips. - -One of the men came into the library, and pulling down the books, -scattered them on the floor, and cried: - -"Look ye here, sirs, what Popish stuff is this, fit for the hangman's -burning!" At the which another answered: - -"By my troth, Sam, I misdoubt that thou canst read. Methinks thou dost -hunt Popery as dogs do game, by the scent. Prithee spell me the title -of this volume." - -"I will have none of thy gibing, Master Sevenoaks," returned the -other. "Whether I be a scholar or not, I'll warrant no honest -gospeller wrote on those yellow musty leaves, which be two hundred -years old, if they be a day." - -"And I'll warrant thee in that credence, Master Samuel, by the same -token that the volume in thy hand is a treatise on field-sports, writ -in the days of Master Caxton; a code of the laws to be observed in the -hunting and killing of deer, which I take to be no Popish sport, for -our most gracious queen--God save her majesty!--slew a fat buck not -long ago in Windsor Forest with her own hand, and remembered his grace -of Canterbury with half her prey;" and so saying, he drew his comrade -from the room; I ween with the intent to save the books from his rough -handling, for he seemed of a more gentle nature than the rest and of a -more moderate disposition. - -When they had ransacked all the rooms below, they went upstairs, and -my father followed. Breaking from my mother's side, who sat pale and -still as a statute, unable to move from her seat, I ran after him, and -on the landing-place I heard the sheriff say somewhat touching the -harboring of priests; to the which he made answer that he was ready to -swear there was no priest in the house. "Nor has been?" quoth the -sheriff; upon which my father said: - -"Good sir, this house was built in the days of Her majesty's -grandfather, King Henry VII.; and on one occasion his majesty was -pleased to rest under my grandfather's roof, and to hear mass in that -room," he said, pointing to what was now the chapel, "the church being -too distant for his majesty's convenience: so priests have been within -these walls many times ere I was born." - -The sheriff said no more at that time, but went into the room, where -there were only a few chairs, for that in the night the altar and all -that appertained to it had been removed. He and his men were going out -again, when a loud knocking was heard against the wall on one side of -the chamber; at the sound of which my father's face, which was white -before, became of an ashy paleness. - -"Ah!" cried one of the pursuivants, "the lying Papist! The egregious -Roman! an oath is in his mouth that he has no priest in his house, and -here is one hidden in his cupboard." - -"Mr. Sherwood!" the sheriff shouted, greatly moved, "lead the way to -the hiding-place wherein a traitor is concealed, or I order the house -to be pulled down about your ears." - -My father was standing like one stunned by a sudden blow, and I heard -him murmur, "'Tis the devil's own doing, or else I am stark, staring -mad." - -The men ran to the wall, and knocked against it with their sticks, -crying out in an outrageous manner to the priest to come out of his -hole. "We'll unearth the Jesuit fox," cried one; "we'll give him a -better lodging in Lichfield gaol," shouted another; and the sheriff -kept threatening to set fire to the house. Still the knocking from -within went on, as if answering that outside, and then a voice -cried out, "I cannot open: I am shut in." - -"'Tis Edmund!" I exclaimed; "'tis Edmund is in the hiding-place." And -then the words were distinctly heard, "'Tis I; 'tis Edmund Genings. -For God's sake, open; I am shut in." Upon which my father drew a deep -breath, and hastening forward, pressed his finger on a place in the -wall, the panel slipped, and Edmund came out of the recess, looking -scared and confused. The pursuivants seized him; but the sheriff cried -out, surprised, "God's death, sirs! but 'tis the son of the worshipful -Mr. Genings, whose lady is a mother in Israel, and M. Jean de Luc's -first cousin! And how came ye, Mr. Edmund, to be concealed in this -Popish den? Have these recusants imprisoned you with some foul intent, -or perverted you by their vile cunning?" Edmund was addressing my -father in an agitated voice. - -"I fear me, sir," he cried, clasping his hands, "I befear me much I -have affrighted you, and I have been myself sorely affrighted. I was -passing through this room, which I have never before seen, and the -door of which was open this morn. By chance I drew my hand along the -wall, where there was no apparent mark, when the panel slipped and -disclosed this recess, into which I stepped, and straightway the -opening closed and I remained in darkness. I was afraid no one might -hear me, and I should die of hunger." - -My father tried to smile, but could not. "Thank God," he said, "'tis -no worse;" and sinking down on a chair he remained silent, whilst the -sheriff and the pursuivants examined the recess, which was deep and -narrow, and in which they brandished their swords in all directions. -Then they went round the room, feeling the walls; but though there was -another recess with a similar mode of aperture, they hit not on it, -doubtless through God's mercy; for in it were concealed the altar -furniture and our books, with many other things besides, which they -would have seized on. - -Before going away, the sheriff questioned Edmund concerning his faith, -and for what reason he abode in a Popish house and consorted with -recusants. Edmund answered he was no Papist, but a kinsman of Mrs. -Sherwood, unto whose house his father had oftentimes sent him. Upon -which he was counselled to take heed unto himself and to eschew evil -company, which leads to horrible defections, and into the straight -road to perdition. Whereupon they departed; and the officer who had -enticed his companion from the library smiled as he passed me, and -said: - -"And wherefore not at prayers, little mistress, on the Lord's day, as -all Christian folks should be?" - -I ween he was curious to see how I should answer, albeit not moved -thereunto by any malicious intent. But at the time I did not bethink -myself that he spoke of Protestant service; and being angered at what -passed, I said: - -"Because we be kept from prayers by the least welcome visit ever made -to Christian folks on a Lord's morning." He laughed and cried: - -"Thou hast a ready tongue, young mistress; and when tried for -recusancy I warrant thou'lt give the judge a piece of thy mind." - -"And if I ever be in such a presence, and for such a cause," I -answered, "I pray to God I may say to my lord on the bench what the -blessed apostle St. Peter spoke to his judges: 'If it be just in the -sight of God to hear you rather than God, judge ye.'" At which he -cried: - -"Why, here is a marvel indeed--a Papist to quote Scripture!" And -laughing again, he went his way; and the house was for that time rid -of these troublesome guests. - -Then Edmund again sued for pardon to my father, that through his rash -conduct he had been the occasion of so great fear and trouble to him. - - -"I warrant thee, my good boy," quoth my father, "thou didst cause me -the most keen anguish, and the most sudden relief from it, which can -well be thought of; and so no more need be said thereon. And as thou -must needs be going to the public church, 'tis time that thou bestir -thyself; for 'tis a long walk there and back, and the sun waxing hot." - -When Edmund was gone, and I alone with him, my father clasped me in -his arms, and cried: - -"God send, my wench, thou mayest justify thy sponsors who gave thee -thy name in baptism; for 'tis a rare constancy these times do call -for, and such as is not often seen, saving in such as be of a noble -and religious spirit; which I pray to God may be the case with thee." - -My mother did not speak, but went away with her hand pressed against -her heart; which was what of late I had often seen her to do, as if -the pain was more than she could bear. - -One hour later, as I was crossing the court, a man met me suited as a -farmer; who, when I passed him, laid his hand on my shoulder; at the -which I started, and turning round saw it was Father Bryan; who, -smiling as I caught his hand, cried out: - -"Dost know the shepherd in his wolf's clothing, little mistress?" and -hastening on to the chapel he said mass, at the which only a few -assisted, as my parents durst not send to the Catholics so late in the -day. As soon as mass was over, Mr. Bryan said he must leave, for there -was a warrant issued for his apprehension; and our house famed for -recusancy, so as he might not stay in it but with great peril to -himself and to its owners. We stood at the door as he was mounting his -horse, and my father said, patting its neck: - -"Tis a faithful servant this, reverend father; many a mile he has -carried thee to the homes of the sick and dying since our troubles -began." - -"Ah! good Mr. Sherwood," Mr. Bryan replied, as he gathered up the -bridle, "thou hast indeed warrant to style the poor beast faithful. If -I were to shut my eyes and let him go, no doubt but he would find his -way to the doors of such as cleave to the ancient faith, in city or in -hamlet, across moor or through thick wood. If a pursuivant bestrode -him, he might discover through his means who be recusants a hundred -miles around. But I bethink me he would not budge with such a burthen -on his back; and that he who made the prophet's ass to speak, would, -give the good beast more sense than to turn informer, and to carry the -wolf to the folds of the lambs. And prithee, Mistress Constance," said -the good priest, turning to me, "canst keep a secret and be silent, -when men's lives are in jeopardy?" - -"Aye," cried my father quickly, "'tis as much as worthy Mr. Bryan's -life is worth that none should know he was here to-day." - -"More than my poor life is worth," he rejoined; "that were little to -think of, my good friends. For five years I have made it my prayer -that the day may soon come--and I care not how soon--when I may lay it -down for his sake who gave it. But we must e'en have a care for those -who are so rash as to harbor priests in these evil times. So Mistress -Constance must e'en study the virtue of silence, and con the meaning -of the proverb which teacheth discretion to be the best part of -valor." - -"If Edmund Genings asketh me, reverend father, if I have heard mass -to-day, what must I answer?" - -"Say the queen's majesty has forbidden mass to be said in this her -kingdom; and if he presseth thee more closely thereon, why then tell -him the last news from the poultry-yard, and that the hares have eat -thy mignonette; which they be doing even now, if my eyes deceive me -not," said the good father, pointing with his whip to the -flower-garden. - -So, smiling, he gave us a last blessing, and rode on toward the Chase, -and I went to drive the hares away from the flower-beds, and -then to set the chapel in fair order. And ever and anon, that day and -the next, I took out of my pocket my sweet Lady Surrey's last letter, -and pictured to myself all the scenes therein related; so that I -seemed to live one-half of my life with her in thought, so greatly was -my fancy set upon her, and my heart concerned in her troubles. - -CHAPTER V. - -Not many days after the sheriff and the pursuivants had been at our -house, and Mr. Bryan, by reason of the bloody laws which had been -enacted against Papists and such as harbor priests, had left us,-- -though intending to return at such times as might serve our commodity, -and yet not affect our safety,--I was one morning assisting my mother -in the store-room, wherein she was setting aside such provisions as -were to be distributed to the poor that week, together with salves, -medicines, and the like, which she also gave out of charity, when a -spasm came over her, so vehement and painful, that for the moment she -lost the use of speech, and made signs to me to call for help. I ran -affrighted into the library for my father, and brought him to her, -upon which, in a little time, she did somewhat recover, but desired he -would assist her to her own chamber, whither she went leaning on his -arm. When laid on her bed she seemed easier; and smiling, bade me -leave them for awhile, for that she desired to have speech with my -father alone. - -For the space of an hour I walked in the garden, with so oppressive a -grief at my heart as I had never before experienced. Methinks the -great stillness in the air added thereunto some sort of physical -disorder; for the weather was very close and heavy; and if a leaf did -but stir, I started as if danger was at hand; and the noise of the -chattering pies over my head worked in me an apprehensive melancholy, -foreboding, I doubt not, what was to follow. At about eleven o'clock, -hearing the sound of a horse's feet in the avenue, I turned round, and -saw Edmund riding from the house; upon which I ran across the grass to -a turning of the road where he would pass, and called to him to stop, -which he did; and told me he was going to Lichfield for his father, -whom my mother desired presently to see. "Then thou shouldst not -tarry," I said; and he pushed on and left me standing where I was; but -the bell then ringing for dinner, I went back to the house, and, in so -doing, took notice of a bay-tree on the lawn which was withered and -dried-up, though the gardener had been at pains to preserve it by -sundry appliances and frequent watering of it. Then it came to my -remembrance what my nurse used to say, that the dying of that sort of -tree is a sure omen of a death in a family; which thought sorely -disturbed me at that time. I sat down with my father to a brief and -silent meal; and soon after the physician he had sent for came, whom -he conducted to my mother's chamber, whereunto I did follow, and -slipped in unperceived. Sitting on one side of the bed, behind the -curtains, I heard her say, in a voice which sounded hollow and weak, -"Good Master Lawrenson, my dear husband was fain to send for you, and -I cared not to withstand him, albeit persuaded that I am hastening to -my journey's end, and that naught that you or any other man may -prescribe may stay what is God's will. And if this be visible to you -as it is to me, I pray you keep it not from me, for it will be to my -much comfort to be assured of it." - -When she had done speaking, he did feel her pulse; and the while my -heart beat so quick and, as it seemed to me, so loud as if it must -needs impede my hearing; but in a moment I heard him say: "God defend, -good madam, I should deceive you. While there is life, there is hope. -Greater comfort I dare not urge. If there be any temporal matter -on your mind, 'twere better settled now, and likewise of your soul's -health, by such pious exercises as are used by those of your way of -thinking." - -At the hearing of these his words, my father fetched a deep sigh; but -she, as one greatly relieved, clasped her hands together, and cried, -"My God, I thank thee!" - -Then, stealing from behind the curtain, I laid my head on the pillow -nigh unto hers, and whispered, "Sweet mother, prithee do not die, or -else take me with thee." - -But she, as one not heeding, exclaimed, with her hands uplifted, "O -faithless heart! O selfish heart! to be so glad of death!" - -The physician was directing the maids what they should do for her -relief when the pain came on, and he himself stood compounding some -medicine for her to take. My father asked of him when he next would -come; and he answered, "On the morrow;" but methinks 'twas even then -his belief that there would be no morrow for her who was dying before -her time, like the bay-tree in our garden. She bade him farewell in a -kindly fashion; and when we were alone, I lying on the bed by her -side, and my father sitting at its head, she said, in a low voice, -"How wonderful be God's dealings with us, and how fatherly his care; -in that he takes the weak unto himself, and leaves behind the strong -to fight the battle now at hand! My dear master, I had a dream -yesternight which had somewhat of horror in it, but more methinks of -comfort." My father breaking out then in sighs and tears as if his -heart would break, she said, "Oh, but thou must hear and acknowledge, -my loved master, how gracious is God's providence to thy poor wife. -When thou knowest what I have suffered--not in body, though that has -been sharp too, but in my soul--it will reconcile thine own to a -parting which has in it so much of mercy. Thou dost remember the night -when Mr. Mush was here, and what his discourse did run on?" - -"Surely do I, sweet wife," he answered; "for it was such as the mind -doth not easily lose the memory of; the sufferings and glorious end of -the blessed martyr Mrs. Clitherow. I perceived what sorrowful heed -thou didst lend to his recital; but has it painfully dwelt in thy mind -since?" - -"By day and by night it hath not left me; ever recurring to my -thoughts, ever haunting my dreams, and working in me a fearful -apprehension lest in a like trial I should be found wanting, and prove -a traitor to God and his Church, and a disgrace and heartbreak to thee -who hast so truly loved me far beyond my deserts. I have bragged of -the dangers of the times, even as cowards are wont to speak loud in -the dark to still by the sound of their own voices the terrors they do -feel. I have had before my eyes the picture of that cruel death, and -of the children extremely used for answering as their mother had -taught them, till cold drops of sweat have stood on my brow, and I -have knelt in my chamber wringing my hands and praying to be spared a -like trial. And then, maybe an hour later, sitting at the table, I -spake merrily of the gallows, mocking my own fears, as when Mr. Bryan -was last here; and I said that priests should be more welcome to me -than ever they were, now that virtue and the Catholic cause were made -felony; and the same would be in God's sight more meritorious than -ever before: upon which, 'Then you must prepare your neck for the -rope,' quoth he, in a pleasant but withal serious manner; at the which -a cold chill overcame me, and I very well-nigh faulted, though -constraining my tongue to say, 'God's will be done; but I am far -unworthy of so great an honor.' The cowardly heart belied the -confident tongue, and fear of my own weakness affrighted me, by the -which I must needs have offended God, who helps such as trust in -him. But I hope to be forgiven, inasmuch as it has ever been the wont -of my poor thoughts to picture evils beforehand in such a form as to -scare the soul, which, when it came to meet with them, was not shaken -from its constancy. When Conny was an infant I have stood nigh unto a -window with her in my arms, and of a sudden a terror would seize me -lest I should let her fall out of my hands, which yet clasped her; and -methinks 'twas somewhat of alike feeling which worked in me touching -the denying of my faith, which, God is my witness, is dearer to me -than aught upon earth." - -"'Tis even so, sweet wife," quoth my father; "the edge of a too keen -conscience and a sensitive apprehension of defects visible to thine -own eyes and God's--never to mine, who was ever made happy by thy love -and virtue--have worn out the frame which enclosed them, and will rob -me of the dearest comfort of my life, if I must lose thee." - -She looked upon him with so much sweetness, as if the approach of -death had brought her greater peace and joy than life had ever done, -and she replied: "Death comes to me as a compassionate angel, and I -fain would have thee welcome with me the kindly messenger who brings -so great relief to the poor heart thou hast so long cherished. Now, -thou art called to another task; and when the bruised, broken reed is -removed from thy side, thou wilt follow the summons which even now -sounds in thine ears." - -"Ah," cried my father, clasping her hand, "art thou then already a -saint, sweet wife, that thou hast read the vow slowly registered as -yet in the depths of a riven heart?" Then his eyes turned on me; and -she, who seemed to know his thoughts, that sweet soul who had been so -silent in life, but was now spending her last breath in -never-to-be-forgotten words, answered the question contained in that -glance as if it had been framed in a set speech. - -"Fear not for her," she said, laying her cheek close unto mine. "As -her days, so shall her strength be. Methinks Almighty God has given -her a spirit meet for the age in which her lot is cast. The early -training thou hast had, my wench; the lack of such memories as make -the present twofold bitter; the familiar mention round thy cradle of -such trials as do beset Catholics in these days, have nurtured thee a -stoutness of heart which will stand thee in good stead amidst the -rough waves of this troublesome world. The iron will not enter into -thy soul as it hath done into mine." Upon which she fell back -exhausted and for a while no sound was heard in or about the house -save the barking of our great dog. - -My father had sent a messenger to a house where we had had notice days -before Father Ford was staying but with no certain knowledge he still -there, or any other priest in neighborhood, which occasioned him no -small disquietude, for my mother's strength seemed to be visibly -sinking which was what the doctor's words had led him to expect. The -man he sent returned not till the evening; in the afternoon Mr. -Genings and son came from Lichfield, which, when my mother heard, she -said God was gracious to permit her once more to see John, which was -Mr. Genings' name. They had been reared in the same house; and a -kindness had always continued betwixt them. For some time past he had -conformed to the times; and since his marriage with the daughter of a -French Huguenot who lived in London, and who was a lady of very -commendable character and manners, and strenuous in her own way of -thinking, he had left off practising his own religion in secret, which -for a while he used to do. When he came in, and saw death plainly writ -in his cousin's face, he was greatly moved, and knelt down by her side -with a very sorrowful countenance; upon which she straightly looked at -him, and said: "Cousin John, my breath is very short, as my time -is also like to be. But one word I would fain say to thee before I -die. I was always well pleased with my religion, which was once thine -and that of all Christian people one hundred years ago; but I have -never been so well pleased with it as now, when I be about to meet my -Judge." - -Mr. Genings' features worked with a strange passion, in which was more -of grief than displeasure, and grasping his son's shoulder, who was -likewise kneeling and weeping, he said: "You have wrought with this -boy, cousin, to make him a Catholic." - -"As heaven is my witness," she answered, "not otherwise but by my -prayers." - -"Hast thou seen a priest, cousin Constance?" he then asked: upon which -my mother not answering, the poor man burst into tears, and cried: -"Oh, cousin--cousin Constance, dost count me a spy, and at thy -death-bed?" - -He seemed cut to the heart; whereupon she gave him her hand, and said -she hoped God would send her such ghostly assistance as she stood in -need of; and praying God to bless him and his wife and children, and -make them his faithful servants, so she might meet them all in -perpetual happiness, she spoke with such good cheer, and then bade him -and Edmund farewell with so pleasant a smile, as deceived them into -thinking her end not so near. And so, after a while, they took their -leave; upon which she composed herself for a while in silence, -occupying her thoughts in prayer; and toward evening, through God's -mercy, albeit the messenger had returned with the heavy news that -Father Ford had left the county some days back, it happened that Mr. -Watson, a secular priest who had lately arrived in England, and was on -his way to Chester, stopped at our house, whereunto Mr. Orton, whom he -had seen in prison at London, had directed him for his own convenience -on the road, and likewise our commodity, albeit little thinking how -great our need would be at that time of so opportune a guest, through -whose means that dear departing soul had the benefit of the last -sacraments with none to trouble or molest her, and such ghostly aid as -served to smooth her passage to what has proved, I doubt not, the -beginning of a happy eternity, if we may judge by such tokens as the -fervent acts of contrition she made both before and after shrift, such -as might have served to wash away ten thousand sins through his blood -who cleansed her, and her great and peaceable joy at receiving him -into her heart whom she soon trusted to behold. Her last words were -expressions of wonder and gratitude at God's singular mercy shown unto -her in the quiet manner of her death in the midst of such troublesome -times. And methinks, when the silver cord was loosed, and naught was -left of her on earth save the fair corpse which retained in death the -semblance it had had in life, that together with the natural grief -which found vent in tears, there remained in the hearts of such as -loved her a comfortable sense of the Divine goodness manifested in -this her peaceable removal. - -How great the change which that day wrought in me may be judged of by -such who, at the age I had then reached to, have met with a like -affliction, coupled with a sense of duties to be fulfilled, such as -then fell to my lot, both as touching household cares, and in respect -to the cheering of my father in his solitary hours during the time we -did yet continue at Sherwood Hall, which was about a year. It waxed -very hard then for priests to make their way to the houses of -Catholics, as many now found it to their interest to inform against -them and such as harbored them; and mostly in our neighborhood, -wherein there were at that time no recusants of so great rank and note -that the sheriff would not be lief to meddle with them. We had -oftentimes had secret advices to beware of such and such of our -servants who might betray our hidden conveyances of safety; and my -father scarcely durst be sharp with them when they offended by -slacking their duties, lest they might bring us into danger if they -revealed, upon any displeasure, priests having abided with us. Edmund -we saw no more since my mother's death; and after a while the news did -reach us that Mr. Genings had died of the small-pox, and left his wife -in so distressed a condition, against all expectation, owing to debts -he had incurred, that she had been constrained to sell her house and -furniture, and was living in a small lodging near unto the school -where Edmund continued his studies. - -I noticed, as time went by, how heavily it weighed on my father's -heart to see so many Catholics die without the sacraments, or fall -away from their faith, for lack of priests to instruct them, like so -many sheep without a shepherd; and I guessed by words he let fall on -divers occasions, that the intent obscurely shadowed forth in his -discourse to my mother on her deathbed was ripening to a settled -purpose, and tending to a change in his state of life, which only his -love and care for me caused him to defer. What I did apprehend must -one day needs occur, was hastened about this time by a warning he did -receive that on an approaching day he would be apprehended and carried -by the sheriff before the council at Lichfield, to be examined -touching recusancy and harboring of priests; which was what he had -long expected. This message was, as it were, the signal he had been -waiting for, and an indication of God's will in his regard. He made -instant provision for the placing of his estate in the hands of a -friend of such singular honesty and so faithful a friendship toward -himself, though a Protestant, that he could wholly trust him. And next -he set himself to dispose of her whom he did term his most dear -earthly treasure, and his sole tie to this perishable world, which he -resolved to do by straightway sending her to London, unto his sister -Mistress Congleton, who had oftentimes offered, since his wife's -death, to take charge of this daughter, and to whom he now despatched -a messenger with a letter, wherein he wrote that the times were now so -troublesome, he must needs leave his home, and take advantage of the -sisterly favor she had willed to show him in the care of his sole -child, whom he now would forthwith send to London, commending her to -her good keeping, touching her safety and religious and virtuous -training, and that he should be more beholden to her than ever brother -was to sister, and, as long as he lived, as he was bound to do, pray -for her and her good husband. When this letter was gone, and order had -been taken for my journey, which was to be on horseback, and in the -charge of a maiden gentlewoman who had been staying some months in our -neighborhood, and was now about in two days to travel to London, it -seemed to me as if that which I had long expected and pictured unto -myself had now come upon me of a sudden, and in such wise as for the -first time to taste its bitterness. For I saw, without a doubt, that -this parting was but the forerunner of a change in my father's -condition as great and weighty as could well be thought of. But of -this howbeit our thoughts were full of it, no talk was ministered -between us. He said I should hear from him in London; and that he -should now travel into Lancashire and Cheshire, changing his name, and -often shifting his quarters whilst the present danger lasted. The day -which was to be the last to see us in the house wherein himself and -his fathers for many centuries back, and I his unworthy child, had -been born, was spent in such fashion as becometh those who suffer for -conscience sake, and that is with so much sorrow as must needs be felt -by a loving father and a dutiful child in a first and doubtful -parting, with so much regret as is natural in the abandonment of a -peaceful earthly home, wherein God had been served in a Catholic -manner for many generations and up to that time without -discontinuance, only of late years as it were by night and -stealth, which was linked in their memories with sundry innocent joys -and pleasures, and such griefs as do hallow and endear the visible -scenes wherewith they be connected, but withal with a stoutness of -heart in him, and a youthful steadiness in her whom he had infected -with a like courage unto his own, which wrought in them so as to be of -good cheer and shed no more tears on so moving an occasion than the -debility of her nature and the tenderness of his paternal care -extorted from their eyes when he placed her on her horse, and the -bridle in the hand of the servant who was to accompany her to London. -Their last parting was a brief one, and such as I care not to be -minute in describing; for thinking upon it even now 'tis like to make -me weep; which I would not do whilst writing this history, in the -recital of which there should be more of constancy and thankful -rejoicing in God's great mercies, than of womanish softness in looking -back to past trials. So I will even break off at this point; and in -the next chapter relate the course of the journey which was begun on -that day. - -CHAPTER VI. - -I was to travel, as had been ordered for our mutual convenience and -protection, with Mistress Ward, a gentlewoman who resided some months -in our vicinity, and had heard mass in our chapel on such rare -occasions as of late had occurred, when a priest was at our house, and -we had commodity to give notice thereof to such as were Catholic in -the adjacent villages. We had with us on the journey two serving-men -and a waiting-woman, who had been my mother's chambermaid; and so -accompanied, we set out on our way, singing as we went, for greater -safety, the litanies of our Lady; to whom we did commend ourselves, as -my father had willed us to do, with many fervent prayers. The -gentlewoman to whose charge I was committed was a lady of singular -zeal and discretion, as well as great virtue; albeit, where religion -was not concerned, of an exceeding timid disposition; which, to my no -small diversion then, and great shame since, I took particular notice -of on this journey. Much talk had been ministered in the county -touching the number of rogues and vagabonds which infested the public -roads, of which sundry had been taken up and whipped during the last -months, in Lichfield, Stafford, and other places. I did perceive that -good Mistress Ward glanced uneasily as we rode along at every -foot-passenger or horseman that came in sight. Albeit my heart was -heavy, and may be also that when the affections are inclined to tears -they be likewise prone to laughter, I scarce could restrain from -smiling at these her fears and the manner of her showing them. - -"Mistress Constance," she said at last, as we came to the foot of a -steep ascent, "methinks you have a great heart concerning the -dangers which may befall us on the road, and that the sight of a -robber would move you not one whit more than that of an honest pedler -or hawker, such as I take those men to be who are mounting the hill in -advance of us. Doth it not seem to you that the box which they do -carry betokens them to be such worthy persons as I wish them to -prove?" - -"Now surely," I answered, "good Mistress Ward, 'tis my opinion that -they be not such honest knaves as you do suppose. I perceive somewhat -I mislike in the shape of that box. What an if it be framed to entice -travellers to their ruin by such displays and shows of rare ribbons -and gewgaws as may prove the means of detaining them on the road, and -a-robbing of them in the end?" - -Mistress Ward laughed, and commended my jesting, but was yet ill at -ease; and, as a mischievous and thoughtless creature, I did somewhat -excite and maintain her fears, in order to set her on asking questions -of our attendants touching the perils of the road, which led them to -relate such fearful stories of what they had seen of this sort as -served to increase her apprehensions, and greatly to divert me, who -had not the like fears; but rather entertained myself with hers, in a -manner such as I have been since ashamed to think of, who should have -kissed the ground on which she had trodden. - -The fairness of the sky, the beauty of the fields and hedges, the -motion of the horse, stirred up my spirits; albeit my heart was at -moments so brimful of sorrow that I hated my tongue for its -wantonness, my eyes for their curious gazing, and my fancy for its -eager thoughts anent London and the new scenes I should behold there. -What mostly dwelt in them was the hope to see my Lady Surrey, of whom -I had had of late but brief and scanty tidings. The last letter I had -from her was writ at the time when the Duke of Norfolk was for the -second time thrown in the Tower, which she said was the greatest -sorrow that had befallen her since the death of my Lady Mounteagle, -which had happened at his grace's house a few months back, with all -the assistance she desired touching her religion. She had been urged, -my Lady Surrey said, by the duke some time before to do something -contrary to her faith; but though she much esteemed and respected him, -her answer was so round and resolute that he never mentioned the like -to her any more. Since then I had no more tidings of her, who was -dearer to me than our brief acquaintance and the slender tie of such -correspondence as had taken place between us might in most cases -warrant; but whether owing to some congeniality of mind, or to a -presentiment of future friendship, 'tis most certain my heart was -bound to her in an extraordinary manner; so that she was the continual -theme of my thoughts and mirror of my fancy. - -The first night of our journey we lay at a small inn, which was held -by persons Mistress Ward was acquainted with, and by whom we were -entertained in a decent chamber, looking on unto a little garden, and -with as much comfort as the fashion of the place might afford, and -greater cleanliness than is often to be found in larger hostelries. -After supper, being somewhat weary with travel, but not yet inclined -for bed, and the evening fine, we sat out of doors in a bower of -eglantine near to some bee-hives, of which our hostess had a great -store; and methinks she took example from them, for we could see her -through the window as busy in the kitchen amongst her maids as the -queen-bee amidst her subjects. Mistress Ward took occasion to observe, -as we watched one of these little commonwealths of nature, that she -admired how they do live, laboring and swarming, and gathering honey -together so neat and finely, that they abhor nothing so much as -uncleanliness, drinking pure and clear water, even the dew-drops on -the leaves and flowers, and delighting in sweet music, which if -they hear but once out of tune they fly out of sight. - -"They live," she said, "under a law, and use great reverence to their -elders. Every one hath his office; some trimming the honey, another -framing hives, another the combs. When they go forth to work, they -mark the wind and the clouds, and whatsoever doth threaten their ruin; -and having gathered, out of every flower, honey, they return loaded in -their mouths and on their wings, whom they that tarried at home -receive readily, easing their backs of their great burthens with as -great care as can be thought of." - -"Methinks," I answered, "that if it be as you say, Mistress Ward, the -bees be wiser than men." - -At the which she smiled; but withal, sighing, made reply: - -"One might have wished of late years rather to be a bee than such as -we see men sometimes to be. But, Mistress Constance, if they are -indeed so wise and so happy, 'tis that they are fixed in a condition -in which they must needs do the will of him who created them; and the -like wisdom and happiness in a far higher state we may ourselves -enjoy, if we do but choose of our free will to live by the same rule." - -Then, after some further discourse on the habits of these little -citizens, I inquired of Mistress Ward if she were acquainted with mine -aunt, Mistress Congleton; at the which question she seemed surprised, -and said, - -"Methought, my dear, you had known my condition in your aunt's family, -having been governess for many years to her three daughters, and only -by reason of my sister's sickness having stayed away from them for -some time." - -At the which intelligence I greatly rejoiced; for the few hours we had -rode together, and our discourse that evening, had wrought in me a -liking for this lady as great as could arise in so short a period. But -I minded me then of my jests at her fears anent robbers, and also of -having been less dutiful in my manners than I should have been toward -one who was like to be set over me; and I likewise bethought me this -might be the cause that she had spoken of the bees having a reverence -for their elders, and doubted if I should crave her pardon for my want -of it. But, like many good thoughts which we give not entertainment to -by reason that they be irksome, I changed that intent for one which -had in it more of pleasantness, though less of virtue. Kissing her, I -said it was the best news I had heard for a long time that I should -live in the same house with her, and, as I hoped, under her care and -good government. And she answered, that she was well pleased with it -too, and would be a good friend to me as long as she lived. Then I -asked her touching my cousins, and of their sundry looks and -qualities. She answered, that the eldest, Kate, was very fair, and -said nothing further concerning her. Polly, she told me, was -marvellous witty and very pleasant, and could give a quick answer, -full of entertaining conceits. - -"And is she, then, not fair?" I asked. - -"Neither fair nor foul," was her reply; "but well favored enough, and -has an excellent head." - -"Then," I cried, letting my words exceed good behavior, "I shall like -her better than the pretty fool her sister." For the which speech I -received the first, but not the last, chiding I ever had from Mistress -Ward for foolish talking and pert behavior, which was what I very well -deserved. When she had done speaking, I put my arm round her neck--for -it put me in mind of my mother to be so gravely yet so sweetly -corrected--and said, "Forgive me, dear Mistress Ward, for my saucy -words, and tell me somewhat I beseech you touching my youngest cousin, -who must be nearest to mine own age." - -"She is no pearl to hang at one's ear," quoth she, "yet so gifted with -a well-disposed mind that in her grace seems almost to supersede -nature. Muriel is deformed in body, and slow in speech; but in -behavior so honest, in prayer so devout, so noble in all her dealings, -that I never heard her speak anything that either concerned not good -instruction or godly mirth." - -"And doth she not care to be ugly?" I asked. - -"So little doth she value beauty," quoth Mistress Ward, "save in the -admiring of it in others, that I have known her to look into a glass -and smiling cry out, 'This face were fair if it were turned and every -feature the opposite to what it is;' and so jest pleasantly at her own -deformities, and would have others do so too. Oh, she is a rare -treasure of goodness and piety, and a true comfort to her friends!" - -With suchlike pleasant discourse we whiled away the time until going -to rest; and next day were on horseback betimes on our way to -Coventry, where we were to lie that night at the house of Mr. Page, a -Catholic, albeit not openly, by reason of the times. This gentleman is -for his hospitality so much haunted, that no news stirs but comes to -his ears, and no gentlefolks pass his door but have a cheerful welcome -to his house; and 'tis said no music is so sweet to his ears as -deserved thanks. He vouchsafed much favor to us, and by his merry -speeches procured us much entertainment, provoking me to laughter -thereby more than I desired. He took us to see St. Mary's Hall, which -is a building which has not its equal for magnificence in any town I -have seen, no, not even in London. As we walked through the streets he -showed us a window in which was an inscription, set up in the reign of -King Richard the Second, which did run thus: - - "I, Luriche, for the love of thee - Do make Coventry toll free." - -And further on, the figure of Peeping Tom of Coventry, that false -knave I was so angry with when my father (ah, me! how sharp and sudden -was the pain which went through my heart as I called to mind the hours -I was wont to sit on his knee hearkening to the like tales) told me -the story of the Lady Godiva, who won mercy for her townsfolk by a -ride which none had dared to take but one so holy as herself. And, as -I said before, being then in a humor as prone to tears at one moment -as laughter at another, I fell to weeping for the noble lady who had -been in so sore a strait that she must needs have chosen between -complying with her savage lord's conditions or the misery of her poor -clients. When Mr. Page noticed my tears, which flowed partly for -myself and partly for one who had been long dead, but yet lived in the -hearts of these citizens, he sought to cheer me by the recital of the -fair and rare pageant which doth take place every year in Coventry, -and is of the most admirable beauty, and such as is not witnessed in -any other city in the world. He said I should not weep if I were to -see it, which he very much desired I should; and he hoped he might be -then alive, and ride by my side in the procession as my esquire; at -the which I smiled, for the good gentleman had a face and figure such -as would not grace a pageant, and methought I might be ashamed some -years hence to have him for my knight; and I said, "Good Mr. Page, be -the shutters closed on those days as when the Lady Godiva rode?" at -the which he laughed, and answered, - -"No; and that for one Tom who then peeped, there were a thousand eyes -to gaze on the show as it passed." - -"Then if it please you, sir, when the time comes," I said, "I would -like to look on and not to ride;" and he replied, it should be as I -pleased; and with such merry discourse we spent the time till supper -was ready. And afterward that good gentleman slackened not his efforts -in entertaining us; but related so many laughable stories, and took so -great notice of me, that I was moved to answer him sometimes in a -manner too forward for my years. He told us of the queen's visit to -that city, and that the mayor, who had heard her grace's majesty -considered poets, and herself wrote verses, thought to commend himself -to her favor by such rare rhymes as these, wherewith he did greet her -at her entrance into the town: - - "We, the men of Coventry, - Be pleased to see your majesty, - Good Lord! how fair you be!" - -at the which her highness made but an instant's pause, and then -straightway replied, - - "It pleaseth well her majesty - To see the men of Coventry. - Good Lord! what fools you be!" - -"But," quoth Mr. Page, "the good man was so well pleased that the -Queen had answered his compliment, that 'tis said he has had her -majesty's speech framed, and hung up in his parlor." - -"Pity 'tis not in the town-hall," I cried; and he laughing commended -me for sharpness; but Mistress Ward said: - -"A sharp tongue in a woman's head was always a stinging weapon; but in -a queen's she prayed God it might never prove a murtherous one." Which -words somewhat checked our merriment, for that they savored of rebuke -to me for forward speech, and I ween awoke in Mr. Page thoughts of a -graver sort. - -When we rode through the town next day, he went with us for the space -of some miles, and then bade us farewell with singular courtesy, and -professions of good will and proffered service if we should do him the -good at any time to remember his poor house; which we told him he had -given us sufficient reason not to forget. Toward evening, when the sun -was setting, we did see the towers of Warwick Castle; and I would fain -have discerned the one which doth bear the name of the great earl who -in a poor pilgrim's garb slew the giant Colbrand, and the cave 'neath -Guy's Cliff where he spent his last years in prayer. But the light was -declining as we rode into Leamington, where we lay that night, and -darkness hid from us that fair country, which methought was a meet -abode for such as would lead a hermit's life. - -The next day we had the longest ride and the hottest sun we had yet -met with; and at noon we halted to rest in a thicket on the roadside, -which we made our pavilion, and from which our eyes did feast -themselves on a delightful prospect. There were heights on one side -garnished with stately oaks, and a meadow betwixt the road and the -hill enamelled with all sorts of pleasing flowers, and stored with -sheep, which were feeding in sober security. Mistress Ward, who was -greatly tired with the journey, fell asleep with her head on her hand, -and I pulled from my pocket a volume with which Mr. Page had gifted me -at parting, and which contained sundry tales anent Amadis de Gaul, -Huon de Bordeaux, Palmerin of England, and suchlike famous knights, -which he said, as I knew how to read, for which he greatly commended -my parents' care, I should entertain myself with on the road. So, -one-half sitting, one-half lying on the grass, I reclined in an easy -posture, with my head resting against the trunk of a tree, pleasing my -fancy with the writers' conceits; but ever and anon lifting my eyes to -the blue sky above my head, seen through the green branches, or fixed -them on the quaint patterns the quivering light drew on the grass, or -else on the valley refreshed with a silver river, and the fair hills -beyond it. And as I read of knights and ladies, and the many perils -which befel them, and passages of love betwixt them, which was new to -me, and what I had not met with in any of the books I had yet read, I -fell into a fit of musing, wondering if in London the folks I should -see would discourse in the same fashion, and the gentlemen have so -much bravery and the ladies so great beauty as those my book treated -of. And as I noticed it was chiefly on the high-roads they did come -into such dangerous adventures, I gazed as far as I could -discern on the one I had in view before me with a foolish kind of -desire for some robbers to come and assail us, and then a great -nobleman or gallant esquire to ride up and fall on them, and to -deliver us from a great peril, and may be to be wounded in the -encounter, and I to bind up those wounds as from my mother's teaching -I knew how to do, and then give thanks to the noble gentleman in such -courteous and well-picked words as I could think of. But for all my -gazing I could naught perceive save a wain slowly ascending the hill -loaden with corn, midst clouds of dust, and some poorer sort of -people, who had been gleaning, and were carrying sheaves on their -heads. After an hour Mistress Ward awoke from her nap; and methinks I -had been dozing also, for when she called to me, and said it was time -to eat somewhat, and then get to horse, I cried out, "Good sir, I wait -your pleasure;" and rubbed my eyes to see her standing before me in -her riding-habit, and not the gentleman whose wounds I had been -tending. - -That night we slept at Northampton, at Mistress Engerfield's house. -She was a cousin of Mr. Congleton's, and a lady whose sweet affability -and gravity would have extorted reverence from those that least loved -her. She was then very aged, and had been a nun in King Henry's reign; -and, since her convent had been despoiled, and the religious driven -out of it, having a large fortune of her own, which she inherited -about that time, she made her house a secret monastery, wherein God -was served in a religious manner by such persons as the circumstances -of the time, and not their own desires, had forced back into the -world, and who as yet had found no commodity for passing beyond seas -into countries where that manner of life is allowed. They dressed in -sober black, and kept stated hours of prayer, and went not abroad -unless necessity compelled them thereunto. When we went into the -dining-room, which I noticed Mistress Engerfield called the refectory, -grace was said in Latin; and whilst we did eat one lady read out loud -out of a book, which methinks was the life of a saint; but the fatigue -of the journey, and the darkness of the room, which was wainscotted -with oak-wood, so overpowered my senses with drowsiness, that before -the meal was ended I had fallen asleep, which was discovered, to my -great confusion, when the company rose from table. But that good lady, -in whose face was so great a kindliness that I never saw one to be -compared with it in that respect before or since, took me by the hand -and said, "Young eyes wax heavy for lack of rest, and travellers -should have repose. Come to thy chamber, sweet one, and, after -commending thyself by a brief prayer to him who sleepeth not nor -slumbereth, and to her who is the Mother of the motherless, get thee -to bed and take thy fill of the sleep thou hast so great need of, and -good angels will watch near thee." - -Oh, how I did weep then, partly from fatigue, and partly from the dear -comfort her words did yield me, and, kneeling, asked her blessing, as -I had been wont to do of my dear parents. And she, whose countenance -was full of majesty, and withal of most attractive gentleness, which -made me deem her to be more than an ordinary woman, and a great -servant of God, as indeed she was, raised me from the ground, and -herself assisted to get me to bed, having first said my prayers by her -side, whose inflamed devotion, visible in her face, awakened in me a -greater fervor than I had hitherto experienced when performing this -duty. After I had slept heavily for the space of two or three hours I -awoke, as is the wont of those who be over-fatigued, and could not get -to sleep again, so that I heard the clock of a church strike twelve; -and as the last stroke fell on my ear, it was followed by a sound of -chanting, as if close unto my chamber, which resembled what on rare -occasions I had heard performed by two or three persons in our -chapel; but here, with so full a concord of voices, and so great -melody and sweetness, that methought, being at that time of night and -every one abed, it must be the angels that were singing. But the next -day, questioning Mrs. Ward thereupon as of a strange thing which had -happened to me, she said, the ladies in that house rose always at -midnight, as they had been used to do in their several convents, to -sing God's praises and give him thanks, which was what they did vow to -do when they became religious. Before we departed, Mistress Engerfield -took me into her own room, which was small and plainly furnished, with -no other furniture in it but a bed, table, and kneeling-stool, and -against the wall a large crucifix, and she bestowed upon me a small -book in French, titled "The Spiritual Combat," which she said was a -treasury of pious riches, which she counselled me by frequent study to -make my own; and with many prayers and blessings she then bade us -God-speed, and took leave of us. Our last day's lodging on the road -was at Bedford; and there being no Catholics of note in that town wont -to entertain travellers, we halted at a quiet hostelry, which was kept -by very decent people, who showed us much civility; and the landlady, -after we had supped, the evening being rainy (for else she said we -might have walked through her means into the fair grounds of the Abbey -of Woburn, which she thanked God was not now a hive for drones, as it -had once been, but the seat of a worthy nobleman; which did more -credit to the town, and drew customers to the inn), brought us for our -entertainment a huge book, which she said had as much godliness in -each of its pages as might serve to convert as many Papists--God save -the mark!--as there were leaves in the volume. My cheeks glowed like -fire when she thus spoke, and I looked at Mistress Ward, wondering -what she would say. But she only bowed her head, and made pretence to -open the book, which, when the good woman was gone, - -"Mistress Constance," quoth she, "this is a book writ by Mr. Fox, the -Duke of Norfolk's old schoolmaster, touching those he doth call -martyrs, who suffered for treason and for heresy in the days of Queen -Mary,--God rest her soul!--and if it ever did convert a Papist, I do not -say on his deathbed, but at any time of his life, except it was -greatly for his own interest, I be ready . . ." - -"To be a martyr yourself, Mistress Ward," I cried, with my ever too -great proneness to let my tongue loose from restraint. The color rose -in her cheek, which was usually pale, and she said: - -"Child, I was about to say, that in the case I have named, I be ready -to forego the hope of that which I thank God I be wise enough to -desire, though unworthy to obtain; but for which I do pray each day -that I live." - -"Then would you not be afraid to die on a scaffold," I asked, "or to -be hanged, Mistress Ward?" - -"Not in a good cause," she said. - -But before the words were out of her mouth our landlady knocked at the -door, and said a gentleman was in the house with his two sons, who -asked to pay their compliments to Mistress Ward and the young lady -under her care. The name of this gentleman was Rookwood, of Rookwood -Hall in Suffolk, and Mistress Ward desired the landlady presently to -bring them in, for she had often met them at my aunt's house, as she -afterward told me, and had great contentment we should have such good -company under the same roof with us; whom when they came in she very -pleasantly received, and informed Mr. Rookwood of my name and -relationship to Mistress Congleton; which when he heard, he asked if I -was Mr. Henry Sherwood's daughter; which being certified of, he -saluted me, and said my father was at one time, when both were at -college, the closest friend that ever he had, and his esteem for him -was so great that he would be better pleased with the news that -he should see him but once again, than if any one was to give him a -thousand pounds. I told him my father often spake of him with singular -affection, and that the letter I should write to him from London would -be more welcome than anything else could make it, by the mention of -the honor I had had of his notice. Mistress Ward then asked him what -was the news in London, from whence he had come that morning. He -answered that the news was not so good as he would wish it to be; for -that the queen's marriage with monsieur was broke off, and the King of -France greatly incensed at the favor M. de Montgomeri had experienced -at her hands; and that when he had demanded he should be given up, she -had answered that she did not see why she should be the King of -France's hangman; which was what his father had replied to her sister, -when she had made the like request anent some of her traitors who had -fled to France. - -"Her majesty," he said, "was greatly incensed against the Bishop of -Ross, and had determined to put him to death; but that she was -dissuaded from it by her council; and that he prayed God Catholics -should not fare worse now that Ridolfi's plot had been discovered to -declare her highness illegitimate, and place the Queen of Scots on the -throne, which had moved her to greater anger than even the rising in -the north. - -"And touching the Duke of Norfolk," Mistress Ward did ask, "what is -like to befal him?" - -Mr. Rookwood said, "His grace had been removed from the Tower to his -own house on account of the plague; but it is reported the queen is -more urgent against him than ever, and will have his head in the end." - -"If her majesty will not marry monsieur," Mistress Ward said, "it will -fare worse with recusants." - -Upon which one of the young gentlemen cried out, "'Tis not her majesty -will not have him; but monsieur will not have her. My Lord of Oxford, -who is to marry my Lord Burleigh's daughter, said yesterday at the -tennis court, that that matter of monsieur is grieviously taken on her -grace's part; but that my lord is of opinion that where amity is so -needful, her majesty should stomach it; and so she doth pretend to -break it off herself by reason of her religious scruples." - -At the which both brothers did laugh, but Mr. Rookwood bade them have -a care how they did suffer their tongues to wag anent her grace and -such matters as her grace's marriage; which although in the present -company might be without danger, was an ill habit, which in these -times was like to bring divers persons into troubles. - -"Hang it!" cried the eldest of his sons, who was of a well-pleasing -favor and exceeding goodly figure; "recusants be always in trouble, -whatsoever they do; both taxed for silence and checked for speech, as -the play hath it. For good Mr. Weston was racked for silence last week -till he fainted, for that he would not reveal what he had heard in -confession from one concerned in Ridolfi's plot; and as to my Lord -Morley, he hath been examined before the council, touching his having -said he would go abroad poorly and would return in glory, which he did -speak concerning his health; but they would have it meant treason." - -"Methinks, Master Basil," said his father, "thou art not like to be -taxed for silence; unless indeed on the rack, which the freedom of thy -speech may yet bring thee to, an thou hast not more care of thy words. -See now, thy brother keeps his lips closed in modest silence." - -"Ay, as if butter would not melt in his mouth," cried Basil, laughing. - -And I then noticed the countenance of the younger brother, who was -fairer and shorter by a head than Basil, and had the most beautiful -eyes imaginable, and a high forehead betokening thoughtfulness. Mr. -Rookwood drew his chair further from the table, and conversed in a low -voice with Mrs. Ward, touching matters which I ween were of too -great import to be lightly treated of. I heard the name of Mr. Felton -mentioned in their discourse, and somewhat about the Pope's Bull, in -the affixing of which at the Bishop of London's gate he had lent a -hand; but my ears were not free to listen to them, for the young -gentlemen began to entertain me with divers accounts of the shows in -London; which, as they were some years older than myself, who was then -no better than a child, though tall of mine age, I took as a great -favor, and answered them in the best way I could. Basil spoke mostly -of the sights he had seen, and a fight between a lion and three dogs, -in which the dogs were victorious; and Hubert of books, which he said, -for his part, he had always a care to keep handsome and well bound. - -"Ay," quoth his brother, "gilding them and stringing them like the -prayer-books of girls and gallants, which are carried to church but -for their outsides. I do hate a book with clasps, 'tis a trouble to -open them." - -"A trouble thou dost seldom take," quoth Hubert. "Thou art ready -enough to unclasp the book of thy inward soul to whosoever will read -in it, and thy purse to whosoever begs or borrows of thee; but with -such clasps as shut in the various stores of thought which have issued -forth from men's minds thou dost not often meddle." - -"Beshrew me if I do! The best prayer-book I take to be a pair of -beads; and the most entertaining reading, the 'Rules for the Hunting -of Deer;' which, by what I have heard from Sir Roger Ashlon, my Lord -Stafford hath grievously transgressed by assaulting Lord Lyttleton's -keepers in Teddesley Haye." - -"What have you here?" Hubert asked, glancing at Mr. Fox's _Book of -Martyrs_, and another which the landlady had left on the table; _A -profitable New Year's Gift to all England._ - -"They are not mine," I answered, "nor such as I do care to read; but -this," I said, holding out Mr. Page's gift, which I had in my pocket, -"is a rare fund of entertainment and very full of pleasant tales." - -"But," quoth he, "you should read the _Morte d'Arthur_ and the _Seven -Champions of Christendom."_ - -Which I said I should be glad to do when I had the good chance to meet -with them. He said, "My cousin Polly had a store of such pleasant -volumes, and would, no doubt, lend them to me. She has such a sharp -wit," he added, "that she is ever exercising it on herself or on -others; on herself by the bettering of her mind through reading; and -on others by such applications, of what she thus acquires as leaves -them no chance in discoursing with her but to yield to her superior -knowledge." - -"Methinks," I said, "if that be her aim in reading, may be she will -not lend to others the means of sharpening their wits to encounter -hers." - -At the which both of them laughed, and Basil said he hoped I might -prove a match for Mistress Polly, who carried herself too high, and -despised such as were slower of speech and less witty than herself. -"For my part," he cried, "I am of opinion that too much reading doth -lead to too much thinking, and too much thinking doth consume the -spirits; and often it falls out that while one thinks too much of his -doing, he leaves to do the effect of his thinking." - -At the which Hubert smiled, and I bethought myself that if Basil was -no book-worm neither was he a fool. With such like discourse the -evening sped away, and Mr. Rookwood and his sons took their leave with -many civilities and pleasant speeches, such as gentlemen are wont to -address to ladies, and hopes expressed to meet again in London, and -good wishes for the safe ending of our journey thither. - -Ah, me! 'tis passing strange to sit here and write in this little -chamber, after so many years, of that first meeting with those -brothers, Basil and Hubert; to call to mind how they did look and -speak, and of the pretty kind of natural affection there was -betwixt them in their manner to each other. Ah, me! the old trick of -sighing is coming over me again, which I had well-nigh corrected -myself of, who have more reason to give thanks than to complain. Good -Lord, what fools you be! sighing heart and watering eyes! As great -fools, I ween, as the Mayor of Coventry, whose foolish rhymes do keep -running in my head. - -The day following we came to London, which being, as it were, the -beginning of a new life to me, I will defer to speak of until I find -myself, after a night's rest and special prayers unto that end, less -heavy of heart than at present. - -CHAPTER VII. - -Upon a sultry evening which did follow an exceeding hot day, with no -clouds in the sky, and a great store of dust on the road, we entered -London, that great fair of the whole world, as some have titled it. -When for many years we do think of a place we have not seen, a picture -forms itself in the mind as distinct as if the eye had taken -cognizance thereof, and a singular curiosity attends the actual vision -of what the imagination hath so oft portrayed. On this occasion my -eyes were slow servants to my desires, which longed to embrace in the -compass of one glance the various objects they craved to behold. -Albeit the sky was cloudless above our heads, I feared it would rain -in London, by reason of a dark vapor which did hang over it; but -Mistress Ward informed me that this appearance was owing to the smoke -of sea-coal, of which so great a store is used in the houses that the -air is filled with it. "And do those in London always live in that -smoke?" I inquired, not greatly contented to think it should be so; -but she said Mr. Congleton's house was not in the city, but in a very -pleasant suburb outside of it, close unto Holborn Hill and Ely Place, -the bishop's palace, in whose garden the roses were so plentiful that -in June the air is perfumed with their odor. I troubled her not with -further questions at that time, being soon wholly taken up with the -new sights which then did meet us at every step. So great a number of -gay horsemen, and litters carried by footmen with fine liveries, and -coaches drawn by horses richly caparisoned and men running alongside -of them, and withal so many carts, that I was constrained to give over -the guiding of mine own horse by reason of the confusion which the -noise of wheels and men's cries and the rapid motion of so many -vehicles did cause in me, who had never rode before in so great a -crowd. - -At about six o'clock of the afternoon we did reach Ely Place, and -passing by the bishop's palace stopped at the gate of Mr. Congleton's -house, which doth stand somewhat retired from the high-road, and the -first sight of which did greatly content me. It is built of fair and -strong stone, not affecting fineness, but honorably representing a -firm stateliness, for it was handsome without curiosity, and homely -without negligence. At the front of it was a well-arranged ground -cunningly set with trees, through which we rode to the foot of the -stairs, where we were met by a gentleman dressed in a coat of black -satin and a quilted waistcoat, with a white beaver in his hand, whom I -guessed to be my good uncle. He shook Mistress Ward by the hand, -saluted me on both cheeks, and vowed I was the precise counterpart of -my mother, who at my age, he said, was the prettiest Lancashire witch -that ever he had looked upon. He seemed to me not so old as I did -suppose him to be, lean of body and something low of stature, with a -long visage and a little sharp beard upon the chin of a brown color; a -countenance not very grave, and, for his age, wanting the authority of -gray hairs. He conducted me to mine aunt's chamber, who was seated in -an easy-chair near unto the window, with a cat upon her knees and - a tambour-frame before her. She oped her arms and kissed me with -great affection, and I, sliding down, knelt at her feet and prayed her -to be a good mother to me, which was what my father had charged me to -do when I should come into her presence. She raised me with her hand -and made me sit on a stool beside her, and stroking my face gently, -gazed upon it, and said it put her in mind of both of my parents, for -that I had my father's brow and eyes, and my mother's mouth and -dimpling smiles. - -"Mr. Congleton," she cried, "you do hear what this wench saith. I pray -you to bear it in mind, and how near in blood she is to me, so that -you may show her favor when I am gone, which may be sooner than you -think for." - -I looked up into her face greatly concerned that she was like so soon -to die. Methought she had the semblance of one in good health and a -reasonable good color in her cheeks, and I perceived Mr. Congleton did -smile as he answered: - -"I will show favor to thy pretty niece, good Moll, I promise thee, be -thou alive or be thou dead; but if the leeches are to be credited, who -do affirm thou hast the best strength and stomach of the twain, thou -art more like to bury me than I thee." - -Upon which the good lady did sigh deeply and cast up her eyes and -lifted up her hands as one grievously injured, and he cried: - -"Prithee, sweetheart, take it not amiss, for beshrew me if I be not -willing to grant thee to be as diseased as will pleasure thee, so that -thou wilt continue to eat and sleep as well as thou dost at the -present and so keep thyself from dying." - -Upon which she said that she did admire how a man could have so much -cruelty as to jest and jeer at her ill-health, but that she would -spend no more of her breath upon him; and turning toward me she asked -a store of questions anent my father, whom for many years she had not -seen, and touching the manner of my mother's death, at the mention of -which my tears flowed afresh, which caused her also to weep; and -calling for her women she bade one of them bring her some hartshorn, -for that sorrow, she said, would occasion the vapors to rise in her -head, and the other she sent for to fetch her case of trinkets, for -that she would wear the ring her brother had presented her with some -years back, in which was a stone which doth cure melancholy. When the -case was brought she displayed before my eyes its rich contents, and -gifted me with a brooch set with turquoises, the wearing of which, she -said, doth often keep persons from falling into divers sorts of peril. -Then presently kissing me she said she felt fatigued, and would send -for her daughters to take charge of me; who, when they came, embraced -me with exceeding great affection, and carried me to what had been -their schoolroom and was now Mrs. Ward's chamber, who no longer was -their governess, they said, but as a friend abode in the house for to -go abroad with them, their mother being of so delicate a constitution -that she seldom left her room. Next to this chamber was a closet, -wherein Kate said I should lie, and as it is one I inhabited for a -long space of time, and the remembrance of which doth connect itself -with very many events which, as they did take place, I therein mused -on, and prayed or wept, or sometimes laughed over in solitude, I will -here set down what it was like when first I saw it. - -The bed was in an alcove, closed in the day by fair curtains of -taffety; and the walls, which were in wood, had carvings above the -door and over the chimney of very dainty workmanship. The floor was -strewn with dried neatly-cut rushes, and in the projecting space where -the window was, a table was set, and two chairs with backs and seats -cunningly furnished with tapestry. In another recess betwixt the -alcove and the chimney stood a praying stool and a desk with a cushion -for a book to lie on. Ah, me! how often has my head rested on -that cushion and my knees on that stool when my heart has been too -full to utter other prayers than a "God ha' mercy on me!" which at -such times broke as a cry from an overcharged breast. But, oh! what a -vain pleasure I did take on that first day in the bravery of this -little chamber, which Kate said was to be mine own! With what great -contentment I viewed each part of it, and looked out of the window on -the beds of flowers which did form a mosaical floor in the garden -around the house, in the midst of which was a fair pond whose shaking -crystal mirrored the shrubs which grew about it, and a thicket beyond, -which did appear to me a place for pleasantness and not unfit to -flatter solitariness, albeit so close unto the city. Beyond were the -bishop's grounds, and I could smell the scent of roses coming thence -as the wind blew. I could have stood there many hours gazing on this -new scene, but that my cousins brought me down to sup with them in the -garden, which was not fairer in natural ornaments than in artificial -inventions. The table was set in a small banqueting-house among -certain pleasant trees near to a pretty water-work; and now I had -leisure to scan my cousins' faces and compare what I did notice in -them with what Mistress Ward had said the first night of our journey. - -Kate, the eldest of the three, was in sooth a very fair creature, -proportioned without any fault, and by nature endowed with the most -delightful colors; but there was a made countenance about her mouth, -between simpering and smiling, and somewhat in her bowed-down head -which seemed to languish with over-much idleness, and an inviting look -in her eyes as if they would over-persuade those she spoke to, which -betokened a lack of those nobler powers of the mind which are the -highest gifts of womanhood. Polly's face fault-finding wits might -scoff at as too little for the rest of the body, her features as not -so well proportioned as Kate's, and her skin somewhat browner than -doth consist with beauty; but in her eyes there was a cheerfulness as -if nature smiled in them, in her mouth so pretty a demureness, and in -her countenance such a spark of wit that, if it struck not with -admiration, filled with delight. No indifferent soul there was which, -if it resisted making her its princess, would not long to have such a -playfellow. Muriel, the youngest of these sisters, was deformed in -shape, sallow in hue, in speech, as Mistress Ward had said, slow; but -withal in her eyes, which were deep-set, there was lacking neither the -fire which betokens intelligence, nor the sweetness which commands -affection, and somewhat in her plain face which, though it may not be -called beauty, had some of its qualities. Methought it savored more of -heaven than earth. The ill-shaped body seemed but a case for a soul -the fairness of which did shine through the foul lineaments which -enclosed it. Albeit her lips opened but seldom that evening, only -twice or thrice, and they were common words she uttered and fraught -with hesitation, my heart did more incline toward her than to the -pretty Kate or the lively Polly. - -An hour before we retired to rest, Mr. Congleton came into the garden, -and brought with him Mr. Swithin Wells and Mr. Bryan Lacy, two -gentlemen who lived also in Holborn; the latter of which, Polly -whispered in mine ear, was her sister Kate's suitor. Talk was -ministered among them touching the queen's marriage with Monsieur; -which, as Mr. Rookwood had said, was broken off; but that day they had -heard that M. de la Motte had proposed to her majesty the Due -d'Alençon, who would be more complying, he promised, touching religion -than his brother. She inquired of the prince's age, and of his height; -to the which he did answer, "About your majesty's own height." But her -highness would not be so put off, and willed the ambassador to write -for the precise measurement of the prince's stature. - -"She will never marry," quoth Mr. Wells, "but only amuse the French - court and her council with further negotiations touching this -new suitor, as heretofore anent the archduke and Monsieur. But I would -to God her majesty were well married, and to a Catholic prince; which -would do us more good than anything else which can be thought of." - -"What news did you hear, sir, of Mr. Felton?" Mistress Ward asked. -Upon which their countenances fell; and one of them answered that that -gentleman had been racked the day before, but steadily refused, though -in the extremity of torture, to name his accomplices; and would give -her majesty no title but that of the Pretender; which they said was -greatly to be regretted, and what no other Catholic had done. But when -his sentence was read to him, for that he was to die on Friday, he -drew from his finger a ring, which had diamonds in it, and was worth -four hundred pounds, and requested the Earl of Sussex to give it to -the queen, in token that he bore her no ill-will or malice, but rather -the contrary. - -Mr. Wells said he was a gentleman of very great heart and noble -disposition, but for his part he would as lief this ring had been -sold, and the money bestowed on the poorer sort of prisoners in -Newgate, than see it grace her majesty's finger; who would thus play -the hangman's part, who inherits the spoils of such as he doth put to -death. But the others affirmed it was done in a Christian manner, and -so greatly to be commended; and that Mr. Felton, albeit he was -somewhat rash in his actions, and by some titled Don Magnifico, by -reason of a certain bravery in his style of dress and fashion of -speaking, which smacked of Monsieur Traveller, was a right worthy -gentleman, and his death a blow to his friends, amongst whom there -were some, nevertheless, to be found who did blame him for the act -which had brought him into trouble. Mistress Ward cried, that such as -fell into trouble, be the cause ever so good, did always find those -who would blame them. Mr. Lacy said, one should not cast himself into -danger wilfully, but when occasion offered take it with patience. -Polly replied, that some were so prudent, occasions never came to -them. And then those two fell to disputing, in a merry but withal -sharp fashion. As he did pick his words, and used new-fangled terms, -and she spoke roundly and to the point, methinks she was the nimblest -in this encounter of wit. - -Meanwhile Mr. Wells asked Mr. Congleton if he had had news from the -north, where much blood was spilt since the rising; and he apprehended -that his kinsmen in Richmondshire should suffer under the last orders -sent to Sir George Bowes by my Lord Sussex. But Mr. Congleton did -minister to him this comfort, that if they were noted wealthy, and had -freeholds, it was the queen's special commandment they should not be -executed, but two hundred of the commoner sort to lose their lives in -each town; which was about one to each five. - -"But none of note?" quoth Mr. Wells. - -"None which can pay the worth of their heads," Mr. Congleton replied. - -"And who, then, doth price them?" asked Kate, in a languishing voice. - -"Nay, sister," quoth Polly, "I warrant thee they do price themselves; -for he that will not pay well for his head must needs opine he hath a -worthless one." - -Upon which Mr. Lacy said to Kate, "One hundred angels would not pay -for thine, sweet Kate." - -"Then she must needs be an archangel, sir," quoth Polly, "if she be of -greater worth than one hundred angels." - -"Ah, me!" cried Kate, very earnestly, "I would I had but half one -hundred gold-pieces to buy me a gown with!" - -"Hast thou not gowns enough, wench?" asked her father. "Methought thou -wert indifferently well provided in that respect." - -"Ah, but I would have, sir, such a velvet suit as I did see some -weeks back at the Italian house in Cheapside, where the ladies of the -court do buy their vestures. It had a border the daintiest I ever -beheld, all powdered with gold and pearls. Ruffiano said it was the -rarest suit he had ever made; and he is the Queen of France's tailor, -which Sir Nicholas Throgmorton did secretly entice away, by the -queen's desire, from that court to her own." - -"And what fair nymph owns this rare suit, sweetest Kate?" Mr. Lacy -asked. "I'll warrant none so fair that it should become her, or rather -that she should become it, more than her who doth covet it." - -"I know not if she be fair or foul," quoth Kate, "but she is the Lady -Mary Howard, one of the maids of honor of her majesty, and so may wear -what pleaseth her." - -"By that token of the gold and pearls," cried Mr. Wells, "I doubt not -but 'tis the very suit anent which the court have been wagging their -tongues for the last week; and if it be so, indeed, Mistress Kate, you -have no need to envy the poor lady that doth own it." - -Kate protested she had not envied her, and taxed Mr. Wells with -unkindness that he did charge her with it; and for all he could say -would not be pacified, but kept casting up her eyes, and the tears -streaming down her lovely cheeks. Upon which Mr. Lacy cried: - -"Sweet one, thou hast indeed no cause to envy her or any one else, -howsoever rare or dainty their suits may be; for thy teeth are more -beauteous than pearls, and thine hair more bright than the purest -gold, and thine eyes more black and soft than the finest velvet, which -nature so made that we might bear their wonderful shining, which else -had dazzled us:" and so went on till her weeping was stayed, and then -Mr. Wells said: - -"The lady who owned that rich suit, which I did falsely and -feloniously advance Mistress Kate did envy, had not great or long -comfort in its possession; for it is very well known at court, and -hence bruited in the city, what passed at Richmond last week -concerning this rare vesture. It pleased not the queen, who thought it -did exceed her own. And one day her majesty did send privately for it, -and put it on herself, and came forth into the chamber among the -ladies. The kirtle and border was far too short for her majesty's -height, and she asked every one how they liked her new fancied suit. -At length she asked the owner herself if it was not made too short and -ill-becoming; which the poor lady did presently consent to. Upon which -her highness cried: 'Why, then, if it become me not as being too -short, I am minded it shall never become thee as being too fine, so it -fitteth neither well.' This sharp rebuke so abashed the poor lady that -she never adorned her herewith any more." - -"Ah," cried Mr. Congleton, laughing, "her majesty's bishops do come by -reproofs as well as her maids. Have you heard how one Sunday, last -April, my Lord of London preached to the queen's majesty, and seemed -to touch on the vanity of decking the body too finely. Her grace told -the ladies after the sermon, that if the bishop held more discourse on -such matters she would fit him for heaven, but he should walk thither -without a staff and leave his mantle behind him." - -"Nay," quoth Mr. Wells, "but if she makes such as be Catholics taste -of the sharpness of the rack, and the edge of the axe, she doth then -treat those of her own way of thinking with the edge of her wit and -the sharpness of her tongue. 'Tis reported, Mr. Congleton, I know not -with what truth, that a near neighbor of yours has been served with a -letter, by which a new sheep is let into his pastures." - -"What," cried Polly, "is Pecora Campi to roam amidst the roses, and go -in and out at his pleasure through the bishop's gate? The 'sweet lids' -have then danced away a large slice of the Church's acres. But what, I -pray you, sir, did her majesty write?" - -"Even this," quoth her father, "I had it from Sir Robert -Arundell: 'Proud Prelate! you know what you were before I made you, -and what you are now. If you do not immediately comply with my -request, I will unfrock you, by God!--ELIZABETH R.'" - -"Our good neighbor," saith Polly, "must show a like patience with Job, -and cry out touching his bishopric, 'The queen did give it; the queen -doth take it away; the will of the queen be done.'" - -"He is like to be encroached upon yet further by yon cunning Sir -Christopher," Mr. Wells said; "I'll warrant Ely Place will soon be -Hatton Garden." - -"Well, for a neighbor," answered Polly, "I'd as soon have the queen's -lids as her hedge-bishop, and her sheep as her shepherd. 'Tis not all -for love of her sweet dancer her majesty doth despoil him. She never, -'tis said, hath forgiven him that he did remonstrate with her for -keeping a crucifix and lighted tapers in her own chapel, and that her -fool, set on by such as were of the same mind with him, did one day -put them out." - -In suchlike talk the time was spent; and when the gentlemen had taken -leave, we retired to rest; and being greatly tired, I slept heavily, -and had many quaint dreams, in which past scenes and present objects -were curiously blended with the tales I had read on the journey, and -the discourse I had heard that evening. When I awoke in the morning, -my thoughts first flew to my father, of whom I had a very passionate -desire to receive tidings. When my waiting-woman entered, with a -letter in her hand, I foolishly did fancy it came from him, which -could scarcely be, so soon after our coming to town; but I quickly -discerned, by the rose-colored string which it was bounden with, and -then the handwriting, that it was not from him, but from her whom, -next to him, I most desired to hear from, to wit, the Countess of -Surrey. That sweet lady wrote that she had an exceeding great desire -to see me, and would be more beholden to my aunt than she could well -express, if she would confer on her so great a benefit as to permit me -to spend the day with her at the Charter House, and she would send her -coach for to convey me there, which should never have done her so much -good pleasure before as in that service. And more to that effect, with -many kind and gracious words touching our previous meeting and -correspondence. - -When I was dressed, I took her ladyship's letter to Mrs. Ward, who was -pleased to say she would herself ask permission for me to wait upon -that noble lady; but that her ladyship might not be at the charge of -sending for me, she would herself, if my aunt gave her license, carry -me to the Charter House, for that she was to spend some hours that day -with friends in the city, and "it would greatly content her," she -added, "to further the expressed wish of the young countess, whose -grandmother, Lady Mounteagle, and so many of her kinsfolk, were -Catholics, or at the least, good friends to such as were so." My aunt -did give leave for me to go, as she mostly did to whatsoever Mrs. Ward -proposed, whom she trusted entirely, with a singular great affection, -only bidding her to pray that she might not die in her absence, for -that she feared some peaches she had eaten the day before had -disordered her, and that she had heard of one who had died of the -plague some weeks before in the Tower. Mrs. Ward exhorted her to be of -good cheer, and to comfort herself both ways, for that the air of -Holborn was so good, the plague was not likely to come into it, and -that the kernels of peaches being medicinal, would rather prove an -antidote to pestilence than an occasion to it; and left her better -satisfied, insomuch that she sent for another dish of peaches for to -secure the benefit. Before I left, Kate bade me note the fashion of -the suit my Lady Surrey did wear, and if she had on her own hair, and -if she dyed it, and if she covered her bosom, or wore plaits, and if -her stomacher was straight and broad, or formed a long waist, -extending downward, and many more points touching her attire, which I -cannot now call to mind. As I went through the hall to the steps where -Mistress Ward was already standing, Muriel came hurrying toward me, -with a faint color coming and going in her sallow cheek, and twice she -tried to speak and failed. But when I kissed her she put her lips -close to my ear and whispered, - -"Sweet little cousin, there be in London prisoners in a very bad -plight, in filthy dungeons, because of their religion. The noble young -Lady Surrey hath a tender heart toward such if she do but hear of -them. Prithee, sweet coz, move her to send them relief in food, money, -or clothing." - -Then Mistress Ward called to me to hasten, and I ran away, but Muriel -stood at the window, and as we passed she kissed her hand, in which -was a gold angel, which my father had gifted me with at parting. - -"Mrs. Ward," I said, as we went along, "my cousin Muriel is not fair, -and yet her face doth commend itself to my fancy more than many fair -ones I have seen; it is so kindly." - -"I have even from her infancy loved her," she answered, "and thus much -I will say of her, that many have been titled saints who had not, -methinks, more virtue than I have noticed in Muriel." - -"Doth she herself visit the prisoners she spoke of?" - -"She and I do visit them and carry them relief when we can by any -means prevail with the gaolers from compassion or through bribing of -them to admit us. But it is not always convenient to let this be -known, not even at home, but I ween, Constance, as thou wilt have me -to call thee so, that Muriel saw in thee--for she has a wonderful -penetrative spirit--that thou dost know when to speak and when to keep -silence." - -"And may I go with you to the prisons?" I asked with a hot feeling in -my heart, which I had not felt since I had left home. - -"Thou art far too young," she answered. "But I will tell thee what -thou canst do. Thou mayst work and beg for these good men, and not be -ashamed of so doing. None may visit them who have not made up their -minds to die, if they should be denounced for their charity." - -"But Muriel is young," I answered. "Hath she so resolved?" - -"Muriel is young," was the reply; "but she is one in whom wisdom and -holiness have forestalled age. For two years that she hath been my -companion on such occasions, she has each day prepared for martyrdom -by such devout exercises as strengthen the soul at the approach of -death." - -"And Kate and Polly," I asked, "are they privy to the dangers that you -do run, and have they no like ambition?" - -"Rather the contrary," she answered; "but neither they nor any one -else in the house is fully acquainted with these secret errands save -Mr. Congleton, and he did for a long time refuse his daughter license -to go with me, until at last, by prayers and tears, she won him over -to suffer it. But he will never permit thee to do the like, for that -thy father hath intrusted thee to his care for greater safety in these -troublesome times." - -"Pish!" I cried pettishly, "safety has a dull mean sound in it which I -mislike. I would I were mine own mistress." - -"Wish no such thing, Constance Sherwood," was her grave answer. -"Wilfulness was never nurse to virtue, but rather her foe; nor ever -did a rebellious spirit prove the herald of true greatness. And now, -mark my words. Almighty God hath given thee a friend far above thee in -rank, and I doubt not in merit also, but whose faith, if report saith -true, doth run great dangers, and with few to advise her in these evil -days in which we live. Peradventure he hath appointed thee a work in a -palace as weighty as that of others in a dungeon. Set thyself to -it with thy whole heart, and such prayers as draw down blessings from -above. There be great need in these times to bear in remembrance what -the Lord says, that he will be ashamed in heaven before his angels of -such as be ashamed of him on earth. And many there are, I greatly -fear, who though they be Catholics, do assist the heretics by their -cowardice to suppress the true religion in this land; and I pray to -God this may never be our case. Yet I would not have thee to be rash -in speech, using harsh words, or needlessly rebuking others, which -would not become thy age, or be fitting and modest in one of inferior -rank, but only where faith and conscience be in question not to be -afraid to speak. And now God bless thee, who should be an Esther in -this house, wherein so many true confessors of Christ some years ago -surrendered their lives in great misery and torments, rather than -yield up their faith." - -This she said as we stopped at the gate of the Charter House, where -one of the serving-men of the Countess of Surrey was waiting to -conduct me to her lodgings, having had orders to that effect. She left -me in his charge, and I followed him across the square, and through -the cloisters and passages which led to the gallery, where my lady's -chamber was situated. My heart fluttered like a frightened caged bird -during that walk, for there was a solemnity about the place such as I -had not been used to, and which filled me with apprehension lest I -should be wanting in due respect where so much state was carried on. -But when the door was opened at one end of the gallery, and my sweet -lady ran out to meet me with a cry of joy, the silly heart, like a -caught bird, nestled in her embrace, and my lips joined themselves to -hers in a fond manner, as if not willing to part again, but by fervent -kisses supplying the place of words, which were lacking, to express -the great mutual joy of that meeting, until at last my lady raised her -head, and still holding my hands, cried out as she gazed on my face: - -"You are more welcome, sweet one, than my poor words can say. I pray -you, doff your hat and mantle, and come and sit by me, for 'tis a -weary while since we have met, and those are gone from us who loved us -then, and for their sakes we must needs love one another dearly, if -our hearts did not of themselves move us unto it, which indeed they -do, if I may judge of yours, Mistress Constance, by mine own." - -Then we kissed again, and she passed her arm around my neck with so -many graceful endearments, in which were blended girlish simplicity -and a youthful yet matronly dignity, that I felt that day the love -which, methinks, up to that time had had its seat mostly in the fancy, -take such root in mine heart, that it never lost its hold on it. - -At the first our tongues were somewhat tied by joy and lack of -knowledge how to begin to converse on the many subjects whereon both -desired to hear the other speak, and the disuse of such intercourse as -maketh it easy to discourse on what the heart is full of. Howsoever, -Lady Surrey questioned me touching my father, and what had befallen us -since my mother's death. I told her that he had left his home, and -sent me to London by reason of the present troubles; but without -mention of what I did apprehend to be his further intent. And she then -said that the concern she was in anent her good father the Duke of -Norfolk did cause her to pity those who were also in trouble. - -"But his grace," I answered, "is, I hope, in safety at present, and in -his own house?" - -"In this house, indeed," she did reply, "but a strait prisoner in Sir -Henry Neville's custody, and not suffered to see his friends without -her majesty's especial permission. He did send for his son and me last -evening, having obtained leave for to see us, which he had not done -since the day my lord and I were married again, by his order, -from the Tower, out of fear lest our first marriage, being made before -Phil was quite twelve years old, it should have been annulled by order -of the queen, or by some other means. It grieved me much to notice how -gray his hair had grown, and that his eyes lacked their wonted fire. -When we entered he was sitting in a chair, leaning backward, with his -head almost over the back of it, looking at a candle which burnt -before him, and a letter in his hand. He smiled when he saw us, and -said the greatest comfort he had in the world was that we were now so -joined together that nothing could ever part us. You see, Mistress -Constance," she said, with a pretty blush and smile, "I now do wear my -wedding-ring below the middle joint." - -"And do you live alone with my lord now in these grand chambers?" I -said, looking round at the walls, which were hung with rare tapestry -and fine pictures. - -"Bess is with me," she answered, "and so will remain I hope until she -is fourteen, when she will be married to my Lord William, my lord's -brother. Our Moll is likewise here, and was to have wedded my Lord -Thomas when she did grow up; but she is not like to live, the -physicians do say." - -The sweet lady's eyes filled with tears, but, as if unwilling to -entertain me with her griefs, she quickly changed discourse, and spoke -of my coming unto London, and inquired if my aunt's house were a -pleasant one, and if she was like to prove a good kinswoman to me. I -told her how comfortable had been the manner of my reception, and of -my cousins' goodness to me; at the which she did express great -contentment, and would not be satisfied until I had described each of -them in turn, and what good looks or what good qualities they had; -which I could the more easily do that the first could be discerned -even at first sight, and touching the last, I had warrant from Mrs. -Ward's commendations, which had more weight than my own speerings, -even if I had been a year and not solely a day in their company. She -was vastly taken with what I related to her of Muriel, and that she -did visit and relieve poor persons and prisoners, and wished she had -liberty to do the like; and with a lovely blush and a modest -confusion, as of one who doth not willingly disclose her good deeds, -she told me all the time she could spare she did employ in making -clothes for such as she could hear of, and also salves and cordials -(such as she had learnt to compound from her dear grandmother), and -privately sent them by her waiting-maid, who was a young gentlewoman -of good family, who had lost her parents, and was most excellently -endowed with virtue and piety. - -"Come to my closet, Miss Constance," she said, "and I doubt not but we -shall find Milicent at work, if so be she has not gone abroad to-day -on some such errand of charity." Upon which she led the way through a -second chamber, still more richly fitted up than the first, into a -smaller one, wherein, when she opened the door, I saw a pretty living -picture of two girls at a table, busily engaged with a store of -bottles and herbs and ointments, which were strewn upon it in great -abundance. One of them was a young maid, who was measuring drops into -a phial, with a look so attentive upon it as if that little bottle had -been the circle of her thoughts. She was very fair and slim, and had a -delicate appearance, which minded me of a snow-drop; and indeed, by -what my lady said, she was a floweret which had blossomed amidst the -frosts and cold winds of adversity. By her side was the most gleesome -wench, of not more than eight years, I ever did set eyes on; of a -fatness that at her age was comely, and a face so full of waggery and -saucy mirth, that but to look upon it drove away melancholy. She was -compounding in a cup a store of various liquids, which she said did -cure shrewishness, and said she would pour some into her nurse's -night-draught, to mend her of that disorder. - - -"Ah, Nan," she cried, as we entered, "I'll help thee to a taste of -this rare medicine, for methinks thou art somewhat shrewish also and -not so conformable to thy husband's will, my lady, as a good wife -should be. By that same token that my lord willed to take me behind -him on his horse a gay ride round the square, and, forsooth, because I -had not learnt my lesson, thou didst shut me up to die of melancholy. -Ah, me! My mother had a maid called Barbara-- - - 'Sing willow, willow, willow.' - -That is one of Phil's favorite songs. Milicent, methinks I will call -thee Barbara, and thou shalt sing with me-- - - 'The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,-- - Sing all a green willow; - Her hand on her bosom,'-- - -There, put thy hand in that fashion-- - - 'her head on her knee,'-- - -Nay, prithee, thou must bend thy head lower-- - - 'Sing willow, willow, willow.'" - -"My lady," said the gentlewoman, smiling, "I promise you I dare not -take upon me to fulfil my tasks with credit to myself or your -ladyship, if Mistress Bess hath the run of this room, and doth prepare -cordials after her fashion from your ladyship's stores." - -"Ah, Bess!" quoth my lady, shaking her finger at the saucy one; "I'll -deliver thee up to Mrs. Fawcett, who will give thee a taste of the -place of correction; and Phil is not here to-day to beg thee off. And -now, good Milicent, prithee make a bundle of such clothes as we have -in hand, and such comforts as be suitable to such as are sick and in -prison, for this sweet young lady hath need of them for some who be in -that sad plight." - -"And, my lady," quoth the gentlewoman, "I would fain learn how to -dress wounds when the flesh is galled; for I do sometimes meet with -poor men who do suffer in that way, and would relieve them if I -could." - -"I know," I cried, "of a rare ointment my mother used to make for that -sort of hurt; and if my Lady Surrey gives me license, I will remember -you, mistress, with the receipt of it." - -My lady, with a kindly smile and expressed thanks, assented; and when -we left the closet, I greatly commending the young gentlewoman's -beauty, she said that beauty in her was the worst half of her merit. - -"But, Mistress Constance," she said, when we had returned to the -saloon, "I may not send her to such poor men, and above all, priests, -who be in prison for their faith, as I hear, to my great sorrow, there -be so many at this time, and who suffer great hardships, more than can -be easily believed, for she is Protestant, and not through conforming -to the times, but so settled in her way of thinking, and earnest -therein, having been brought up to it, that she would not so much as -open a Catholic book or listen to a word in defence of papists." - -"But how, then, doth she serve a Catholic lady?" I asked, with a -beating heart; and oh, with what a sad one did hear her answer, for it -was as follows: - -"Dear Constance, I must needs obey those who have a right to command -me, such as his grace my good father and my husband; and they are both -very urgent and resolved that by all means I shall conform to the -times. So I do go to Protestant service; but I use at home my prayers, -as my grandmother did teach me; and Phil says them too, when I can get -him to say any." - -"Then you do not hear mass," I said, sorrowfully, "or confess your -sins to a priest?" - -"No," she answered, in a sad manner; "I once asked my Lady Lumley, who -is a good Catholic, if she could procure I should see a priest with -that intent at Arundel House; but she turned pale as a sheet, and said -that to get any one to be reconciled who had once conformed to -the Protestant religion, was to run danger of death; and albeit for -her own part she would not refuse to die for so good a cause, she -dared not bring her father's gray hairs to the block." - -As we were holding this discourse--and she so intent in speaking, and -I in listening, that we had not heard the door open--Lord Surrey -suddenly stood before us. His height made him more than a boy, and his -face would not allow him a man; for the rest, he was -well-proportioned, and did all things with so notable a grace, that -nature had stamped him with the mark of true nobility. He made a -slight obeisance to me, and I noticed that his cheek was flushed, and -that he grasped the handle of his sword with an anger which took not -away the sweetness of his countenance, but gave it an amiable sort of -fierceness. Then, as if unable to restrain himself, he burst forth, - -"Nan, an order is come for his grace to be forthwith removed to the -Tower, and I'll warrant that was the cause he was suffered to see us -yesterday. God send it prove not a final parting!" - -"Is his grace gone?" cried the countess, starting to her feet, and -clasping her hands with a sorrowful gesture. - -"He goes even now," answered the earl; and both went to the window, -whence they could see the coach in which the duke was for the third -time carried from his home to the last lodging he was to have on this -earth. Oh, what a sorrowful sight it was for those young eyes which -gazed on the sad removal of the sole parent both had left! How her -tears did flow silently like a stream from a deep fount, and his with -wild bursts of grief, like the gushings of a torrent over rocks! His -head fell on her shoulder, and as she threw her arms round him, her -tears wetted his hair. Methought then that in the pensive tenderness -of her downcast face there was somewhat of motherly as well as of -wifely affection. She put her arm in his, and led him from the room; -and I remained alone for a short time entertaining myself with sad -thoughts anent these two young noble creatures, who at so early an age -had become acquainted with so much sorrow, and hoping that the -darkness which did beset the morning of their lives might prove but as -the clouds which at times deface the sky before a brilliant sunshine -doth take possession of it, and dislodge these deceitful harbingers, -which do but heighten in the end by contrast the resplendency they did -threaten to obscure. - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -After I had been musing a little while, Mistress Bess ran into the -room, and cried to some one behind her: - -"Nan's friend is here, and she is mine too, for we all played in a -garden with her when I was little. Prithee, come and see her." Then -turning to me, but yet holding the handle of the door, she said: "Will -is so unmannerly, I be ashamed of him. He will not so much as show -himself." - -"Then, prithee, come alone," I answered. Upon which she came and sat -on my knee, with her arm round my neck, and whispered in mine ear: - -"Moll is very sick to-day; will you not see her, Mistress Sherwood?" - -"Yea, if so be I have license," I answered; and she, taking me by the -hand, offered to lead me up the stairs to the room where she lay. I, -following her, came to the door of the chamber, but would not enter -till Bess fetched the nurse, who was the same had been at Sherwood -Hall, and who, knowing my name, was glad to see me, and with a curtsey -invited me in. White as a lily was the little face resting on a -pillow, with its blue eyes half shut, and a store of golden hair about -it, which minded me of the glories round angels' heads in my mother's -missal. - -"Sweet lamb!" quoth the nurse, as I stooped to kiss the pale forehead. -"She be too good for this world. Ofttimes she doth babble in her sleep -of heaven, and angels, and saints, and a wreath of white roses -wherewith a bright lady will crown her." - -"Kiss my lips," the sick child softly whispered, as I bent over her -bed. Which when I did, she asked, "What is your name? I mind your -face." When I answered, "Constance Sherwood," she smiled, as if -remembering where we had met. "I heard my grandam calling me last -night," she said; "I be going to her soon." Then a fit of pain came -on, and I had to leave her. She did go from this world a few days -after; and the nurse then told me her last words had been "Jesu! -Mary!" - -That day I did converse again alone with my Lady Surrey after dinner, -and walked in the garden; and when we came in, before I left, she gave -me a purse with some gold pieces in it, which the earl her husband -willed to bestow on Catholics in prison for their faith. For she said -he had so tender and compassionate a spirit, that if he did but hear -of one in distress he would never rest until he had relieved him; and -out of the affection he had for Mr. Martin, who was one while his -tutor, he was favorably inclined toward Catholics, albeit himself -resolved to conform to the queen's religion. When Mistress Ward came -for me, the countess would have her shown into her chamber, and would -not be contented without she ordered her coach to carry us back to -Holborn, that we might take with us the clothes and cordials which she -did bestow upon us for our poor clients. She begged Mrs. Ward's -prayers for his grace, that he might soon be set at liberty; for she -said in a pretty manner, "It must needs be that Almighty God takes -most heed of the prayers of such as visit him in his affliction -in the person of poor prisoners; and she hoped one day to be free to -do so herself." Then she questioned of the wants of those Mistress -Ward had at that time knowledge of; and when she heard in what sore -plight they stood, it did move her to so great compassion, that she -declared it would be now one of her chiefest cares and pleasures in -life to provide conveniences for them. And she besought Mistress Ward -to be a good friend to her with mine aunt, and procure her to permit -of my frequent visits to Howard House, as the Charter House is now -often called: which would be the greatest good she could do her; and -that she would be most glad also if she herself would likewise favor -her sometimes with her company; which, "if it be not for mine own -sake, Mistress Ward," she sweetly said, "let it be for his sake who, -in the person of his afflicted priests, doth need assistance." - -When we reached home, we hid what we had brought under our mantles, -and then in Mistress Ward's chamber, where Muriel followed us. When -the door was shut we displayed these jewelled stores before her -pleased eyes, which did beam with joy at the sight. - -"Ah, Muriel," cried Mistress Ward, "we have found an Esther in a -palace; and I pray to God there may be other such in this town we ken -not of, who in secret do yet bear affection to the ancient faith." - -Muriel said in her slow way: "We must needs go to the Clink to-morrow; -for there is there a priest whose flesh has fallen off his feet by -reason of his long stay in a pestered and infected dungeon. Mr. Roper -told my father of him, and he says the gaoler will let us in if he be -reasonably dealt with." - -"We will essay your ointment, Mistress Sherwood," said Mistress Ward, -"if so be you can make it in time." - -"I care not if I sit up all night," I cried, "if any one will buy me -the herbs I have need of for the compounding thereof." Which Muriel -said she would prevail on one of the servants to do. - -The bell did then ring for supper; and when we were all seated, Kate -was urgent with me for to tell her how my Lady Surrey was dressed; -which I declared to her as follows: "She had on a brown juste au corps -embroidered, with puffed sleeves, and petticoat braided of a deeper -nuance; and on her head a lace cap, and a lace handkerchief on her -bosom." - -"And, prithee, what jewels had she on, sweet coz?" - -"A long double chain of gold and a brooch of pearls," I answered. - -"And his grace of Norfolk is once more removed to the Tower," said Mr. -Congleton sorrowfully. "'Tis like to kill him soon, and so save her -majesty's ministers the pains to bring him to the block. His -physician, Dr. Rhuenbeck, says he is afflicted with the dropsy." - -Polly said she had been to visit the Countess of Northumberland, who -was so grievously afflicted at her husband's death, that it was feared -she would fall sick of grief if she had not company to divert her from -her sad thoughts. - -"Which I warrant none could effect so well as thee, wench," her father -said; "for, beshrew me, if thou wouldst not make a man laugh on his -way to the scaffold with thy mad talk. And was the poor lady of better -cheer for thy company?" - -"Yea, for mine," Polly answered; "or else for M. de la Motte's, who -came in to pay his devoirs to her, for the first time, I take it, -since her lord's death. And after his first speech, which caused her -to weep a little, he did carry on so brisk a discourse as I never -noticed any but a Frenchman able to do. And she was not the worst -pleased with it that the cunning gentleman did interweave it with -anecdotes of the queen's majesty; which, albeit he related them with -gravity, did carry somewhat of ridicule in them. Such as of her -grace's dancing on Sunday before last at Lord Northampton's wedding, -and calling him to witness her paces, so that he might let -monsieur know how high and disposedly she danced; so that he would not -have had cause to complain, in case he had married her, that she was a -boiteuse, as had been maliciously reported of her by the friends of -the Queen of Scots. And also how, some days since, she had flamed out -in great choler when he went to visit her at Hampton Court; and told -him, so loud that all her ladies and officers could hear her -discourse, that Lord North had let her know the queen-mother and the -Duke of Guise had dressed up a buffoon in an English fashion, and -called him a Milor du Nord; and that two female dwarfs had been -likewise dressed up in that queen's chamber, and invited to mimic her, -the queen of England, with great derision and mockery. 'I did assure -her,' M. de la Motte said, 'with my hand on my heart, and such an -aggrieved visage, that she must needs have accepted my words as true, -that Milor North had mistaken the whole intent of what he had -witnessed, from his great ignorance of the French tongue, which did -render him a bad interpreter between princes; for that the -queen-mother did never cease to praise her English majesty's beauty to -her son, and all her good qualities, which greatly appeased her grace, -who desired to be excused if she, likewise out of ignorance of the -French language, had said aught unbecoming touching the queen-mother.' -'Tis a rare dish of fun, fit to set before a king, to hear this -Monsieur Ambassador speak of the queen when none are present but such -as make an idol of her, as some do." - -"For my part," said her father, when she paused in her speech, "I -mislike men with double visages and double tongues; and methinks this -monseer hath both, and withal a rare art for what courtiers do call -diplomacy, and plain men lying. His speeches to her majesty be so -fulsome in her praise, as I have heard some say who are at court, and -his flattery so palpable, that they have been ashamed to hear it; but -behind her back he doth disclose her failings with an admirable -slyness." - -"If he be sly," answered Polly, "I'll warrant he finds his match in -her majesty." - -"Yea," cried Kate, "even as poor Madge Arundell experienced to her -cost." - -"Ay," quoth Polly, "she catcheth many poor fish, who little know what -snare is laid for them." - -"And how did her highness catch Mistress Arundell?" I asked. - -"In this way, coz," quoth Polly: "she doth often ask the ladies round -her chamber, 'If they love to think of marriage?' and the wise ones do -conceal well their liking thereunto, knowing the queen's judgment in -the matter. But pretty, simple Madge Arundell, not knowing so deeply -as her fellows, was asked one day hereof, and said, 'She had thought -much about marriage, if her father did consent to the man she loved.' -'You seem honest, i' fait said the queen; 'I will sue for you your -father.' At which the dam was well pleased; and when father, Sir -Robert Arundell, came court, the queen questioned him his daughter's -marriage, and pressed him to give consent if the match were discreet. -Sir Robert, much astonished, said, 'He never had heard his daughter -had liking to any man; but he would give his free consent to what was -most pleasing to her highness's will and consent.' Then I will do the -rest,' saith the queen. Poor Madge was called in, and told by the -queen that her father had given his free consent. 'Then,' replied the -simple one, 'I shall be happy, an' it please your grace.' 'So thou -shalt; but not to be a fool and marry,' said the queen. 'I have his -consent given to me, and I vow thou shalt never get it in thy -possession. So go-to about thy business. I see thou art a bold one to -own thy foolishness so readily.'" - -"Ah me!" cried Kate, "I be glad not to be a maid to her majesty; for I -would not know how to answer her grace if she should ask me a -like question; for if it be bold to say one hath a reasonable desire -to be married, I must needs be bold then, for I would not for two -thousand pounds break Mr. Lacy's heart; and he saith he will die if I -do not marry him. But, Polly, thou wouldst never be at a loss to -answer her majesty." - -"No more than Pace her fool," quoth Polly, "who, when she said, as he -entered the room, 'Now we shall hear of our faults,' cried out, 'Where -is the use of speaking of what all the town doth talk of?'" - -"The fool should have been whipped," Mistress Ward said. - -"For his wisdom, or for his folly, good Mistress Ward?" asked Polly. -"If for wisdom, 'tis hard to beat a man for being wise. If for folly, -to whip a fool for that he doth follow his calling, and as I be the -licensed fool in this house--which I do take to be the highest -exercise of wit in these days, when all is turned upside down--I do -wish you all good-night, and to be no wiser than is good for your -healths, and no more foolish than suffices to lighten the heart;" and -so laughing she ran away, and Kate said in a lamentable voice, - -"I would I were foolish, if it lightens the heart." - -"Content thee, good Kate," I said; but in so low a voice none did -hear. And she went on, - -"Mr. Lacy is gone to Yorkshire for three weeks, which doth make me -more sad than can be thought of." - -I smiled; but Muriel, who had not yet oped her lips whilst the others -were talking, rising, kissed her sister, and said, "Thou wilt have, -sweet one, so great a contentment in his letters as will give thee -patience to bear the loss of his good company." - -At the which Kate brightened a little. To live with Muriel was a -preachment, as I have often had occasion since to find. - -On the first Sunday I was at London, we heard mass at the Portuguese -ambassador's house, whither many Catholics of his acquaintance -resorted for that purpose from our side of the city. In the afternoon -a gentleman, who had travelled day and night from Staffordshire on -some urgent business, brought me a letter from my father, writ only -four days before it came to hand, and about a week after my departure -from home. It was as follows: - - "MINE OWN DEAR CHILD,--The bearer of this letter hath promised to do - me the good service to deliver it to thee as soon as he shall reach - London; which, as he did intend to travel day and night, I compute - will be no later than the end of this week, or on Sunday at the - furthest. And for this his civility I do stand greatly indebted to - him; for in these straitened times 'tis no easy matter to get - letters conveyed from one part of the kingdom to another without - danger of discovering that which for the present should rather be - concealed. I received notice two days ago from Mistress Ward's - sister of your good journey and arrival at London; and I thank God, - my very good child, that he has had thee in his holy keeping and - bestowed thee under the roof of my good sister and brother; so that, - with a mind at ease in respect to thee, my dear sole earthly - treasure, I may be free to follow whatever course his providence may - appoint to me, who, albeit unworthy, do aspire to leave all things - to follow him. And indeed he hath already, at the outset of my - wanderings, sweetly disposed events in such wise that chance hath - proved, as it were, the servant of his providence; and, when I did - least look for it, by a divine ordination furnished me, who so short - a time back parted from a dear child, with the company of one who - doth stand to me in lieu of her who, by reason of her tender sex and - age, I am compelled to send from me. For being necessitated, for the - preservation of my life, to make seldom any long stay in one place, - I had need of a youth to ride with me on those frequent journeys, - and keep me company in such places as I may withdraw unto for - quietness and study. So being in Stafford some few days back, I - inquired of the master of the inn where I did lay for one night, if - it were not possible to get in that city a youth to serve me as a - page, whom I said I would maintain as a gentleman if he had - learning, nurture, and behavior becoming such a person. He said his - son, who was a schoolmaster, had a youth for a pupil who carried - virtue in his very countenance; but that he was the child of a - widow, who, he much feared, would not easily be persuaded to part - from him. Thereupon I expressed a great desire to have a sight of - this youth and charged him to deal with his master so that he should - be sent to my lodgings; which, when he came there, lo and behold, I - perceived with no small amazement that he was no other than Edmund - Genings, who straightway ran into my arms, and with much ado - restrained himself from weeping, so greatly was he moved with - conflicting passions of present joy and recollected sorrow at this - our unlooked-for meeting; and truly mine own contentment therein was - in no wise less than his. He told me that his mother's poverty - increasing, she had moved from Lichfield, where it was more bitter - to her, by reason of the affluence in which she had before lived in - that city, to Stafford, where none did know them; and she dwelt in a - mean lodging in a poor sort of manner. And whereas he had desired to - accept the offer of a stranger, with a view to relieve his mother - from the burden of his support, and maybe yield her some assistance - in her straits, he now passionately coveted to throw his fortune - with mine, and to be entered as a page in my service. But though she - had been willing before, from necessity, albeit averse by - inclination, to part with him, when she knew me it seemed awhile - impossible to gain her consent. Methinks she was privy to Edmund's - secret good opinion of Catholic religion, and feared, if he should - live with me, the effect thereof would follow. But her necessities - were so sharp, and likewise her regrets that he should lack - opportunities for his further advance in learning, which she herself - was unable to supply, that at length by long entreaty he prevailed - on her to give him license for that which his heart did prompt him - to desire for his own sake and hers. And when she had given this - consent, but not before, lest it should appear I did seek to bribe - her by such offers to so much condescension as she then evinced, I - proposed to assist her in any way she wished to the bettering of her - fortunes, and said I would do as much whether she suffered her son - to abide with me or no: which did greatly work with her to conceive - a more favorable opinion of me than she had heretofore held, and to - be contented he should remain in my service, as he himself so - greatly desired. After some further discourse, it was resolved that - I should furnish her with so much money as would pay her debts and - carry her to La Rochelle, where her youngest son was with her - brother, who albeit he had met with great losses, would - nevertheless, she felt assured, assist her in her need. Thus has - Edmund become to me less a page than a pupil, less a servant than a - son. I will keep a watchful eye over his actions, whom I already - perceive to be tractable, capable, willing to learn, and altogether - such as his early years did promise he should be. I thank God, who - has given me so great a comfort in the midst of so great trials, and - to this youth in me a father rather than a master, who will ever - deal with him in an honorable and loving manner, both in respect to - his own deserts and to her merits, whose prayers have, I doubt not, - procured this admirable result of what was in no wise designed, but - by God's providence fell out of the asking a simple question in an - inn and of a stranger. - - "And now, mine only and very dear child, I commend thee to - God's holy keeping; and I beseech thee to be as mindful of - thy duty to him as thou hast been - (and most especially of late) of thine to me; and imprint - in thy heart those words of holy writ, 'Not to fear those - that kill the body, but cannot destroy the soul;' but - withal, in whatever is just and reasonable, and not - clearly against Catholic religion, to observe a most exact - obedience to such as stand to thee at present in place of - thy unworthy father, and who, moreover, are of such virtue - and piety as I doubt not would move them rather to give - thee an example how to suffer the loss of all things for - Christ his sake than to offend him by a contrary - disposition. I do write to my good brother by the same - convenience to yield him and my sister humble thanks for - their great kindness to me in thee, and send this written - in haste; for I fear I shall not often have means - hereafter. Therefore I desire Almighty God to protect, - bless, and establish thee. So in haste, and _in - visceribus Christi_, adieu." - -The lively joy I received from this letter was greater than I can -rehearse, for I had now no longer before my eyes the sorrowful vision -of my dear father with none to tend and comfort him in his wanderings; -and no less was my contentment that Edmund, my dearly-loved playmate, -was now within reach of his good instructions, and free to follow that -which I was persuaded his conscience had been prompting him to seek -since he had attained the age of reason. - -I note not down in this history the many visits I paid to the Charter -House that autumn, except to notice the growing care Lady Surrey did -take to supply the needs of prisoners and poor people, and how this -brought her into frequent occasions of discourse with Mistress Ward -and Muriel, who nevertheless, as I also had care to observe, kept -these interviews secret, which might have caused suspicion in those -who, albeit Catholic, were ill-disposed to adventure the loss of -worldly advantages by the profession of what Protestants do term -perverse and open papistry. Kate and Polly were of this way of -thinking--prudence was ever the word with them when talk of religion -was ministered in their presence; and they would not keep as much as a -prayer-book in their chambers for fear of evil results. They were -sometimes very urgent with their father for to suffer them to attend -Protestant service, which they said would not hinder them from hearing -mass at convenient times, and saying such prayers as they listed; and -Polly the more so that a young gentleman of good birth and high -breeding, who conformed to the times, had become a suitor for her -hand, and was very strenuous with her on the necessity of such -compliance, which nevertheless her father would not allow of. Much -company came to the house, both Protestant and Catholic; for my aunt, -who was sick at other times, did greatly mend toward the evening. When -I was first in London for some weeks, she kept me with her at such -times in the parlor, and encouraged me to discourse with the visitors; -for she said I had a forwardness and vivacity of speech which, if -practised in conversation, would in time obtain for me as great a -reputation of wit as Polly ever enjoyed. I was nothing loth to study -in this new school, and not slow to improve in it. At the same time I -gave myself greatly to the reading of such books as I found in my -cousins' chambers; amongst which were some M. de la Motte had lent to -Polly, marvellous witty and entertaining, such as _Les Nouvelles de la -Reine de Navarre_ and the _Cents Histoires tragiques;_ and others done -in English out of French by Mr. Thomas Fortescue; and a poem, writ by -one Mr. Edmund Spenser, very beautiful, and which did so much bewitch -me, that I was wont to rise in the night to read it by the light of -the moon at my casement window; and the _Morte d' Arthur_, which Mr. -Hubert Rookwood had willed me to read, whom I met at Bedford, and -which so filled my head with fantastic images and imagined scenes, -that I did, as it were, fall in love with Sir Launcelot, and -would blush if his name were but mentioned, and wax as angry if his -fame were questioned as if he had been a living man, and I in a -foolish manner fond of him. - -This continued for some little time, and methinks, had it proceeded -further, I should have received much damage from a mode of life with -so little of discipline in it, and so great incitements to faults and -follies which my nature was prone to, but which my conscience secretly -reproved. And among the many reasons I have to be thankful to Mistress -"Ward, that never-to-be-forgotten friend, whose care restrained me in -these dangerous courses, partly by compulsion through means of her -influence with my aunt and her husband, and partly by such admonitions -and counsel as she favored me with, I reckon amongst the greatest -that, at an age when the will is weak, albeit the impulses be good, -she lent a helping hand to the superior part of my soul to surmount -the evil tendencies which bad example on the one hand, and weak -indulgence on the other, fostered in me, whose virtuous inclinations -had been, up to that time, hedged in by the strong safeguards of -parental watchfulness. She procured that I should not tarry, save for -brief and scanty spaces of time, in my aunt's parlor when she had -visitors, and so contrived that it should be when she herself was -present, who, by wholesome checks and studied separation from the rest -of the company, reduced my forwardness with just restraints such as -became my age. And when she discovered what books I read, oh, with -what fervent and strenuous speech she drove into my soul the edge of a -salutary remorse; with what tearful eyes and pleading voice she -brought before me the memory of my mother's care and my father's love, -which had ever kept me from drinking such empoisoned draughts from the -well-springs of corruption which in our days books of entertainment -too often prove, and if not altogether bad, yet be such as vitiate the -palate and destroy the appetite for higher and purer kinds of mental -sustenance. Sharp was her correction, but withal so seasoned with -tenderness, and a grief the keenness of which I could discern was -heightened by the thought that my two elder cousins (one time her -pupils) should be so drawn aside by the world and its pleasures as to -forget their pious habits, and minister to others the means of such -injury as their own souls had sustained, that every word she uttered -seemed to sink into my heart as if writ with a pen of fire; and mostly -when she thus concluded her discourse: - -"There hath been times, Constance, when men, yea and women also, might -play the fool for a while, without so great danger as now, and dally -with idle folly like children who do sport on a smooth lawn nigh to a -running stream, under their parents' eyes, who, if their feet do but -slip, are prompt to retrieve them. But such days are gone by for the -Catholics of this land. I would have thee to bear in mind that 'tis no -common virtue--no convenient religion--faces the rack, the dungeon, and -the rope; that wanton tales and light verses are no _viaticum_ for a -journey beset with such perils. And thou--thou least of all--whose -gentle mother, as thou well knowest, died of a broken heart from the -fear to betray her faith--thou, whose father doth even now gird -himself for a fight, where to win is to die on a scaffold--shouldst -scorn to omit such preparation as may befit thee to live, if it so -please God, or to die, if such be his will, a true member of his holy -Catholic Church. O Constance, it doth grieve me to the heart that thou -shouldst so much as once have risen from thy bed at night to feed thy -mind with the vain words of profane writers, in place of nurturing thy -soul by such reasonable exercises and means as God, through the -teaching of his Church, doth provide for the spiritual growth of his -children, and by prayer and penance make ready for coming conflicts. -Bethink thee of the many holy priests, yea and laymen also, who be in -uneasy dungeons at this time, lying on filthy straw, with chains -on their bruised limbs, but lately racked and tormented for their -religion, whilst thou didst offend God by such wanton conduct. Count -up the times thou hast thus offended; and so many times rise in the -night, my good child, and say the psalm 'Miserere,' through which we -do especially entreat forgiveness for our sins." - -I cast myself in her arms, and with many bitter tears lamented my -folly; and did promise her then, and, I thank God, ever after did keep -that promise, whilst I abode under the same roof with her, to read no -books but such as she should warrant me to peruse. Some days after she -procured Mr. Congleton's consent, who also went with us, to carry me -to the Marshalsea, whither she had free access at that time by reason -of her acquaintanceship with the gaoler's wife, who, when a maid, had -been a servant in her family, and who, having been once Catholic, did -willingly assist such prisoners as came there for their religion. -There we saw Mr. Hart, who hath been this long while confined in a -dark cell, with nothing but boards to lie on till Mistress Ward gave -him a counterpane, which she concealed under her shawl, and the gaoler -was prevailed on by his wife not to take from him. He was cruelly -tortured some time since, and condemned to die on the same day as Mr. -Luke Kirby and some others on a like charge, that he did deny the -queen's supremacy in spiritual matters; but he was taken off the -sledge and returned to prison. He did take it very quietly and -patiently; and when Mr. Congleton expressed a hope he might soon be -released from prison, he smiled and said: - -"My good friend, my crosses are light and easy; and the being deprived -of all earthly comfort affords a heavenly joy, which maketh my prison -happy, my confinement merciful, my solitude full of blessings. To God, -therefore, be all praise, honor, and glory, for so unspeakable a -benefit bestowed upon his poor, wretched, and unworthy servant." - -So did he comfort those who were more grieved for him than he for -himself; and each in turn we did confess; and after I had disburdened -my conscience in such wise that he perceived the temper of my mind, -and where to apply remedies to the dangers the nature of which his -clearsightedness did foresee, he thus addressed me: - -"The world, my dear daughter, soon begins to seem insipid, and all its -pleasures grow bitter as gall; all the fine shows and delights it -affords appear empty and good for nothing to such as have tasted the -happiness of conversing with Christ, though it be amidst torments and -tribulations, yea and in the near approach of death itself. This joy -so penetrates the soul, so elevates the spirit, so changes the -affections, that a prison seems not a prison but a paradise, death a -goal long time desired, and the torments which do accompany it jewels -of great price. Take with thee these words, which be the greatest -treasure and the rarest lesson for these times: 'He that loveth his -life in this world shall lose it, and he that hateth it shall find -it;' and remember the devil is always upon the watch. Be you also -watchful. Pray you for me. I have a great confidence that we shall see -one another in heaven, if you keep inviolable the word you have given -to God to be true to his Catholic Church and obedient to its precepts, -and he gives me the grace to attain unto that same blessed end." - -These words, like the sower's seed, fell into a field where thorns -oftentimes threatened to choke their effect; but persecution, when it -arose, consumed the thorns as with fire, and the plant, which would -have withered in stony ground, bore fruit in a prepared soil. - -As we left the prison, it did happen that, passing by the gaoler's -lodge, I saw him sitting at a table drinking ale with one whose back -was to the door. A suspicion came over me, the most unlikely in the -world, for it was against all credibility, and I had not seen so much -as that person's face; but in the shape of his head and the manner of - his sitting, but for a moment observed, there was a resemblance -to Edmund Genings, the thought of which I could not shake off. When we -were walking home, Mr. Congleton said Mr. Hart had told him that a -short time back a gentleman had been seized, and committed to close -confinement, whom he believed, though he had not attained to the -certainty thereof, to be Mr. Willisden; and if it were so, that much -trouble might ensue to many recusants, by reason of that gentleman -having dealt in matters of great importance to such persons touching -lands and other affairs whereby their fortunes and maybe their lives -might be compromised. On hearing of this, I straightway conceived a -sudden fear lest it should be my father and not Mr. Willisden was -confined in that prison; and the impression I had received touching -the youth who was at table with the gaoler grew so strong in -consequence, that all sorts of fears founded thereon ran through my -mind, for I had often heard how persons did deceive recusants by -feigning themselves to be their friends, and then did denounce them to -the council, and procured their arrest and oftentimes their -condemnation by distorting and false swearing touching the speech they -held with them. One Eliot in particular, who was a man of great -modesty and ingenuity of countenance, so as to defy suspicion (but a -very wicked man in more ways than one, as has been since proved), who -pretended to be Catholic, and when he did suspect any to be a Jesuit, -or a seminary priest, or only a recusant, he would straightway enter -into discourse with him, and in an artful manner cause him to betray -himself; whereupon he was not slow to throw off the mask, whereby -several had been already brought to the rope. And albeit I would not -credit that Edmund should be such a one, the evil of the times was so -great that my heart did misgive me concerning him, if indeed he was -the youth whom I had espied on such familiar terms with that ruffianly -gaoler. I had no rest for some days, lacking the means to discover the -truth of that suspicion; for Mrs. Ward, to whom I did impart it, dared -not adventure again that week to the Marshalsea, by reason of the -gaoler's wife having charged her not to come frequently, for that her -husband had suddenly suspected her to be a recusant, and would by no -means allow of her visits to the prisoners; but that when he was drunk -she could sometimes herself get his keys and let her in, but not too -often. Mr. Congleton would have it the prisoner must be Mr. Willisden -and no other, and took no heed of my fears, which he said had no -reasonable grounds, as I had not so much as seen the features of the -youth I took to be my father's page. But I could by no means be -satisfied, and wept very much; and I mind me how, in the midst of my -tears that evening, my eyes fell on the frontispiece of a volume of -the _Morte d' Arthur_ which had been loosened when the book was in my -chamber, and in which was picture of Sir Launcelot, the present mirror -of my fancy. I had pinned it to my curtain, and jewelled it as a -treasure and fund of foolish musings, even after yielding up, with -promise to read no more therein, the book which had once held it. And -thus were kept alive the fantastic imaginings wherewith I clothed a -creature conceived in a writer's brain, whose nobility was the -offspring of his thoughts and the continual entertainment of mine own. -But, oh, how just did I now find the words of a virtuous friend, and -how childish my folly, when the true sharp edge of present fear -dispersed these vapory clouds, even as the keen blast of a north wind -doth drive away a noxious mist! The sight of the dismal dungeon that -day visited, the pallid features of that true confessor therein -immured, his soul-piercing words, and the apprehensions which were -wringing my heart--banished of a sudden an idle dream engendered by -vain readings and vainer musings, and Sir Launcelot held henceforward -no higher, or not so high, a place in my esteem as the good Sir -Guy of Warwick, or the brave Hector de Valence. - -A day or two after, my Lady Surrey sent her coach for me; and I found -her in her dressing-room seated on a couch with her waiting-women and -Mistress Milicent around her, who were displaying a great store of -rich suits and jewels and such-like gear drawn from wardrobes and -closets, the doors of which were thrown open, and little Mistress Bess -was on tiptoe on a stool afore a mirror with a diamond necklace on, -ribbons flaring about her head, and a fan of ostrich-feathers in her -hand. - -"Ah, sweet one," said my lady, when I came in, "thou must needs be -surprised at this show of bravery, which ill consorts with the -mourning of our present garb or the grief of our hearts; but, i' -faith, Constance, strange things do come to pass, and such as I would -fain hinder if I could." - -"Make ready thine ears for great news, good Constance," cried Bess, -running toward me encumbered with her finery, and tumbling over sundry -pieces of head-gear in her way, to the waiting-woman's no small -discomfiture. "The queen's majesty doth visit upon next Sunday the -Earl and Countess of Surrey; and as her highness cannot endure the -sight of dool, they and their household must needs put it off and -array themselves in their costliest suits; and Nan is to put on her -choicest jewels, and my Lady Bess must be grand too, to salute the -queen." - -"Hush, Bessy," said my lady; and leading me into the adjoining -chamber, "'tis hard," quoth she, holding my hand in hers,--"'tis hard -when his grace is in the Tower and in disgrace with her majesty, and -only six weeks since our Moll died, that she must needs visit this -house, where there be none to entertain her highness but his grace's -poor children; 'tis hard, Constance, to be constrained to kiss the -hand which threatens his life who gave my lord his, and mostly to -smile at the queen's jesting, which my Lord Arundel saith we must of -all things take heed to observe, for that she as little can endure -dool in the face as in the dress." - -A few tears fell from those sweet eyes upon my hand, which she still -held, and I said, "Comfort you, my sweet lady. It must needs be that -her majesty doth intend favor to his grace through this visit. Her -highness would never be minded to do so much honor to the children if -she did not purpose mercy to the father." - -"I would fain believe it were so," said the countess, thoughtfully; -"but my Lord Arundel and my Lady Lumley hold not, I fear, the same -opinion. And I do hear from them that his grace is much troubled -thereat, and hath written to the Earl of Leicester and my Lord -Burleigh to lament the queen's determination to visit his son, who is -not of age to receive her." [Footnote 1] - - [Footnote 1: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, 1547 to - 1580: "Duke of Norfolk to the Earl of Leicester and Lord Burleigh; - laments the queen's determination to visit his son's house, who is - not of age to receive her."] - -"And doth my Lord of Surrey take the matter to heart?" - -"My lord's disposition doth incline him to conceive hope where others -see reason to fear," she replied. "He saith he is glad her majesty -should come to this house, and that he will take occasion to petition -her grace to release his father from the Tower; and he hath drawn up -an address to that effect, which is marvellous well expressed; and, -since 'tis written, he makes no more doubt that her majesty will -accede to it than if the upshot was not yet to come, but already past. -And he hath set himself with a skill beyond his years, and altogether -wonderful in one so young, to prepare all things for the queen's -reception; so that when his grandfather did depute my Lord Berkeley -and my Lady Lumley to assist us (he himself being too sick to go out -of his house) in the ordering of the collation in the banqueting-room, -and the music wherewith to greet her highness on her arrival, as well -as the ceremonial to be observed during her visit, they did find that -my lord had so disposedly and with so great taste ordained the -rules to be observed, and the proper setting forth of all things, that -little remained for them to do. And he will have me to be richly -dressed, and to put on the jewels which were his mother's, which, -since her death, have not been worn by the two Duchesses of Norfolk -which did succeed her. Ah me, Mistress Constance, I often wish my lord -and I had been born far from the court, in some quiet country place, -where there are no queens to entertain, and no plots which do bring -nobles into so great dangers." - -"Alack," I cried, "dear lady, 'tis not the highest in the land that be -alone to suffer. Their troubles do stand forth in men's eyes; and when -a noble head is imperilled all the world doth know of it; but blood is -spilt in this land, and torments endured, which no pen doth chronicle, -and of which scant mention is made in palaces." - -"There is a passion in thy speech," my lady said, "which betrayeth a -secret uneasiness of heart. Hast thou had ill news, my Constance?" - -"No news," I answered, "but that which my fears do invent and -whisper;" and then I related to her the cause of my disturbance, which -she sought to allay by kind words, which nevertheless failed to -comfort me. - -Before I left she did propose I should come to the Charter House on -the morning of the queen's visit, and bring Mistress Ward and my -cousins also, as it would pleasure them to stand in the gallery and -witness the entertainment, and albeit my heart was heavy, methought it -was an occasion not to be overpast to feast my eyes with the sight of -majesty, and to behold that great queen who doth hold in her hands her -subjects' lives, and who, if she do but nod, like the god of the -heathen which books do speak of, such terrible effects ensue, greater -than can be thought of; and so I gave my lady mine humble thanks, and -also for that she did gift me with a dainty hat and a well-embroidered -suit to wear on that day; which, when Kate saw, she fell into a -wonderful admiration of the pattern, and did set about to get it -copied afore the day of the royal visit to Howard House. As I returned -to Holborn in my lady's coach there was a great crowd in the Cornhill, -and the passage for a while arrested by the number of persons on their -way to what is now called the Royal Exchange, which her majesty was to -visit in the evening. I sat very quietly with mine eyes fixed on the -foot-passengers, not so much looking at their faces as watching their -passage, which, like the running of a river, did seem endless. But at -last it somewhat slackened, and the coach moved on, when, at the -corner of a street, nigh unto a lamp over a shop, which did throw a -light on his face, I beheld Edmund Genings. Oh, how my heart did beat, -and with what a loud cry I did call to the running footmen to stop! -But the noise of the street was so great they did not hear me, and I -saw him turn and pursue his way down another street toward the river. -My good uncle, when he heard I had verily seen my father's new page in -the city, gave more heed to my suspicions, and did promise to go -himself unto the Marshalsea on the next day, and seek to verify the -name of the prisoner Mr. Hart had made mention of. - - -CHAPTER IX. - -On the next morning Mr. Congleton called me into the library from the -garden, where I was gathering for Muriel a few of such hardy flowers -as had survived the early frost. She was wont to carry them with her -to the prisons; for it was one of her kindly apprehensions of the -sufferings of others to divide the comfort wherewith things seemingly -indifferent do affect those that be shut out of all kinds of -enjoyments; and where a less tender nature should have been content to -provide necessaries, she, through a more delicate acquaintanceship and -light touch, as it were, on the strings of the human heart, ever -bethought herself when it was possible to minister if but one minute's -pleasure to those who had often well-nigh forgotten the very taste of -it. And she hath told me touching that point of flowers, how it had -once happened that the scent of some violets she had concealed in her -bosom with a like intent did move to tears an aged man, who for many -years past had not seen, no not so much as one green leaf in his -prison; which tears, he said, did him more good than anything else -which could have happened to him. - -I threw down on a bench the chrysanthemums and other bold blossoms I -had gathered, and running into the house, opened the door of the -library, where, lo and behold, to my no small agitation and amaze, I -discovered Edmund Genings, who cried out as I entered: - -"O my dear master's daughter and well-remembered playmate, I do greet -you with all mine heart; and I thank God that I see you in so good a -condition, as I may with infinite gladness make report of to -your good father, who through me doth impart to you his paternal -blessing and most affectionate commendations." - -"Edmund," I cried, scarce able to speak for haste, "is he in London? -is he in prison?" - -"No, forsooth," quoth Mr. Congleton. - -"No, verily," quoth Edmund; both at the same time. - -"Thy fears, silly wench," added the first, "have run away with thy -wits, and I do counsel thee another time to be at more pains to -restrain them; for when there be so many occasions to be afraid of -veritable evils, 'tis but sorry waste to spend fears on present -fancies." - -By which I did conjecture my uncle not to be greatly pleased with -Edmund's coming to his house, and noticed that he did fidget in his -chair and ever and anon glanced at the windows which opened on the -garden in an uneasy manner. - -"And wherefore art thou then in London?" I asked of Edmund; who thus -answered: - -"Because Mr. James Fenn, who is also called Williesden, was taken and -committed close prisoner to the Marshalsea a short time back; which, -when my dear master did hear of, he was greatly disturbed and -turmoiled thereby, by reason of weighty matters having passed betwixt -him and that gentleman touching lands belonging to recusants, and that -extraordinary damage was likely to ensue to several persons of great -merit, if he could not advertise him in time how to answer to those -accusations which would be laid against him; and did seek if by any -means he could have access to him; but could find no hope thereof -without imminent danger not to himself only, but to many beside, if he -had come to London and been recognized." - -"Wherein he did judge rightly," quoth my uncle; and then Edmund-- - -"So, seeing my master and others of a like faith with him in so great -straits touching their property and their lives also, I did most -earnestly crave his licence, being unknown and of no account in the -world, and so least to be suspected, to undertake this enterprise, -which he could not himself perform; which at last he did grant me, -albeit not without reluctance. And thus resolved I came to town." - -"And has your hope been frustrated?" Mr. Congleton asked. To whom -Edmund--"I thank God, the end hath answered my expectations. I -committed the cause to him to whom nothing is impossible, and -determined, like a trusty servant, to do all that in me did lie -thereunto. And thinking on no other means, I took up my abode near to -the prison, hoping in time to get acquainted with the keeper; for -which purpose I had to drink with him each day, standing the cost, -beside paying him well, which I was furnished with the means to do. At -last I did, by his means, procure to see Mr. Fenn, and not only come -to speak to him, but to have access to his cell three or four times -with pen and ink and paper to write his mind. So I have furnished him -with the information he had need of, and likewise brought away with me -such answers to my master's questions as should solve his doubts how -to proceed in the aforesaid matters." - -"God reward thee, my good youth," Mr. Congleton said, "for this thing -which thou hast done; for verily, under the laws lately set forth, -recusants be in such condition that, if not death, beggary doth stare -them in the face, and no remedy thereunto except by such assistance as -well-disposed Protestants be willing to yield to them." - -"And where doth my father stay at this present time?" I asked; and -Edmund answered: - -"Not so much as to you, Mistress Constance, am I free to reply to that -question; for when I left, 'Edmund,' quoth my master, 'it is a part of -prudence in these days to guard those that be dear to us from dangers -ensuing on what men do call our perversity; and as these new laws -enact that he which knoweth any one which doth hear mass, be it -ever so privately, or suffers a priest to absolve him, or performs any -other action appertaining to Catholic religion, and doth not discover -him before some public magistrate within the space of twenty days next -following, shall suffer the punishment of high treason, than which -nothing can be more horrible; and that neither sex nor age be a cause -of exemption from the like penalties, so that father must accuse son, -and sister brother, and children their parents;--it is, I say, a -merciful part to hide from our friends where we do conceal ourselves, -whose consciences do charge us with these novel crimes, lest theirs be -also burdened with the choice either to denounce us if called upon to -testify thereon, or else to speak falsely. Therefore I do charge thee, -my son Edmund' (for thus indeed doth my master term me, his unworthy -servant), 'that thou keep from my good child, and my dear sister, and -her no less dear husband, the knowledge of my present, but indeed -ever-shifting, abode; and solely inform them, by word of mouth, that I -am in good health, and in very good heart also, and do most earnestly -pray for them, that their strength and patience be such as the times -do require.'" - -"And art thou reconciled, Edmund?" I asked, ever speaking hastily and -beforehand with prudence. Mr. Congleton checked me sharply; whereupon, -with great confusion, I interrupted my speech; but Edmund, albeit not -in words yet by signs, answered my question so as I should be -certified it was even as I hoped. He then asked if I should not be -glad to write a letter to my father,--which he would carry to him, so -that it was neither signed nor addressed,--which letter I did sit down -to compose in a hurried manner, my heart prompting my pen to utter -what it listed, rather than weighing the words in which those -affectionate sentiments were expressed. Mr. Congleton likewise did -write to him, whilst Edmund took some food, which he greatly needed; -for he had scarce eaten so much as one comfortable meal since he had -been in London, and was to ride day and night till he reached his -master. I wept very bitterly when he went away; for the sight of him -recalled the dear mother I had lost, the sole parent whose company I -was likewise reft of, and the home I was never like to see again. But -when those tears were stayed, that which at the time did cause sadness -ministered comfort in the retrospect, and relief from worse fears made -the present separation from my father more tolerable. And on the next -Sunday, when I went to the Charter House, with my cousins and Mistress -Ward, I was in such good cheer that Polly commended my prating; which -she said for some days had been so stayed that she had greatly feared -I had caught the infectious plague of melancholy from Kate, whom she -vowed did half kill her with the sound of her doleful sighing since -Mr. Lacy was gone, which she said was a dismal music brought into -fashion by love-sick ladies, and such as she never did intend to -practise; "for," quoth she, "I hold care to be the worst enemy in -life; and to be in love very dull sport, if it serve not to make one -merry." This she said turning to Sir Ralph Ingoldby, the -afore-mentioned suitor for her hand, who went with us, and thereupon -cried out, "Mercy on us, fair mistress, if we must be merry when we be -sad, and by merriment win a lady's love, the lack of which doth so -take away merriment that we must needs be sad, and so lose that which -should cure sadness;" and much more he in that style, and she -answering and making sport of his discourse, as was her wont with all -gentlemen. - -When we reached the house, Mrs. Milicent was awaiting us at the door -of the gallery for to conduct us to the best place wherein we could -see her majesty's entrance. There were some seats there and other -persons present, some of which were of Polly's acquaintance, with whom -she did keep up a brisk conversation, in which I had occasion to -notice the sharpness of her wit, in which she did surpass any woman I -have since known, for she was never at a loss for an answer; as when -one said to her-- - -"Truly, you have no mean opinion of yourself, fair mistress." - -"As one shall prize himself," quoth she, "so let him look to be valued -by others." - -And another: "You think yourself to be Minerva." - -Whereupon she: "No, sir, not when I be at your elbow;" meaning he was -no Ulysses. - -And when one gentleman asked her of a book, if she had read it: - -"The epistle," she said, "and no more." - -"And wherefore no more," quoth he, "since that hath wit in it?" - -"Because," she answered, "an author who sets all his wit in his -epistle is like to make his book resemble a bankrupt's doublet." - -"How so?" asked the gentleman. - -"In this wise," saith she, "that he sets the velvet before, though the -back be but of buckram." - -"For my part," quoth a foppish young man, "I have thoughts in my mind -should fill many volumes." - -"Alack, good sir," cries she, "is there no type good enough to set -them in?" - -He, somewhat nettled, declares that she reads no books but of one -sort, and doats on _Sir Bevis and Owlglass_, or _Fashion's Mirror_, -and such like idle stuff, wherein he himself had never found so much -as one word of profitable use or reasonable entertainment. - -"I have read a fable," she said, "which speaks of a pasture in which -oxen find fodder, hounds, hares, storks, lizards, and some animals -nothing." - -"To deliver you my opinion," said a lady who sat next to Polly's -disputant, "I have no great esteem for letters in gentlewomen. The -greatest readers be oft the worst doers." - -"Letters!" cries Polly; "why, surely they be the most weighty things -in creation; for so much as the difference of one letter mistaken in -the order in which it should stand in a short sentence doth alter the -expression of a man's resolve in a matter of life and death." - -"How prove you that, madam?" quoth the lady. - -"By the same token," answered Polly, "that I once did hear a gentleman -say, 'I must go die a beggar,' who willed to say, 'I must go buy a -dagger.'" - -They all did laugh, and then some one said, "There was a witty book of -emblems made on all the cardinals at Rome, in which these scarlet -princes were very roughly handled. Bellarmine, for instance, as a -tiger fast chained to a post, and a scroll proceeding from the beast's -mouth--'Give me my liberty; you shall see what I am.' I wish," quoth -the speaker, "he were let loose in this island. The queen's judges -would soon constrain him to eat his words." - -"Peradventure," answered Polly, "his own words should be too good food -for a recusant in her majesty's prisons." - -"Maybe, madam, you have tasted of that food," quoth the aforesaid -lady, "that you be so well acquainted with its qualities." - -Then I perceived that Mistress Ward did nudge Polly for to stay her -from carrying on a further encounter of words on this subject; for, as -she did remind us afterward, many persons had been thrown into prison -for only so much as a word lightly spoken in conversation which should -be supposed even in a remote manner to infer a favorable opinion of -Catholic religion; as, for instance, a bookseller in Oxford, for a -jest touching the queen's supremacy in ecclesiastical matters, had -been a short time before arrested, pilloried, whipped, and his ears -nailed to a counter, which with a knife he had himself to cut through -to free himself; which maybe had not been taken much notice of, as -nothing singular in these days, the man being a Catholic and of no -great note, but that much talk had been ministered concerning a -terrible disease which broke out immediately after the passing of that -sentence, by which the judge which had pronounced it, the jury, and -many other persons concerned in it, had died raving mad; to the no -small affright of the whole city. I ween, howsoever, no nudging should -have stopped Polly from talking, which indeed was a passion with her, -but that a burst of music at that time did announce the queen's -approach, and we did all stand up on the tiptoe of expectation to see -her majesty enter. - -My heart did beat as fast as the pendulum of a clock when the cries -outside resounded, "Long live Queen Elizabeth!" and her majesty's -voice was distinctly heard answering, "I thank you, my good people;" -and the ushers crying out, "La Royne!" as the great door was thrown -open; through which we did see her majesty alight from her coach, -followed by many nobles and lords, and amongst them one of her -bishops, and my Lord and my Lady Surrey, kneeling to receive her on -the steps, with a goodly company of kinsfolks and friends around them. -Oh, how I did note every lineament of that royal lady, of so great -power and majesty, that it should seem as if she were not made of the -same mould as those of whom the Scriptures do say, that dust they are, -and to dust must they return. Very majestic did she appear; her -stature neither tall nor low, but her air exceedingly stately. Her -eyes small and black, her face fair, her nose a little hooked, and her -lips narrow. Upon her head she had a small crown, her bosom was -uncovered; she wore an oblong collar of gold and jewels, and on her -neck an exceeding fine necklace. She was dressed in white silk -bordered with pearls, and over it a mantle of black silk shot with -silver threads; her train, which was borne by her ladies, was very -long. When my lord knelt, she pulled off her glove, and gave him her -right hand to kiss, sparkling with rings and jewels; but when my lady, -in as sweet and modest a manner as can be thought of, advanced to pay -her the same homage, she did withdraw it hastily and moved on. I can -even now, at this distance of time, call to mind the look of that -sweet lady's face as she rose to follow her majesty, who leant on my -lord's arm with a show of singular favor, addressing herself to him in -a mild, playful, and obliging manner. How the young countess's cheek -did glow with a burning blush, as if doubting if she had offended in -the manner of her behavior, or had anyways merited the repulse she had -met with! How she stood for one moment irresolute, seeking to catch my -lord's eye, so as to be directed by him; and failing to do so, with a -pretty smile, but with what I, who loved her, fancied to be a -quivering lip, addressed herself to the ladies of the queen, and -conducted them through the cloisters to the garden, whither her -highness and my lord had gone. - -In a brief time Mistress Milicent came to fetch us to a window which -looked on the square, where a great open tent was set for a collation, -and seats all round it for the concert which was to follow. As we went -along, I took occasion to ask of her the name of a waiting-gentleman, -who ordered about the servants with no small alacrity, and met her -majesty with many bows and quirks and a long compliment in verse. - -"Tis Mr. Churchyard," she said; "a retainer of his grace's, and a poet -withal." - -"Not a _grave_ one, I hope," said Polly. - -"Nay," answered the simple gentlewoman, "but one well versed in -pageants and tournaments and suchlike devices, as well as in writing -of verses and epigrams very fine and witty. Her majesty doth sometimes -send for him when any pageant is on hand." - -"Ah, then, I doubt not," quoth Polly, "he doth take himself to be no -mean personage in the state, and so behaves accordingly." - - -Pretty Milicent left us to seek for Mistress Bess, whom she had charge -of that day; and now our eyes were so intent on watching the spectacle -before us that even Polly for a while was silent. The queen did sit at -table with a store of noblemen waiting on her; and a more goodly sight -and a rarer one is not to be seen than a store of men famed for so -much bravery and wit and arts of state, that none have been found to -surpass them in any age, who be so loyal to a queen and so reverent to -a woman as these to this lady, who doth wear the crown of so great a -kingdom, so that all the world doth hold it in respect, and her hand -sought by so many great princes. But all this time I could not -perceive that she so much as once did look toward my Lady Surrey, or -spoke one single word to her or to my Lady Lumley, or little Bess, and -took very scanty notice also of my Lady Berkeley, his grace's sister, -who was a lady of so great and haughty a stomach, and of speech so -eloquent and ready, that I have heard the queen did say, that albeit -Lady Berkeley bent her knee when she made obeisance to her, she could -very well see she bent not her will to love or serve her, and that she -liked not such as have a man's heart in a woman's body. 'Tis said that -parity breedeth not affection, or affinity respect, of which saying -this opinion of the queen's should seem a notable example. But to see -my Lady Surrey so treated in her own husband's father's house worked -in me such effects of choler, mingled with sadness, that I could -scarce restrain my tears. Methought there was a greater nobleness and -a more true queenly greatness in her meek and withal dignified -endurance of these slights who was the subject, than in the sovereign -who did so insult one who least of all did deserve it. What the queen -did, others took pattern from; and neither my Lord Burleigh, nor my -Lord Leicester, or Sir Christopher Hatton, or young Lord Essex (albeit -my lord's own friend ), or little Sir John Harrington, her majesty's -godson, did so much as speak one civil word or show her the least -attention; but she did bear herself with so much sweetness, and, -though I knew her heart was full almost to bursting, kept up so brave -an appearance that none should see it except such as had their own -hearts wounded through hers, that some were present that day who since -have told me that, for promise of future distinction and true nobility -of aspect and behavior, they had not in their whole lives known one to -be compared with the young Countess of Surrey. - -Polly did point out to us the aforesaid noblemen and gentlemen, and -also Dr. Cheney, the bishop of Gloucester, who had accompanied her -majesty, and M. de la Motte, the French ambassador, whom she did seem -greatly to favor; but none that day so much as my Lord Surrey, on whom -she let fall many gracious smiles, and used playful fashions with him, -such as nipping him once or twice on the forehead, and shaking her -fan, as if to reprove him for his answers to her questions, which -nevertheless, if her countenance might be judged of, did greatly -content her; albeit I once observed her to frown (and methought, then, -what a terror doth lie in a sovereign's frown) and speak sharply to -him; at the which a high color came into his cheek, and rose up even -to his temples, which her majesty perceiving, she did again use the -same blandishments as before; and when the collation was ended, and -the concert began, which had been provided for her grace's -entertainment, she would have him sit at her feet, and gave him so -many tokens of good-will, that I heard Sir Ralph Ingoldby, who was -standing behind me, say to another gentleman: - -"If that young nobleman's father is like to be shorter by the head, -his father's son is like to have his own raised higher than ever his -father's was, so he doth keep clear of papistry and overmuch fondness -for his wife, which be the two things her majesty doth most abhor -in her courtiers." - -My heart moving me to curiosity, I could not forbear to ask: - -"I pray you, sir, wherefore doth not her majesty like her courtiers to -love their wives?" - -At the which question he laughed, and said: - -"By reason, Mistress Constance, that when they be in that case they do -become stayers at home, and wait not on her majesty with a like -diligence as when they are unmarried, or leastways love not their -ladies. The Bible saith a man cannot serve God and mammon. Now her -grace doth opine men cannot serve the queen and their wives also." - -"Then," I warmly cried, "I hope my Lord Surrey shall never serve the -queen!" - -"I' faith, say it not so loud, young Mistress Papist," said Sir Ralph, -laughing, "or we shall have you committed for high treason. Some are -in the Tower, I warrant you, for no worse offence than the uttering of -such like rash words. How should you fancy to have your pretty ears -bored with a rougher instrument than Master Anselm's the jeweller?" - -And so he; but Polly, who methinks was not well pleased that he should -notice mine ears, which were little and well-shaped, whereas hers were -somewhat larger than did accord with her small face, did stop his -further speech with me by asking him if he were an enemy to papists; -for if so, she would have naught to say to him, and he might become a -courtier to the queen, or any one else's husband, for anything she did -care, yea, if she were to lose her ears for it. - -And he answered, he did very much love some papists, albeit he hated -papistry when it proved not conformable to reason and the laws of the -country. - -And so they fell to whispering and suchlike discourses as lovers hold -together; and I, being seated betwixt this enamored gentleman and the -wall on the other side, had no one then to talk with. But if my tongue -and mine ears also, save for the music below, were idle, not so mine -eyes; for they did stray from one point to another of the fair -spectacle which the garden did then present, now resting on the queen -and those near unto her, and anon on my Lady Surrey, who sat on a -couch to the left of her majesty's raised canopy, together with Lady -Southwell, Lady Arundell (Sir Robert's wife), and other ladies of the -queen, and on one side of her the bishop of Gloucester, whom, by -reason of his assiduous talking with her, I took more special note of -than I should otherwise have done; albeit he was a man which did -attract the eye, even at the first sight, by a most amiable suavity of -countenance, and a sweet and dignified behavior both in speech and -action such as I have seldom observed greater in any one. His manners -were free and unconstrained; and only to look at him converse, it was -easy to perceive he had a most ready wit tempered with benevolence. He -seemed vastly taken with my Lady Surrey; and either had not noticed -how others kept aloof from her, or was rather moved thereby to show -her civility; for they soon did fall into such eager, and in some sort -familiar, discourse, as it should seem to run on some subject of like -interest to both. Her color went and came as the conversation -advanced; and when she spoke, he listened with such grave suavity, -and, when she stayed her speech, answered in so obliging a manner, and -seemed so loth to break off, that I could not but admire how two -persons, hitherto strangers to each other, and of such various ages -and standing, should be so companionable on a first acquaintanceship. - -When the queen rose to depart, in the same order in which she came, -every one kneeling as she passed, I did keenly watch to see what -visage she would show to my Lady Surrey, whom she did indeed this time -salute; but in no gracious manner, as one who looks without looking, -notices without heeding, and in tendering of thanks thanketh -not. As my lord walked by her majesty's side through the cloisters to -the door, he suddenly dropped on one knee, and drawing a paper from -his bosom, did present it to her highness, who started as if -surprised, and shook her head in a playful manner--(oh, what a cruel -playfulness methought it was, who knew, as her majesty must needs also -have done, what that paper did contain)--as if she would not be at that -time troubled with such grave matters, and did hand it to my Lord -Burleigh; then gave again her hand to my lord to kiss, who did kneel -with a like reverence as before; but with a shade of melancholy in his -fair young face, which methought became it better than the smiles it -had worn that day. - -After the queen had left, and all the guests were gone save such few -as my lord had willed to stay to supper in his private apartments, I -went unto my lady's chamber, where I found Mistress Milicent, who said -she was with my lord, and prayed me to await her return; for that she -was urgent I should not depart without speaking with her, which was -also what I greatly desired. So I took a book and read for the space -of an hour or more, whilst she tarried with my lord. When she came in, -I could see she had been weeping. But her women being present, and -likewise Mistress Bess, she tried to smile, and pressed my hand, -bidding me to stay till she was rid of her trappings, as she did term -them; and, sitting down before her mirror,--though I ween she never -looked at her own face, which that evening had in it more of the -whiteness of a lily than the color of the rose,--she desired her women -to unbraid her hair, and remove from her head the diamond circlet, and -from her neck the heavy gold chain with a pearl cross, which had -belonged to her husband's mother. Then stepping out of her robe, she -put on a silk wrapper, and so dismissed them, and likewise little -Bess, who before she went whispered in her ear: - -"Nan, methinks the queen is foul and red-haired, and I should not care -to kiss her hand for all the fine jewels she doth wear." - -And so hugged her round the neck and stopped her mouth with kisses. -When they were gone, - -"Constance," quoth she, "we be full young, I ween, for the burden laid -upon us, my lord and me." - -"Ay, sweet one," I cried; "and God defend thou shouldst have to carry -it alone;" for my heart was sore that she had had so little favor -shown to her and my lord so much. A faint color tinged her cheek as -she replied: - -"God knows I should be well cotent that Phil should stand so well in -her majesty's good graces as should be convenient to his honor and the -furtherance of his fortunes, if so be his father was out of prison; -and 'tis little I should reck of such slights as her highness should -choose to put upon me, if I saw him not so covetous of her favor that -he shall think less well of his poor Nan hereafter by reason of the -lack of her majesty's good opinion of her, which was so plainly showed -to-day. For, good Constance, bethink thee what a galling thing it is -to a young nobleman to see his wife so meanly entreated; and for her -majesty to ask him, as she did, if the pale-faced chit by his side, -when she arrived, was his sister or his cousin. And when he said it -was his wife who had knelt with him to greet her majesty"--"Wife!" -quoth the queen; "i' faith, I had forgotten thou wast married--if -indeed that is to be called a marriage which children do contract -before they come to the age of reason; and said she would take -measures for that a law should be passed which should make such -foolish marriages unlawful. And when my lord tried to tell her we had -been married a second time a few months since, she pretended not to -hear, and asked M. de la Motte if, in his country, children were made -to marry in their infancy. To which he gave answer, that the like -practice did sometimes take place in France; and that he had -himself been present at a wedding where the bridegroom was whipped -because he did refuse to open the ball with the bride. At the which -her majesty very much laughed, and said she hoped my lord had not been -so used on his wedding-day. I promise you Phil was very angry; but the -wound these jests made was so salved over with compliments, which -pleasantly tickle the ears when uttered by so great a queen, and marks -of favor more numerous than can be thought of, in the matter of -inviting him to hunt with her in Marylebone and Greenwich park, and -telling him he deserved better treatment than he had, as to his -household and setting forward in the world, that methinks the scar was -not long in healing; albeit in the relating of these passages the pain -somewhat revived. But what doth afflict me the most is the refusal her -highness made to read my lord's letter, lamenting the unhappy position -of the duke his father, and hoping the queen, by his means and those -of other friends, should mitigate her anger. I would have had Phil not -only go down on his knees as he did, but lie on the threshold of the -door, so that she should have walked over the son's body if she -refused to show mercy to the father; but he yet doth greatly hope from -the favor showed him that he may sue her majesty with better effect -some other time; and I pray God he may be right." - -Here did the dear lady break off her speech, and, hiding her face in -her hands, remained silent for a short space; and I, seeing her so -deeply moved, with the intent to draw away her thoughts from painful -musings, inquired of her if the good entertainment she had found in -conversing with the bishop had been attributable to his witty -discourse, or to the subjects therein treated of. - -"Ah, good Constance," she answered, "our talk was of one whom you have -often heard me speak of--Mr. Martin's friend, Master Campion, -[Footnote 2] who is now beyond seas at Douay, and whom this bishop -once did hold to be more dear to him than the apple of his eye. He -says his qualifications were so excellent, and he so beloved by all -persons in and outside of his college at Oxford, that none more so; -and that he did himself see in him so great a present merit and -promise of future excellence, that it had caused him more grief than -anything else which had happened to him, and been the occasion of his -shedding more tears than he had ever thought to have done, when he who -had received from him deacon's orders, and whom he had hoped should -have been an honor and a prop to the Church of England, did forsake it -and fly in the face of his queen and his country: first, by going into -Ireland; and then, as he understood, beyond seas, to serve the bishop -of Rome, against the laws of God and man. But that he did yet so -dearly affection him that, understanding we had sometimes tidings of -Mr. Martin, by whose means he had mostly been moved to this lamentable -defection, he should be contented to hear somewhat of his whilom son, -still dear to him, albeit estranged. I told him we did often see -Master Campion when Mr. Martin was here; and that, from what I had -heard, both were like to be at Douay, but that no letters passed -between Mr. Martin and ourselves; for that his grace did not allow of -such correspondence since he had been reconciled and gone beyond seas. -Which the bishop said was a commendable prudence in his grace, and the -part of a careful father; and added, that then maybe he knew more of -what had befallen Master Campion than I did; for that he had a long -epistle from him, so full of moving arguments and pithy remonstrances -as might have shaken one not well grounded and settled in his -religion, and which also contained a recital of his near arrest in -Dublin, where the queen's officers would have arrested him, if a -friend had not privately warned him of his danger. And I do know, good - Constance, who that friend was; for albeit I would not tell the -bishop we had seen Master Campion since he was reconciled, he, in -truth, was here some months ago: my lord met him in the street, -disguised as a common travelling man, and brought him into the garden, -whither he also called me; and we heard then from him how he would -have been taken in Ireland, if the viceroy himself, Sir Henry Sydney, -who did greatly favor him,--as indeed all who know him incline to do, -for his great parts, and nobleness of mind and heart, and withal most -attractive manners,--had not sent him a message, in the middle of the -night, to the effect that he should instantly leave the city, and take -measures for to escape abroad. So, under the name of Patrick, and -wearing the livery of the Earl of Kildare, he travelled to a port -twenty miles from Dublin, and there embarked for England. The queen's -officers, coming on board the ship whereon he had taken his passage, -before it sailed, searched it all over; but through God's mercy, he -said, and St. Patrick's prayers, whose name he had taken, no one did -recognize him, and he passed to London; and the day after, my lord -sent him over to Flanders. So much as the bishop did know thereon, he -related unto me, and stinted not in his praise of his great merits, -and lamentations for what he called his perversion; and hence he took -occasion to speak of religion. And when I said I had been brought up -in the Catholic religion, albeit I now conformed to the times, he said -he would show me the way to be Catholic and still obey the laws, and -that I might yet believe for the most part what I had learnt from my -teachers, so be I renounced the Pope, and commended my saying the -prayers I had been used to; which, he doubted not, were more pleasing -to God than such as some ministers do recite out of their own heads, -whom he did grieve to hear frequented our house, and were no better -than heretics, such as Mr. Fox and Mr. Fulke and Mr. Charke, and the -like of them. But what did much content me was, that he mislikes the -cruel usage recusants do meet with; and he said, not as if boasting of -it, but to declare his mind thereon, that he had often sent them alms -who suffered for their conscience' sake, as many do at this time. But -that I was to remember many Protestants were burnt in the late queen's -time, and that if Papists were not kept under by strict laws, the like -might happen again." - - [Footnote 2: State Papers.] - -"You should have told him," I cried, who had been silent longer than I -liked, "that Protestants are burnt also in this reign, by the same -token that some Anabaptists did so suffer a short time back, to your -Mr. Fox's no small disgust, who should will none but Catholics to be -put to death." - -"Content thee, good Constance," my lady answered; "I be not so -furnished with arguments as thou in a like case wouldst be. So I only -said, I would to God none were burnt, or hanged, or tortured any more -in this country, or in the world at all, for religion; and my lord of -Gloucester declared he was of the same mind, and would have none so -dealt with, if he could mend it, here or abroad. Then the queen rising -to go, our discourse came to an end; but this good bishop says he will -visit me when he next doth come to London, and make that matter plain -to me how I can remain Catholic, and obey the queen, and content his -grace." - -"Then he will show you," I cried, "how to serve God and the world, -which the gospel saith is a thing not to be thought of, and full of -peril to the soul." - -My Lady Surrey burst into tears, and I was angered with myself that I -had spoken peradventure over sharply to her who had too much trouble -already; but it did make me mad to see her so beset that the faith -which had been once so rooted in her, and should be her sure and only -stay in the dangerous path she had entered on, should be in such wise -shaken as her words did indicate. But she was not angered, the -sweet soul; and drawing me to herself, laid her head on my bosom, and -said: - -"Thou art a true friend, though a bold one; and I pray God I may never -lack the benefit of such friendship as thine, for he knoweth I have -great need thereof." - -And so we parted with many tender embraces, and our hearts more -strictly linked together than heretofore. - - -CHAPTER X. - -In the month of November of the same year in which the queen did visit -Lord and Lady Surrey at the Charter House, a person, who mentioned not -his name, delivered into the porter's hands at our gate a letter for -me, which I found to be from my good father, and which I do here -transcribe, as a memorial of his great piety toward God, and tender -love for me his unworthy child. - - "MY DEARLY BELOVED DAUGHTER (so he),--Your comfortable letter has - not a little cheered me; and the more so that this present one is - like to be the last I shall be able to write on this side of the - sea, if it so happen that it shall please God to prosper my intent, - which is to pass over into Flanders at the first convenient - opportunity: for the stress of the times, and mine own earnest - desire to live within the compass of a religious life, have moved me - to forsake for a while this realm, and betake myself to a place - which shall afford opportunity and a sufficiency of leisure for the - prosecution of my design. The comfortable report Edmund made of thy - health, increased height, and good condition, as also of thy - exceeding pleasant and affectionate behavior to him, as deputed from - thy poor father to convey to thee his paternal blessing, together - with such tokens as a third person may exhibit of that most natural - and tender affection which he bears to thee, his sole child, whom - next to God he doth most entirely value and love,--of which charge - this good youth assured me he did acquit himself as my true son in - Christ, which indeed he now is,--and my good brother's letter and - thine, which both do give proof of the exceeding great favor shown - toward thee in his house, wherein he doth reckon my Constance not so - much a niece (for such be his words) as a most cherished daughter, - whose good qualities and lively parts have so endeared her to his - family, that the greatest sorrow which could befal them should be to - lose her company; which I do not here recite for to awaken in thee - motions of pride or a vain conceit of thine own deserts, but rather - gratitude to those whose goodness is so great as to overlook thy - defects and magnify thy merits;--Edmund's report, I say, coupled with - these letters, have yielded me all the contentment I desire at this - time, when I am about to embark on a perilous voyage, of which none - can foresee the course or the end; one in which I take the cross of - Christ as my only staff; his words, "Follow me," for my motto; and - his promise to all such as do confess him before men, as the assured - anchor of my hope. - - "Our ingenuous youth informed thee (albeit I doubt not in such wise - as to conceal, if it had been possible, his own ability, which, with - his devotedness, do exceed praise) how he acquitted both me and - others of much trouble and imminent danger by his fortunate despatch - with that close prisoner. I had determined to place him with some of - my acquaintance, lest perhaps he should return, not without some - danger of his soul, to his own friends; but when he understood my - resolution, he cried out with like words to those of St. Lawrence, - 'Whither goeth my master without his servant? Whither goeth my - father without his son?' and with tears distilling from his eyes, he - humbly entreated he might go together with me, saying, as it were - with St. Peter, 'Master, I am ready to go with you to prison, - yea to death;' but, forecasting his future ability, as also to try - his spirit a little further, I made him answer it was impossible; to - which our Edmund replied, 'Alas! and is it impossible? Shall my - native soil restrain free will? or home-made laws alter devout - resolutions? Am I not young? Can I not study? May I not in time get - what you now have got--learning for a scholar? yea, virtue for a - priest, perhaps; and so at length obtain that for which you now are - ready? Direct me the way, I beseech you; and let me, if you please, - be your precursor. Tell me what I shall do, or whither I must go; - and for the rest, God, who knows my desire, will provide and supply - the want. Can it be possible that he who clothes the lilies of the - field, and feeds the fowls of the air, will forsake him who forsakes - all to fulfil his divine precept, "Seek first the kingdom of God and - his justice, and all other things shall be given to you?"' Finally, - he ended, to my no small admiration, by reciting the words of our - Saviour, 'Whosoever shall forsake home, or brethren, or sisters, or - father, or mother, for my sake and the gospel's, shall receive a - hundredfold and possess life everlasting.' - - "By these impulses, often repeated with great fervor of spirit, I - perceived God Almighty's calling in him, and therefore at last - condescended to let him take his adventures, procuring him - commendations to such friends beyond seas as should assist him in - his purpose, and furnishing him with money sufficient for such a - journey; not judging it to be prudent to keep him with me, who have - not ability to warrant mine own passage; and so noted a recusant, - that I run a greater risk to be arrested in any port where I embark. - And so, in all love and affection, we did part; and I have since had - intelligence, for the which I do return most humble and hearty - thanks to God, that he hath safely crossed the seas, and has now - reached a sure harbor, where his religious desires may take effect. - And now, daughter Constance, mine own good child, fare thee well! - Pray for thy poor father, who would fain give thee the blessing of - the elder as of the younger son--Jacob's portion and Esau's also. - But methinks the blessings of this world be not at the present time - for the Catholics of this land; and so we must needs be content, for - our children as for ourselves (and a covetous man he is which should - not therewith be satisfied), with the blessings our Lord did utter - on the mountain, and mostly with that in which he doth say, 'Blessed - are ye when men shall persecute you, and revile you, and say all - manner of evil against you falsely, for my name's sake; for great is - your reward in heaven.' - - "Your loving father in natural affection and ten thousand times more - in the love of Christ, H. S." - -Oh, what a gulf of tenfold separation did those words "beyond seas" -suggest betwixt that sole parent and his poor child! Thoughts travel -not with ease beyond the limits which nature hath set to this isle; -and what lies beyond the watery waste wherewith Providence hath -engirdled our shores offers no apt images to the mind picturing the -invisible from the visible, as it is wont to do with home-scenes, -where one city or one landscape beareth a close resemblance to -another. And if, in the forsaking of this realm, so much danger did -lie, yea, in the very ports whence he might sail, so that I, who -should otherwise have prayed that the winds might detain him, and the -waves force him back on his native soil, was constrained to supplicate -that they should assist him to abandon it,--how much greater, -methought, should be the perils of his return, when, as he indeed -hoped, a mark should be set on him which in our country dooms men to a -cruel death! Many natural tears I shed at this parting, which until -then had not seemed so desperate and final; and for a while -would not listen to the consolations which were offered by the good -friends who were so tender to me, but continued to wander about in a -disconsolate manner in the garden, or passionately to weep in my own -chamber, until Muriel, the sovereign mistress of comfort to others, -albeit ever ailing in her body, and contemned by such as dived not -through exterior deformity into the interior excellences of her soul, -with sweet compulsion and authoritative arguments drawn from her -admirable faith and simple devotion, rekindled in mine the more noble -sentiments sorrow had obscured, not so much through diverting, as by -elevating and sweetening, my thoughts to a greater sense of the -goodness of God in calling my father, and peradventure Edmund also, to -so great an honor as the priesthood, and never more honorable than in -these days, wherein it oftentimes doth prove the road to martyrdom. - -In December of that year my Lord and my Lady Surrey, by the Duke of -Norfolk's desire, removed for some weeks to Kenninghall for change of -air, and also Lady Lumley, his grace judging them to be as yet too -young to keep house alone. My lord's brothers and Mistress Bess, with -her governess, were likewise carried there. Lady Surrey wrote from -that seat, that, were it not for the duke's imprisonment and constant -fears touching his life, she should have had great contentment in that -retirement, and been most glad to have tarried there, if it had -pleased God, so long as she lived, my lord taking so much pleasure in -field-sports, and otherwise so companionable, that he often offered to -ride with her; and in the evenings they did entertain themselves with -books, chiefly poetry, and sometimes played at cards. They had but few -visitors, by reason of the disgrace and trouble his grace was in at -that time; only such of their neighbors as did hunt and shoot with the -earl her husband; mostly Sir Henry Stafford and Mr. Rookwood's two -sons, whom she commended; the one for his good qualities and honest -carriage, and the other for wit and learning; as also Sir Hammond -l'Estrange, a gentleman who stayed no longer away from Kenninghall, -she observed, than thereunto compelled by lack of an excuse for -tarrying if present, or returning when absent. He often procured to be -invited by my lord, who used to meet him out of doors, and frequently -carried him back with him to dine or to sup, and often both. - -"And albeit" (so my lady wrote) "I doubt not but he doth set a -reasonable value on my lord's society,--who, although young enough to -be his son, is exceedingly conversable and pleasant, as every one who -knows him doth testify,--and mislikes not, I ween, the good cheer, or -the wine from his grace's cellar; yet I warrant thee, good Constance, -'tis not for the sake only of our poor company or hospitable table -that this good knight doth haunt us, but rather from the passion I -plainly see he hath conceived for our Milicent since a day when he -hurt his arm by a fall not far from hence, and I procured she should -dress it with that rare ointment of thine, which verily doth prove of -great efficacy in cases where the skin is rubbed off. Methinks the -wound in his arm was then transplanted into his heart, and the good -man so bewitched with the blue eyes and dove-like countenance of his -chirurgeon, that he has fallen head-over-ears in love, and is, as I -hope, minded to address her in a lawful manner. His wound did take an -exceeding long time in healing, to the no small discredit of thy -ointment; for he came several days to have it dressed, and I could not -choose but smile when at last our sweet practitioner did ask him, in -an innocent manner, if the wound did yet smart, for indeed she could -see no appearance in it but what betokened it to be healed. He -answered, 'There be wounds, Mistress Milicent, which smart, albeit no -outward marks of such suffering do show themselves.' 'Ay,' quoth -Milicent, 'but for such I be of opinion further dressing is needless; -and with my lady's licence, I will furnish you, sir, with a liquid -which shall strengthen the skin, and so relieve the aching, if so you -be careful to apply it night and morning to the injured part, and to -cork the bottle after using it.' 'My memory is so bad, fair -physician,' quoth the knight, 'that I am like to forget the -prescription.' She answered, he should stand the bottle so as it -should meet his eyes when he rose, and then he must needs remember it. - -"And so broke off the discourse. But when he is here I notice how his -eyes do follow her when she sets the table for primero, or works at -the tambour-frame, or plays with Bess, to whom he often talks as she -sits on _her_ knees, who, if I mistake not, shall be, one of these -days, Lady l'Estrange, and is as worthy to be so well married as any -girl in the kingdom, both as touching her birth and her exceeding -great virtue and good disposition. He is an extreme Protestant, and -very bitter against Catholics; but as she, albeit mild in temper, is -as firmly settled in the new religion as he is, no difference will -exist between them on a point in which 'tis most of all to be desired -husbands and wives should be agreed. Thou mayst think that I have been -over apt to note the signs of this good knight's passion, and to draw -deductions from such tokens as have appeared of it, visible maybe to -no other eyes than mine; but, trust me, Constance, those who do -themselves know what 'tis to love with an engrossing affection are -quick to mark the same effects in others. When Phil is in the room, I -find it a hard matter at times to restrain mine eyes from gazing on -that dear husband, whom I do so entirely love that I have no other -pleasure in life but in his company. And not to seem to him or to -others too fond, which is not a beseeming thing even in a wife, I -study to conceal my constant thinking on him by such devices as -cunningly to provoke others to speak of my lord, and so appear only to -follow whereunto my own desire doth point, or to propose questions,--a -pastime wherein he doth excel,--and so minister to mine own pride in -him without direct flattery, or in an unbecoming manner setting forth -his praise. And thus I do grow learned in the tricks of true -affection, and to perceive in such as are in love what mine own heart -doth teach me to be the signals of that passion." - -So far my lady; and not long after, on the first day of February, I -had a note from her, written in great distraction of mind at the -Charter House, where she and all his grace's children had returned in -a sudden manner on the hearing that the queen had issued a warrant for -the duke's execution on the next Monday. Preparations were made with -the expectation of all London, and a concourse of many thousands to -witness it, the tread of whose feet was heard at night, like to the -roll of muffled drums, along the streets; but on the Sunday, late in -the night, the queen's majesty entered into a great misliking that the -duke should die the next day, and sent an order to the sheriffs to -forbear until they should hear further. His grace's mother, the -dowager countess, and my Lady Berkeley his sister (now indeed lowering -her pride to most humble supplication), and my Lord Arundel from his -sick-bed, and the French ambassador, together with many others, sued -with singular earnestness to her majesty for his life, who, albeit she -had stayed the execution of his sentence, would by no means recall it. -I hasted to the Charter House, Mistress Ward going with me, and both -were admitted into her ladyship's chamber, with whom did sit that day -the fairest picture of grief I ever beheld--the Lady Margaret Howard, -who for some months had resided with the Countess of Sussex, who was a -very good lady to her and all these afflicted children. Albeit Lady -Surrey had often greatly commended this young lady, and styled her so -rare a piece of perfection that no one could know and not admire -her, the loveliness of her face, nobility of her figure, and -attractiveness of her manners exceeded my expectations. The sight of -these sisters minded me then of what Lady Surrey had written when they -were yet children, touching my Lord Surrey, styling them "two twin -cherries on one stalk;" and methought, now that the lovely pair had -ripened into early maturity, their likeness in beauty (though -differing in complexion) justified the saying. Lady Margaret greeted -us as though we had not been strangers, and in the midst of her great -and natural sorrow showed a grateful sense of the share we did take in -a grief which methinks was deeper in her than in any other of these -mourners. - -Oh, what a period of anxious suspense did follow that first reprieve! -what alternations of hope and fear! what affectionate letters were -exchanged between that loving father and good master and his sorrowful -children and servants; now writing to Mr. Dyx, his faithful steward: - - "Farewell, good Dyx! your service hath been so faithful unto me, as - I am sorry that I cannot make proof of my good-will to recompense - it. I trust my death shall make no change in you toward mine, but - that you will faithfully perform the trust that I have reposed in - you. Forget me, and remember me in mine. Forget not to counsel and - advise Philip and Nan's unexperienced years; the rest of their - brothers' and sisters' well-doing resteth much upon their virtuous - and considerate dealings. God grant them his grace, which is able to - work better in them than my natural well-meaning heart can wish unto - them. Amen. And so, hoping of your honesty and faithfulness when I - am dead, I bid you this my last farewell. T. H." - -Now to another trusty friend and honest dependent: - - "Good friend George, farewell. I have no other tokens to send my - friends but my books; and I know how sorrowful you are, amongst the - rest, for my hard hap, whereof I thank God; because I hope his - merciful chastisement will prepare me for a better world. Look well - throughout this book, and you shall find the name of duke very - unhappy. I pray God it may end with me, and that others may speed - better hereafter. But if I might have my wish, and were in as good a - state as ever you knew me, yet I would wish for a lower degree. Be a - friend, I pray you, to mine; and do my hearty commendations to your - good wife and to gentle Mr. Dennye. I die in the faith that you have - ever known me to be of. Farewell, good friend. - - "Yours dying, as he was living, - - "NORFOLK." - -These letters and some others did pass from hand to hand in that -afflicted house; and sometimes hope and sometimes despair prevailed in -the hearts of the great store of relatives and friends which often -assembled there to confer on the means of softening the queen's anger -and moving her to mercy; one time through letters from the king of -France and other princes, which was an ill shot, for to be so -entreated by foreign potentates did but inflame her majesty's anger -against the duke; at others, by my Lord Sussex and my Lord Arundel, or -such persons in her court as nearly approached her highness and could -deal with her when she was merry and chose to condescend to their -discourse. But the wind shifts not oftener than did the queen's mind -at that time, so diverse were her dispositions toward this nobleman, -and always opposed to such as appeared in those who spoke on this -topic, whether as pressing for his execution, or suing for mercy to be -extended to him. I heard much talk at that time touching his grace's -good qualities: how noble had been his spirit; how moderate his -disposition; how plain his attire; how bountiful his alms. - - -As the fates of many do in these days hang on the doom of one, much -eagerness was shown amongst those who haunted my uncle's house to -learn the news afloat concerning the issue of the duke's affair. Some -Catholics of note were lying in prison at that time in Norwich, most -of them friends of these gentlemen; of which four were condemned to -death at that time, and one to perpetual imprisonment and loss of all -his property for reconcilement; but whilst the Duke of Norfolk was yet -alive, they held the hope he should, if once out of prison, recover -the queen's favor and drive from their seats his and their mortal -enemies, my Lords Burleigh and Leicester. And verily the axe was held -suspended on the head of that duke for four months and more, to the -unspeakable anguish of many; and, amongst others, his aged and -afflicted mother, the Dowager Countess of Surrey, who came to London -from the country to be near her son in this extremity. Three times did -the queen issue a warrant for his death and then recalled it; so that -those trembling relatives and well-wishers in and out of his house did -look each day to hear the fatal issue had been compassed, In the month -of March, when her majesty was sick with a severe inflammation and -agonizing pain, occasioned, some said, by poison administered by -papists, but by her own physicians declared to arise from her contempt -of their prescriptions, there was a strange turmoil, I ween, in some -men's breasts, albeit silent as a storm brewing on a sultry day. Under -their breath, and with faces shaped to conceal the wish which bred the -inquiry, they asked of the queen's health; whilst others tore their -hair and beat their breasts with no affected grief, and the most part -of the people lamented her danger. Oh, what five days were those when -the shadow of death did hover over that royal couch, and men's hearts -failed them for fear, or else wildly whispered hopes such as they -durst not utter aloud,--not so much as to a close friend,--lest the -walls should have ears, or the pavement open under their feet! My God, -in thy hands lie the issues of life and death. Thou dost assign to -each one his space of existence, his length of days. Thy ways are not -as our ways, nor thy thoughts as our thoughts. She lived who was yet -to doom so many princely heads to the block, so many saintly forms to -the dungeon and the rack. She lived whose first act was to stretch -forth a hand yet weakened by sickness to sign, a fourth time, a -warrant for a kinsman's death, and once again recalled it. Each day -some one should come in with various reports touching the queen's -dispositions. Sometimes she had been heard to opine that her dangers -from her enemies were so great that justice must be done. At others -she vehemently spoke of the nearness of blood to herself, of the -superiority in honor of this duke; and once she wrote to Lord Burleigh -(a copy of this letter Lord Surrey saw in Lord Oxford's hands), "that -she was more beholden to the hinder part of her head than she dared -trust the forward part of the same;" and expressed great fear lest an -irrevocable deed should be committed. But she would not see Lord -Surrey, or suffer him to plead in person for his father's life. Yet -there were good hopes amongst his friends he should yet be released, -till one day--I mind it well, for I was sitting with Lady Surrey, -reading out loud to her, as I was often used to do--my Lord Berkeley -burst into the chamber, and cried, throwing his gloves on the table -and swearing a terrible oath: - -"That woman has undone us!" - -"What, the queen?" said my lady, white as a smock. - -"Verily a queen," he answered gloomily. "I warrant you the Queen of -Scots hath ended as she did begin, and dragged his grace into a pit -from whence I promise you he will never now rise. A letter writ in her -cipher to the Duke of Alva hath been intercepted, in which that -luckless royal wight, ever fatal to her friends as to herself, -doth say, 'that she hath a strong party in England, and lords who -favor her cause; some of whom, albeit prisoners, so powerful, that the -Queen of England should not dare to touch their lives.' Alack! those -words, 'should not dare,' shall prove the death-warrant of my noble -brother. Cursed be the day when he did get entangled in that popish -siren's plots!" - -"Speak not harshly of her, good my lord," quoth Lady Surrey, in her -gentle voice. "Her sorrows do bear too great a semblance to our own -not to bespeak from us patience in this mishap." - -"Nan," said Lord Berkeley, "thou art of too mild a disposition. 'Tis -the only fault I do find with thee. Beshrew me, if my wife and thee -could not make exchange of some portion of her spirit and thy meekness -to the advantage of both. I warrant thee Phil's wife should hold a -tight hand over him." - -"I read not that precept in the Bible, my lord," quoth she, smiling. -"It speaketh roundly of the duty of wives to obey, but not so much as -one word of their ruling." - -"Thou hadst best preach thy theology to my Lady Berkeley," he -answered; "and then she--" - -"But I pray you, my lord, is it indeed your opinion that the queen -will have his grace's life?" - -"I should not give so much as a brass pin, Nan, for his present chance -of mercy at her hands," he replied sadly. And his words were justified -in the event. - -Those relentless enemies of the duke, my Lords Burleigh and Leicester, ---who, at the time of the queen's illness, had stood three days and -three nights without stirring from her bedside in so great terror lest -she should die and he should compass the throne through a marriage -with the Queen of Scots, that they vowed to have his blood at any cost -if her majesty did recover,--so dealt with parliament as to move it to -send a petition praying that, for the safety of her highness and the -quieting of her realm, he should be forthwith executed. And from that -day to the mournful one of his death, albeit from the great reluctance -her majesty had evinced to have him despatched, his friends, yea unto -the last moment, lived in expectancy of a reprieve; he himself made up -his mind to die with extraordinary fortitude, not choosing to -entertain so much as the least hope of life. - -One day at that time I saw my Lady Margaret mending some hose, and at -each stitch she made with her needle tears fell from her eyes. I -offered to assist her ladyship; but she said, pressing the hose to her -heart, "I thank thee, good Constance; but no other hands than mine -shall put a stitch in these hose, for they be my father's, who hath -worn them with these holes for many months, till poor Master Dyx -bethought himself to bring them here to be patched and mended, which -task I would have none perform but myself. My father would not suffer -him to procure a new pair, lest it should be misconstrued as a sign of -his hope or desire of a longer life, and with the same intent he -refuseth to eat flesh as often as the physicians do order; 'for,' -quoth he, 'why should I care to nourish a body doomed to such near -decay?'" Then, after a pause, she said, "He will not wear clothes -which have any velvet on them, being, he saith, a condemned person." - -Lady Surrey took one of the hose in her hand, but Lady Margeret, with -a filial jealousy, sadly smiling, shook her head: "Nay, Nan," quoth -she, "not even to thee, sweet one, will I yield one jot or tittle of -this mean, but, in relation to him who doth own these poor hose, -exalted labor." Then she asked her sister if she had heard of the -duke's request that Mr. Fox, his old schoolmaster, should attend on -him in the Tower, to whom he desired to profess that faith he did -first ground him in. - -And my Lady Surrey answered yea, that my lord had informed her of - it, and many other proofs beside that his grace sought to -prepare for death in the best manner he could think of. - -"Some ill-disposed persons have said," quoth Lady Margaret, "that it -is with the intent to propitiate the queen that my father doth show -himself to be so settled in his religion, and that he is not what he -seems; but tis a slander on his grace, who hath been of this way of -thinking since he attained to the age of reason, and was never at any -time reconciled, as some have put forth." - -This was the last time I did see these afflicted daughters until long -after their father's death, who was beheaded in the chapel of the -Tower shortly afterward. When the blow fell which, striking at him, -struck a no less fatal blow to the peace and well-doing of his -children, they all left the Charter House, and removed for a time into -the country, to the houses of divers relatives, in such wise as before -his death the duke had desired. A letter which I received from Lady -Surrey a few weeks after she left London doth best serve to show the -manner of this disposal, and the temper of the writer's mind at that -melancholy time. - - "My OWN DEAR CONSTANCE,--It may like you to hear that your afflicted - friend is improved in bodily health, and somewhat recovered from the - great suffering of mind which the duke, their good father's death, - has caused to all his poor children--mostly to Megg and Phil and me; - for their brothers and my sister are too young greatly to grieve. My - Lord Arundel is sorely afflicted, I hear, and hath writ a very - lamentable letter to our good Lady Sussex concerning this sad - mishap. My Lady Berkeley and my Lady Westmoreland are almost - distracted with grief for the death of a brother they did singularly - love. That poor lady (of Westmoreland) is much to be pitied, for - that she is parted from her husband, maybe for ever, and has lost - two fair daughters in one year. - - "My lord hath shown much affection for his father, and natural - sorrow in this sad loss; and when his last letters written a short - time before he suffered, and addressed "To my loving children," - specially the one to Philip and Nan, reached his hands, he wept so - long and bitterly that it seemed as if his tears should never cease. - My lord is forthwith to make his chief abode at Cambridge for a year - or two; and Meg and I, with Lady Sussex, and I do hope Bess - also--albeit his grace doth appear in his letter to be otherwise - minded. But methinks he apprehended to lay too heavy a charge on - her, who is indeed a good lady to us all in this our unhappy - condition, and was loth Megg should be out of my company. - - "The parting with my lord is a sore trial, and what I had not looked - to; but God's will be done; and if it be for the advantage of his - soul, as well as the advancement of his learning, he should reside - at the university, it should ill befit me to repine. And now - methinks I will transcribe, if my tears do not hinder me, his - grace's letters, which will inform thee of his last wishes better - than I could explain them; for I would have thee know how tender and - forecasting was his love for us, and the good counsel he hath left - unto his son, who, I pray to God, may always follow it. And I would - have thee likewise note one point of his advice, which indeed I - should have been better contented he had not touched upon, forasmuch - as his having done so must needs hinder that which thy fond love for - my poor self, and resolved adherence to what he calls 'blind - papistry,' doth so greatly prompt thee to desire; for if on his - blessing he doth charge us to beware of it, and then I should move - my lord to so much neglect of his last wishes as at any time to be - reconciled, bethink thee with what an ill grace I should urge on - him, in other respects, obedience to his commands, which indeed are - such as do commend themselves to any Christian soul as most wise and - profitable. And now, breaking off mine own discourse to - transcribe his words--a far more noble and worthy employment of my - pen--and praying God to bless thee, I remain thy tender and loving - friend, - "ANN SURREY." - -"The Duke of Norfolk's letters to his children: - - "DEAR CHILDREN,--This is the last letter that ever I think to write - to you; and therefore, if you loved me, or that you will seem - grateful to me for the special love that I have ever borne unto you, - then remember and follow these my last lessons. Oh, Philip, serve - and fear God, above all things. I find the fault in myself, that I - have (God forgive me!) been too negligent in this point. Love and - make much of your wife; for therein, considering the great adversity - you are now in, by reason of my fall, is your greatest present - comfort and relief, beside your happiness in having a wife which is - endued with so great towardness in virtue and good qualities, and in - person comparable with the best sort. Follow these two lessons, and - God will bless you; and without these, as you may see by divers - examples out of the Scripture, and also by ordinary worldly proof, - where God is not feared, all goeth to wreck; and where love is not - between the husband and wife, there God doth not prosper. My third - lesson is, that you show yourself loving and natural to your - brothers and sister and sister-in-law. Though you be very young in - years, yet you must strive with consideration to become a man; for - it is your own presence and good government of yourself that must - get friends; and if you take that course, then have I been so - careful a father unto you, as I have taken such order as you, by - God's grace, shall be well able, beside your wife's lands, to - maintain yourself like a gentleman. Marry! the world is greedy and - covetous; and if the show of the well government of yourself do not - fear and restrain their greedy appetite, it is like that, by - undirect means, they will either put you from that which law layeth - upon you, or else drive you to much trouble in trying and holding - your right. When my grandfather died, I was not much above a year - elder than you are now; and yet, I thank God, I took such order with - myself, as you shall reap the commodity of my so long passed travel, - if you do now imitate the like. Help to strengthen your young and - raw years with good counsel. I send you herewith a brief schedule, - whom I wish you to make account of as friends, and whom as servants; - and I charge you, as a father may do, to follow my direction - therein; my experience can better tell what is fit for you than your - young years can judge of. I would wish you for the present to make - your chief abode at Cambridge, which is the place fittest for you to - promote your learning in; and beside, it is not very far hence, - whereby you may, within a day's warning, be here to follow your own - causes, as occasion serveth. If, after a year or two, you spend some - time in a house of the law, there is nothing that will prove more to - your commodity, considering how for the time you shall have - continual business about your own law affairs; and thereby also, if - you spend your time well, you shall be ever after better able to - judge in your own causes. I too late repent that I followed not this - course that now I wish to you; for if I had, then my case perchance - had not been in so ill state as now it is. - - "When God shall send you to those years as that it shall be fit for - you to keep house with your wife (which I had rather were sooner, - than that you should fall into ill company), then I would wish you - to withdraw yourself into some private dwelling of your own. And if - your hap may be so good as you may so live without being called to - higher degree, oh, Philip, Philip, then shall you enjoy that blessed - life which your woful father would fain have done, and never could - be so happy. Beware of high degree. To a vain-glorious, proud - stomach it seemeth at the first sweet. Look into all - chronicles, and you shall find that in the end it brings heaps of - cares, toils in the state, and most commonly in the end utter - overthrow. Look into the whole state of the nobility in times past, - and into their state now, and then judge whether my lessons be true - or no. Assure yourself, as you may see by the book of my accounts, - and you shall find that my living did hardly maintain my expenses; - for all the help that I had by Tom's lands, and somewhat by your - wife's and sister's-in-law, I was ever a beggar. You may, by the - grace of God, be a great deal richer and quieter in your low degree, - wherein I once again wish you to continue. They may, that shall wish - you the contrary, have a good meaning; but believe your father, who - of love wishes you best, and with the mind that he is at this - present fully armed to God, who sees both states, both high and low, - as it were even before his eyes. Beware of the court, except it be - to do your prince service, and that, as near as you can, in the - lowest degree, for that place hath no certainty; either a man, by - following thereof, hath too much of worldly pomp, which, in the end, - throws him down headlong, or else he liveth there unsatisfied; - either that he cannot attain for himself that he would, or else that - he cannot do for his friends as his heart desireth. Remember these - notes, and follow them; and then you, by God's help, shall reap the - commodity of them in your old years. - - "If your brothers may be suffered to remain in your company, I would - be most glad thereof, because continuing together should still - increase love between you. But the world is so catching of - everything that falls, that Tom being, as I believe, after my death, - the queen's majesty's ward, shall be begged by one or another. But - yet you are sure to have your brother William left still with you, - because, poor boy, he hath nothing to feed cormorants withal; to - whom you will as well be a father as a brother; for upon my blessing - I commit him to your charge to provide for, if that which I have - assured him by law shall not be so sufficient as I mean it. If law - may take place, your sister-in-law will be surely enough conveyed to - his behoof, and then I should wish her to be brought up with some - friend of mine; as for the present I allow best of Sir Christopher - Heydon, if he will so much befriend you as to receive her to sojourn - with him; if not there in some other place, as your friends shall - best allow of. And touching the bestowing of your wife and Megg, who - I would be loth should be out of your wife's company; for as she - should be a good companion for Nan, so I commit Megg of especial - trust to her. I think good, till you keep house together, if my Lady - of Sussex might be entreated to take them to her as sojourners, - there were no place so fit considering her kindred unto you, and the - assured friend that I hope you shall find of her; beside she is a - good lady. If it will not be so brought to pass, then, by the advice - of your friends, take some other order; but in no case I would wish - you to keep any house except it be together with your wife. - - "Thus I have advised you as my troubled memory can at present suffer - me. Beware of pride, stubbornness, taunting, and sullenness, which - vices nature doth somewhat kindle in you; and therefore you must - with reason and discretion make a new nature in yourself. Give not - your mind too much and too greedily to gaming; make a pastime of it, - and no toil. And lastly, delight to spend some time in reading of - the Scriptures; for therein is the whole comfort of man's life; all - other things are vain and transitory; and if you be diligent in - reading of them, they will remain with you continually, to your - profit and commodity in this world, and to your comfort and - salvation in the world to come, whither, in grace of God, I am now - with joy and consolation preparing myself. And, upon my blessing, - beware of blind papistry, which brings nothing but bondage to men's - consciences. Mix your prayers with fasting, not thinking - thereby to merit; for there is nothing that we ourselves can do that - is good,--we are but unprofitable servants; but fast, I say, thereby - to tame the wicked affection of the mind, and trust only to be saved - by Christ's precious blood; for without a perfect faith therein, - there is no salvation. Let works follow your faith; thereby to show - to the world that you do not only say you have faith, but that you - give testimony thereof to the full satisfaction of the godly. I - write somewhat the more herein, because perchance you have - heretofore heard, or perchance may hereafter hear, false bruits that - I was a papist; [Footnote 3] but trust unto it, I never, since I - knew what religion meant (I thank God) was of other mind than now - you shall hear that I die in; although (I cry God mercy) I have not - given fruits and testimony of my faith as I ought to have done; the - which is the thing that I do now chiefliest repent. - - [Footnote 3: There would seem to be no doubt that the Duke of - Norfolk was a sincere Protestant. The strenuous advice to his - children to beware of Popery affords evidence of it. Greatly, - however, as it would have tended to their worldly prosperity to - have followed their father's last injunctions in this respect, all - but one of those he thus counselled were subsequently reconciled - to the Catholic Church. - - The Duke's letters in this chapter are all authentic. See the Rev. - M. Tierney's History of Arundel, and the Appendix to Nott's - edition of Lord Surrey's poems.] - - "When I am gone, forget my condemning, and forgive, I charge you, my - false accusers, as I protest to God I do; but have nothing to do - with them if they live. Surely, Bannister dealt no way but honestly - and truly. Hickford did not hurt me in my conscience, willingly; nor - did not charge me with any great matter that was of weight otherways - than truly. But the Bishop of Ross, and specially Barber, did - falsely accuse me, and laid their own treasons upon my back. God - forgive them, and I do, and once again I will you to do; bear no - malice in your mind. And now, dear Philip, farewell. Read this my - letter sometimes over; it may chance make you remember yourself the - better; and by the same, when your father is dead and rotten, you - may see what counsel I would give you if I were alive. If you follow - these admonitions, there is no doubt but God will bless you; and I, - your earthly father, do give you God's blessing and mine, with my - humble prayers to Almighty God that it will please him to bless you - and your good Nan; that you may both, if it be his will, see your - children's children, to the comfort of you both; and afterward that - you may be partakers of the heavenly kingdom. Amen, amen. Written by - the hand of your loving father. T. H." - -"And to Tom his grace did write: - - "Tom, out of this that I have written to your brother, you may learn - such lessons as are fit for you. That I write to one, that I write - to all, except it be somewhat which particularly touches any of you. - To fear and serve God is generally to you all; and, on my blessing, - take greatest care thereof, for it is the foundation of all - goodness. You have, even from your infancy, been given to be - stubborn. Beware of that vice, Tom, and bridle nature with wisdom. - Though you be her majesty's ward, yet if you use yourself well to my - Lord Burleigh, he will, I hope, help you to buy your own wardship. - Follow your elder brother's advice, who, I hope, will take such a - course as may be to all your comforts. God send him grace so to do, - and to you too! I give you God's blessing and mine, and I hope he - will prosper you." - - "And to Will he saith (whom methinks his heart did incline to, as - Jacob's did to Benjamin): - - "Will, though you be now young, yet I hope, if it shall please God - to send you life, that you will then consider of the precepts - heretofore written to your brethren. I have committed the charge of - your bringing-up to your elder brother; and therefore I charge you - to be obedient to him, as you would have been to me if I had been - living. If you shall have a liking to my daughter-in-law, Bess - Dacres, I hope you shall have it in your own choice to marry her. I - will not advise you otherways than yourself, when you are of fit - years, shall think good; but this assure yourself, it will be a good - augmentation to your small living, considering how chargeable the - world groweth to be. As you are youngest, so the more you ought to - be obedient to your elders. God send you a good younger brother's - fortune in this world, and his grace, that you may ever be his, both - in this world and in the world to come." - -"To me, his unworthy daughter, were these lines written, which I be -ashamed to transcribe, but that his goodness doth appear in his good -opinion of me rather than my so poor merits: - - "Well-beloved Nan, that hath been as dear to me as if you had been - my own daughter, although, considering this ill hap that has now - chanced, you might have had a greater marriage than now your husband - shall be; yet I hope that you will remember that, when you were - married, the case was far otherways; and therefore I hope your - dutiful dealings shall be so to your husband, and your sisterly love - to your brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, as my friends that shall - see it may think that my great affection to you was well bestowed. - Thanks be to God, you have hitherto taken a good course; whereby all - that wish you well take great hope rather of your going forward - therein than backward--which God forbid! I will request no more at - your hands, now that I am gone, in recompense of my former love to - you, but that you will observe my three lessons: to fear and serve - God, flying idleness; to love faithfully your husband; and to be - kind to your brothers and sisters--specially committing to your care - mine only daughter Megg, hoping that you will not be a sister-in-law - to her, but rather a natural sister, yea even a very mother; and - that as I took care for the well bestowing of you, so you will take - care for the well bestowing of her, and be a continual caller on - your husband for the same. If this mishap had not chanced, you and - your husband might have been awhile still young, and I would, by - God's help, have supplied your wants. But now the case is changed, - and you must, at your years of fifteen, attain to the consideration - and discretion of twenty; or else, if God send you to live in your - age, you shall have cause to repent your folly in youth, beside the - endangering the casting away of those who do wholly depend upon your - two well-doings. I do not mistrust that you will be mindful of my - last requests; and so doing God bless you, and send you to be old - parents to virtuous children, which is likeliest to be if you give - them good example. Farewell! for this is the last that you shall - ever receive from your loving father. Farewell, my dear Nan!" - - "And to his own sweet Megg he subjoined in the same letter these - words: - - "Megg, I have, as you see, committed you to your loving sister. I - charge you therefore, upon my blessing, that you obey her in all - things, as you would do me or your own mother, if we were living; - and then I doubt not but by her good means you shall be in fit time - bestowed to your own comfort and contentment. Be good; no babbler, - and ever be busied and doing of somewhat; and give your mind to - reading in the Bible and such other good books, whereby you may - learn to fear God; and so you shall prove, by his help, hereafter - the better wife, and a virtuous woman in all other respects. If you - follow these my lessons, then God's blessing and mine I give you, - and pray that you may both live and die his servant. Amen." - -When I read these letters, and my Lady Surrey's comments upon them, -what pangs seized my heart! Her messenger was awaiting an -answer, which he said must be brief, for he had to ride to Bermondsey -with a message for my Lord Sussex, and had been long delayed in the -city. I seized a pen, and hastily wrote: - - "Oh, my dear and honored lady, what grief, what pain, your letter - hath caused me! Forgive me if, having but brief time in which to - write a few lines by your messenger, I dwell not on the sorrow which - doth oppress you, nor on the many excellences apparent in those - farewell letters, which give token of so great virtue and wisdom in - the writer, that one should be prompted to exclaim he did lack but - one thing to be perfect, that being a true faith,--but rather - direct my answer to that passage in yours which doth work in me such - regret, yea such anguish of heart, as my poor words can ill express. - For verily there can be no greater danger to a soul than to be lured - from the profession of a true Catholic faith, once firmly received - and yet inwardly held, by deceptive arguments, whereby it doth - conceal its own weakness under the garb of respect for the dead and - duty to the living. For, I pray you, mine own dear lady, what - respect and what duty is owing to men which be not rather due to him - who reads the heart, and will ask a strict account of such as, - having known his will, yet have not done it? Believe me, 'tis a - perilous thing to do evil that good may come. Is it possible you - should resolve never to profess that religion which, in your - conscience, you do believe to be true, nor to move your lord - thereunto, for any human respect, however dear and sacred? I hope - other feelings may return, and God's hand will support, uphold, and - never fail you in your need. I beseech him to guard and keep you in - the right way. - - "Your humble servant and truly loving poor friend, - - "CONSTANCE SHERWOOD." - - -CHAPTER XI. - -During the two years which followed the Duke of Norfolk's death I did -only see my Lady Surrey once, which was when she came to Arundel -House, on a visit to her lord's grandfather; and her letters for a -while were both scanty and brief. She made no mention of religion, and -but little of her husband; and chiefly touched on such themes as Lady -Margaret's nuptials with Mr. Sackville (Lord Dorset's heir) and -Mistress Milicent's with Sir Hammond l'Estrange. She had great -contentment, she wrote, to see them both so well married according to -their degree; but that for herself she did very much miss her good -sister's company and her gentlewoman's affectionate services, who -would now reside all the year at her husband's seat in Norfolk; but -she looked when my lord and herself should be at Kenninghall, when he -left the university, that they might yet, being neighbors, spend some -happy days together, if it so pleased God. Once she wrote in exceeding -great joy, so that she said she hardly knew how to contain herself, -for that my lord was coming in a few days to spend the long vacation -at Lord Sussex's house at Bermondsey. But when she wrote again, -methought--albeit her letter was cheerful, and she did jest in it -somewhat more than was her wont--that there was a silence touching her -husband, and her own contentment in his society, which betokened a -reserve such as I had not noticed in her before. About that time it -was bruited in London that my Lord Surrey had received no small -detriment by the bad example he had at Cambridge, and the liberty -permitted him. - -And now, forsaking for a while the theme of that noble pair, whose -mishaps and felicities have ever saddened and rejoiced mine heart -almost equally with mine own good or evil fortune, I here purpose to -set down such occurrences as should be worthy of note in the more -obscure sphere in which my lot was cast. - -When I was about sixteen, my cousin Kate was married to Mr. Lacy; -first in a secret manner, in the night, by Mr. Plasden, a priest, in -her father's library, and the next day at the parish church at -Holborn. Methinks a fairer bride never rode to church than our Kate. -Her mother went with her, which was the first time she had been out of -doors for a long space of time, for she feared to catch cold if the -wind did blow from the north or the east; and if from the south she -feared it should bring noxious vapors from the river; and the west, -infection from the city, and so stayed at home for greater safety. But -on Kate's wedding day we did all protest the wind blew not at all, so -that from no quarter of the sky should mischief arise; and in a closed -litter, which she reckoned to be safer than a coach, she consented to -go to church. - -"Marry, good wife," cried Mr. Congleton, when she had been magnifying -all the dangers she mostly feared, "thou dost forget the greatest of -all in these days, which doth hold us all by the neck, as it were. For -hearing mass, as we did in this room last night, we do all run the -risk of being hanged, which should be a greater peril methinks than a -breath of foul air." - - -She, being in a merry mood, replied: "Twittle twattle, Mr. Congleton; -the one may be avoided, the other not. 'Tis no reason I should get a -cold to-day because I be like to be hanged to-morrow." - -"I' faith," cried Polly, "my mother hath well parried your thrust, -sir; and methinks the holy Bishop of Rochester was of the same mind -with her." - -"How so, Polly?" quoth her father; and she, "There happened a false -rumor to rise suddenly among the people when he was in the prison, so -I have heard Mr. Roper relate, that he should be brought to execution -on a certain day; wherefore his cook, that was wont to dress his -dinner and carry it daily unto him, hearing of his execution, dressed -him no dinner at all that day. Wherefore, at the cook's next repair -unto him, he demanded the cause why he brought him not his dinner. -'Sir,' said the cook, 'it was commonly talked all over the town that -you should have died to-day, and therefore I thought it but vain to -dress anything for you.' 'Well,' quoth the bishop merrily, 'for all -that report, thou seest me yet alive; and therefore, whatsoever news -thou shalt hear of me hereafter, prithee let me no more lack my -dinner, but make it ready; and if thou see me dead when thou comest, -then eat it thyself. But I promise thee, if I be alive, by God's -grace, to eat never a bit the less.'" - -"And on the day he was verily executed," said Mistress Ward, "when the -lieutenant came to fetch him, he said to his man, 'Reach me my furred -tippet, to put about my neck.' 'O my lord!' said the lieutenant, 'what -need you be so careful of your health for this little time, being not -much above in hour?' 'I think no otherwise,' said this blessed father; -'but yet, in he mean time, I will keep myself as well as I can; for I -tell you truth, though I have, I thank our Lord, a very good desire -and a willing mind to die at this present, and so I trust of his -infinite mercy and goodness he will continue it, yet I will not -willingly hinder my health one minute of an hour, but still prolong -the same as long as I can by such reasonable ways as Almighty God hath -provided for me.'" Upon which my good aunt fastened her veil about her -head, and said the holy bishop was the most wise saint and -reasonablest martyr she had yet heard of. - -Kate was dressed in a kirtle of white silk, her head attired with an -habiliment of gold, and her hair, brighter itself than gold, woven -about her face in cunningly wrought tresses. She was led to church -between two gentlemen--Mr. Tresham and Mr. Hogdson--friends of the -bridegroom, who had bride-laces and rosemary tied about their silken -sleeves. There was a fair cup of silver gilt carried before her, -wherein was a goodly branch of rosemary, gilded very fair, and hung -about with silken ribbons of all colors. Musicians came next; then a -group of maidens bearing garlands finely gilded; and thus we passed on -to the church. The common people at the door cheered the bride, whose -fair face was a passport to their favor; but as Muriel crept along, -leaning on my arm, I caught sound of murmured blessings. - -"Sweet saint," quoth an aged man, leaning on his staff, near the -porch, "I ween thine espousals be not of earth." A woman, with a child -in her arms, whispered to her as she past, "He thou knowest of is -dead, and died praying for thee." A man, whose eyes had watched her -painfully ascending the steps, called her an angel; whereupon a beggar -with a crutch cried out, "Marry, a lame angel!" A sweet smile was on -her face as she turned toward him; and drawing a piece of silver from -her pocket, she bestowed it on him, with some such words as -these--that she prayed they might both be so happy, albeit lame, as to -hobble to heaven, and get there in good time, if it should please God. -Then he fell to blessing her so loud, that she hurried me into the -church, not content to be thanked in so public a manner. - - -After the ceremony, we returned in the same order to Ely Place. The -banquet which followed, and the sports succeeding it, were conducted -in a private and somewhat quiet fashion, and not many guests invited, -by reason of the times, and Mr. Congleton misliking to draw notice to -his house, which had hitherto been but little molested, partly for -that Sir Francis Walsingham had a friendship for him, and also for his -sister, Lady Egerton of Ridley, which procured for them greater favor, -in the way of toleration, than is extended to others; and likewise the -Portuguese ambassador was his very good friend, and his chapel open to -us at all times; so that priests did not need to come to his house for -the performance of any religious actions, except that one of the -marriage, which had taken place the night before in his library. -Howsoever, he was very well known to be a recusant, for that neither -himself, nor any belonging to him, attended Protestant worship; and -Sir Francis sometimes told him that the clemency with which he was -treated was shown toward him with the hope that, by mild courses, he -might be soon brought to some better conformity. - -Mr. Lacy's house was in Gray's Inn Lane, a few doors from Mr. Swithin -Wells's; and through this proximity an intimate acquaintanceship did -arise between that worthy gentleman and his wife and Kate's friends. -He was very good-natured, pleasant in conversation, courteous, and -generous; and Mrs. Wells a most virtuous gentlewoman. Although he (Mr. -Swithin) much delighted in hawking, hunting, and other suchlike -diversions, yet he so soberly governed his affections therein, as to -be content to deprive himself of a good part of those pleasures, and -retire to a more profitable employment of training up young gentlemen -in virtue and learning; and with such success that his house has been, -as it were, a fruitful seminary to many worthy members of the Catholic -Church. Among the young gentlemen who resided with him at that time -was Mr. Hubert Rookwood, the youngest of the two sons of Mr. Rookwood, -of Euston, whom I had seen at the inn at Bedford, when I was -journeying to London. We did speedily enter into a somewhat close -acquaintanceship, founded on a similarity of tastes and agreeable -interchange of civilities, touching the lending of books and likewise -pieces of music, which I did make fair copies of for him, and which we -sometimes practiced in the evening; for he had a pleasant voice and an -aptness to catch the trick of a song, albeit unlearned in the art, -wherein he styled me proficient; and I, nothing loth to impart my -knowledge, became his instructor, and did teach him both to sing and -play the lute. He was not much taller than when I had seen him before; -but his figure was changed, and his visage had grown pale, and his -hair thick and flowing, especially toward the back of the head, -discovering in front a high and thoughtful forehead. There was a great -deal of good young company at that time in Mr. Wells's house; for some -Catholics tabled there beside those that were his pupils, and others -resorted to it by reason of the pleasant entertainment they found in -the society of ingenuous persons, well qualified, and of their own -religion. I had most days opportunities of conversing with Hubert, -though we were never alone; and, by reason of the friendship which had -existed between his father and mine, I allowed him a kindness I did -not commonly afford to others. - -Mr. Lacy had had his training in that house, and, albeit his natural -parts did not title him to the praise of an eminent scholar, he had -thence derived a great esteem for learning, a taste for books, of the -which he did possess a great store (many hundred volumes), and a -discreet manner of talking, though something tinctured with -affectation, inasmuch as he should seem to be rather enamored of the -words he uttered, than careful of the substance. Hubert was wont -to say that his speech was like to the drawing of a leaden sword out -of a gilded sheath. He was a very virtuous young man; and his wife had -never but one complaint to set forth, which was that his books took up -so much of his time that she was almost as jealous of them as if they -had been her rivals. She would have it he did kill himself with study; -and, in a particular manner, with the writing of the life of one -Thomas à Kempis, which was a work he had had a long time on hand. One -day she comes into his library, and salutes him thus: "Mr. Lacy, I -would I were a book; and then methinks you would a little more respect -me." Polly, who was by, cried out, "Madam, you must then be an -almanac, that he might change every year;" whereat she was not a -little displeased. And another time, when her husband was sick, she -said, if Mr. Lacy died, she would burn Thomas a Kempis for the killing -of her husband. I, hearing this, answered that to do so were a great -pity; to whom she replied, "Why, who was Thomas a Kempis?" to which I -answered, "One of the saintliest men of the age wherein he lived." -Wherewith she was so satisfied, that she said, then she would not do -it for all the world. - -Methinks I read more in that one year than in all the rest of my life -beside. Mine aunt was more sick than usual, and Mistress Ward so taken -up with the nursing of her, that she did not often leave her room. -Polly was married in the winter to Sir Ralph Ingoldby, and went to -reside for some months in the country. Muriel prevailed on her father -to visit the prison with her, in Mistress Ward's stead, so that -sometimes they were abroad the whole of the day; by reason of which, I -was oftener in Gray's Inn Lane than at home, sometimes at Kate's -house, and sometimes at Mistress Wells's mansion, where I became -infected with a zeal for learning, which Hubert's example and -conversation did greatly invite me to. He had the most winning tongue, -and the aptest spirit in the world to divine the natural inclinations -of those he consorted with. The books he advised me to read were -mostly such as Mistress Ward, to whom I did faithfully recite their -titles, accounted to be not otherwise than good and profitable, having -learned so much from good men she consulted thereon, for she was -herself no scholar; but they bred in me a great thirst for knowledge, -a craving to converse with those who had more learning than myself, -and withal so keen a relish for Hubert's society, that I had no -contentment so welcome as to listen to his discourse, which was -seasoned with a rare kind of eloquence and a discursive fancy, to -which, also, the perfection of his carriage, his pronunciation of -speech, and the deportment of his body lent no mean lustre. Naught -arrogant or affected disfigured his conversation, in which did lie so -efficacious a power of persuasion, and at times, when the occasion -called for it, so great a vehemency of passion, as enforced admiration -of his great parts, if not approval of his arguments. I made him at -that time judge of the new thoughts which books, like so many keys -opening secret chambers in the mind, did unlock in mine; and I mind me -how eagerly I looked for his answers--how I hung on his lips when he -was speaking, not from any singular affection toward his person, but -by reason of the extraordinary fascination of his speech, and the -interest of the themes we discoursed upon; one time touching on the -histories of great men of past ages, at another on the changes wrought -in our own by the new art of printing books, which had produced such -great changes in the world, and yet greater to be expected. And as he -was well skilled in the Italian as well as the French language, I came -by his means to be acquainted with many great writers of those -nations. He translated for me sundry passages from the divine play of -Signor Dante Alighieri, in which hell and purgatory and heaven -are depicted, as it were by an eye-witness, with so much pregnancy of -meaning and force of genius, that it should almost appear as if some -special revelation had been vouchsafed to the poet beyond his natural -thoughts, to disclose to him the secrets of other spheres. He also -made me read a portion of that most fine and sweet poem on the -delivery of the holy city Jerusalem, composed by Signor Torquato -Tasso, a gentleman who resided at that time at the court of the Duke -of Ferrara, and which one Mr. Fairfax has since done into English -verse. The first four cantos thereof were given to Mr. Wells by a -young gentleman, who had for a while studied at the University of -Padua. This fair poem, and mostly the second book thereof, hath -remained imprinted in my memory with a singular fixity, by reason that -it proved the occasion of my discerning for the first time a special -inclination on Hubert's side toward myself, who thought nothing of -love, but was only glad to have acquired a friend endowed with so much -wit and superior knowledge, and willing to impart it. This book, I -say, did contain a narration which bred in me so great a resentment of -the author's merits, and so quick a sympathy with the feigned subjects -of his muse, that never before or since methinks has a fiction so -moved me as the story of Olindo and Sophronisba. - -Methinks this was partly ascribable to a certain likeness between the -scenes described by the poet and some which take place at this time in -our country. In the maiden of high and noble thoughts, fair, but -heedless of her beauty, who stood in the presence of the soldan, once -a Christian, then a renegade, taking on herself the sole guilt,--O -virtuous guilt! O worthy crime!--of which all the Christians were -accused, to wit, of rescuing sacred Mary's image from the hands of the -infidels who did curse and blaspheme it, and, when all were to die for -the act of one unknown, offered herself a ransom for all, and with a -shamefaced courage, such as became a maid, and a bold modesty -befitting a saint--a bosom moved indeed, but not dismayed, a fair but -not pallid cheek--was content to perish for that the rest should -live;--in her, I say, I saw a likeness in spirit to those who suffer -nowadays for a like faith with hers, not at the hands of infidels, but -of such whose parents did for the most part hold that same belief -which they do now make out to be treason. - -Hubert, observing me to be thus moved, smiled, and asked if, in the -like case, I should have willed to die as Sophronisba. - -"Yes," I answered, "if God did give me grace;" and then, as I uttered -the words, I thought it should not be lawful to tell a lie, not for to -save all the lives in the world; which doubt I imparted to him, who -laughed and said he was of the poet's mind, who doth exclaim, touching -this lie, "O noble deceit! worthier than truth itself!" and that he -thought a soul should not suffer long in purgatory for such a sin. -"Maybe not," I answered; "yet, I ween, there should be more faith in a -sole commitment to God of the events than in doing the least evil so -that good should come of it." - -He said, "I marvel, Mistress Constance, what should be your thoughts -thereon if the life of a priest was in your hands, and you able to -save him by a lie." - -"Verily," I answered, "I know not, Master Rookwood; but I have so much -trust in Almighty God that he would, in such a case, put words into my -mouth which should be true, and yet mislead evil-purposed men, or that -he shall keep me from such fearful straits, or forgive me if, in the -stress of a great peril, I unwittingly should err." - -"And I pray you," Hubert then said, as if not greatly caring to pursue -the theme, "what be your thought concerning the unhappy youth Olindo, -who did so dote on this maiden that, fearful of offending there where -above all he desired to please, had, greatly as he loved, little -hoped, nothing asked, and not so much as revealed his passion until a -common fate bound both to an equal death?" - -"I thought not at all on him," I answered; "but only on Sophronisba." - -At which he sighed and read further: "That all wept for her who, -albeit doomed to a cruel death, wept not for herself, but in this wise -secretly reproved the fond youth's weeping: 'Friend,' quoth she, -'other thoughts, other tears, other sighs, do beseem this hour. Think -of thy sins, and God's great recompense for the good. Suffer for his -sole sake, and torment shall be sweet. See how fair the heavens do -show, the sun how bright, as it were to cheer and lure us onward!'" - -"Ah!" I exclaimed, "shame on him who did need to be so exhorted, who -should have been the most valiant, being a man!" To the which he -quickly replied: - -"He willed to die of his own free will rather than to live without her -whom he jewelled more than life: but in the matter of grieving love -doth make cowards of those who should else have been brave." - -"Me thinks, rather," I answered, "that in noble hearts love's effects -should be noble." - -"Bethink you, Mistress Constance," he then asked, "that Sophronisba -did act commendably, insomuch that when an unlooked-for deliverance -came, she refused not to be united in life to him that had willed to -be united to her in death." - -"You may think me ungrateful, sir," answered; "but other merits -methinks than fondness for herself should have won so great a heart." - -"You be hard to content, Mistress Constance," he answered somewhat -resentfully. "To satisfy you, I perceive one should have a hard as -well as a great heart." - -"Nay," I cried, "I praise not hardness, but love not softness either. -You that be so learned, I pray you find the word which doth express -what pleaseth me in a man." - -"I know not the word," he answered; "I would I knew the substance of -your liking, that I might furnish myself with it." - -Whereupon our discourse ended that day; but it ministered food to my -thoughts, and I fear me also to a vain content that one so gifted with -learning and great promise of future greatness should evince something -of regard beyond a mutual friendship for one as ignorant and young as -I then was. - -Some months after Kate's marriage, matters became very troublesome, by -reason of the killing of a great store, as was reported, of French -Huguenots in Paris on St. Bartholomew's day, and afterward in many -cities of France, which did consternate the English Catholics for more -reasons than one, and awoke so much rage in the breasts of -Protestants, that the French ambassador told Lady Tregony, a friend, -of Mistress Wells, that he did scarce venture to show his face; and -none, save only the queen herself, who is always his very good friend, -would speak to him. I was one evening at the house of Lady Ingoldby, -Polly's mother-in-law, some time after this dismal news had been -bruited, and the company there assembled did for the most part -discourse on these events, not only as deploring what had taken place, -and condemning the authors thereof,--which, indeed, was what all good -persons must needs have done,--but took occasion thence to use such -vile terms and opprobrious language touching Catholic religion, and -the cruelty and wickedness of such as did profess it, without so much -as a thought of the miseries inflicted on them in England, that--albeit -I had been schooled in the hard lesson of silence--so strong a passion -overcame me then, that I had well nigh, as the Psalmist saith, spoken -with my tongue, yea, young as I was, uttered words rising hot from my -heart, in the midst of that adverse company, which I did know, them to -be, if one had not at that moment lifted up his voice, whose -presence I had already noted, though not acquainted with his name; a -man of reverent and exceedingly benevolent aspect; aged, but with an -eye so bright, and silvery hair crowning a noble forehead, that so -much excellence and dignity is seldom to be observed in any one as was -apparent in this gentleman. - -"Good friends," he said, and at the sound of his voice the speakers -hushed their eager discoursing, "God defend I should in any way differ -with you touching the massacres in France; for verily it has been a -lamentable and horrible thing that so many persons should be killed, -and religion to be the pretence for it; but to hear some speak of it, -one should think none did suffer in this country for their faith, and -bloody laws did not exist, whereby Papists are put to death in a -legal, cold-blooded fashion, more terrible, if possible, than the -sudden bursts of wild passions and civil strife, which revenge for -late cruelties committed by the Huguenots, wherein many thousand -Catholics had perished, the destruction of churches, havoc of fierce -soldiery, and apprehension of the like attempts in Paris, had stirred -up to fury; so that when the word went forth to fall on the leaders of -the party, the savage work once begun, even as a fire in a city built -of wood, raged as a madness for one while, and men in a panic struck -at foes, whose gripe they did think to feel about their throats." - -Here the speaker paused an instant. This so bold opening of his speech -did seem to take all present by surprise, and almost robbed me of my -breath; for it is well known that nowadays a word, yea a piece of a -word, or a nod of the head, whereby any suspicion may arise of a -favorable disposition toward Catholics, is often-times a sufficient -cause for a man to be accused and cast into prison; and I waited his -next words (which every one, peradventure from curiosity, did likewise -seem inclined to hear) with downcast eyes, which dared not to glance -at any one's face, and cheeks which burned like hot coals. - -"It is well known," quoth he, "that the sufferings which be endured by -recusants at this time in our country are such, that many should -prefer to die at once than to be subjected to so constant a fear and -terror as doth beset them. I speak not now of the truth or the falsity -of their religion, which, if it be ever so damnable and wicked, is no -new invention of their own, but what all Christian people did agree -in, one hundred years ago; so that the aged do but abide by what they -were taught by undoubted authority in their youth, and the young have -received from their parents as true. But I do solely aver that Papists -are subjected to a thousand vexations, both of bonds, imprisonments, -and torments worse than death, yea and oftentimes to death itself; and -that so dreadful, that to be slain by the sword, or drowned, yea even -burned at the stake, is not so terrible; for they do hang a man and -then cut him down yet alive, and butcher him in such ways--plucking out -his heart and tearing his limbs asunder--that nothing more horrible can -be thought of." - -"They be traitors who are so used," cried one gentleman, somewhat -recovering from the surprise which these bold words had caused. - -"If to be of a different religion from the sovereign of the country be -a proof of treason," continued the venerable speaker, "then were the -Huguenots, which have perished in France, a whole mass and nest of -traitors." - -A gentleman seated behind me, who had a trick of sleeping in his -chair, woke up and cried out, "Not half a one, sirs; not so much as -half a one is allowed," meaning the mass, which he did suppose to have -been spoken of. - -"And if so, deserved all to die,' continued the speaker. - -"Ay, and so they do, sir," quoth the sleeper. "I pray you let them all -be hanged." Upon which every one laughed, and the aged gentleman -also; and then he said, - -"Good my friends, I ween 'tis a rash thing to speak in favor of -recusants nowadays, and what few could dare to do but such as cannot -be suspected of disloyalty to the queen and the country, and who, -having drunk of the cup of affliction in their youth, even to the -dregs, and held life for a long time as a burden which hath need to be -borne day by day, until the wished for hour of release doth come--and -the sooner, the more welcome--have no enemies to fear, and no object -to attain. And if so be that you will bear with me for a few moments, -yea, if ye procure me to be hanged to-morrow" (this he said with a -pleasant smile; and, "Marry, fear not, Mr. Roper," and "I' faith, -speak on, sir," was bruited round him by his astonished auditors), "I -will recite to you some small part of the miseries which have been -endured of late years by such as cannot be charged with the least -thought of treason, or so much as the least offence against the laws, -except in what touches the secret practice of their religion. Women -have, to my certain knowledge, been hung up by the hands in prisons -(which do overflow with recusants, so that at this time there -remaineth no room for common malefactors), and cruelly scourged, for -that they would not confess by which priest they had been reconciled -or absolved, or where they had heard mass. Priests are often tortured -to force them to declare what they hear in confession, who harbor -priests and Papists, where such and such recusants are to be found, -and the like questions; and in so strenuous a manner, that needles -have been thrust under their nails, and one man, not long since, died -of his racking. O sirs and gentle ladies, I have seen with mine own -eyes a youth, the son of one of my friends--young Mark Typper, born of -honest and rich parents, skilful in human learning, having left his -study for a time, and going home to see his friends--whipped through -the streets of London, and burnt in the ear, because, forsooth, a -forward judge, to whom he had been accused as a Papist, and finding no -proof thereof, condemned him as a vagabond. And what think you, good -people, of the death of Sir Robert Tyrwit's son, who was accused for -hearing of a mass at the marriage of his sister, and albeit at the -time of his arrest in a grievous fever, was pulled out of the house -and thrust into prison, even as he then was, feeble, faint, and -grievously sick? His afflicted parents entreat, make intercession, and -use all the means they can to move the justices to have consideration -of the sick; not to heap sorrow upon sorrow, nor affliction on the -afflicted; not to take away the life of so comely a young gentleman, -whom the physicians come and affirm will certainly die if he should be -removed. All this is nothing regarded. They lay hold on the sick man, -pull him away, shut him up in prison, and within two days next after -he dies. They bury him, and make no scruple or regard at all. O sirs, -bethink you what these parents do feel when they hear Englishmen speak -of the murders of Protestants in France as an unheard of crime. If, in -these days, one in a family of recusants doth covet the inheritance of -an elder brother--yea, of a father--he hath but to conform to the now -established religion (I leave you to think with how much of piety and -conscience), and denounce his parent as a Papist, and straightway he -doth procure him to be despoiled, and his lands given up to him. Thus -the seeds of strife and bitter enmity have been sown broadcast through -the land, the bands of love in families destroyed, the foundations of -honor and beneficence blown up, the veins and sinews of the common -society of men cut asunder, and a fiendly force of violence and a -deadly poison of suspicion used against such as are accused of no -other crime than their religion, which they yet adhere to; albeit -their fortunes be ruined by fines and their lives in constant -jeopardy from strenuous laws made yet more urgent by private malice. -My friends, I would that not one hair of the head of so much as one -Huguenot had been touched in France; that not one Protestant had -perished in the flames in the late queen's reign, or in that of her -present majesty; and also that the persecution now framed in this -country against Papists, and so handled as to blind men's eyes and -work in them a strange hypocrisy, yea and in some an innocent belief -that freedom of men's souls be the offspring of Protestant religion, -should pass away from this land. I care not how soon (as mine honored -father-in-law, and in God too, I verily might add, was wont to say),--I -care not how soon I be sewn up in a bag and cast into the Thames, if -so be I might first see religious differences at an end, and men of -one mind touching God's truth." - -Here this noble and courageous speaker ceased, and various murmurs -rose among the company. One lady remarked to her neighbor: "A -marvellous preacher that of seditious doctrines, methinks." - -And one gentleman said that if such talk were suffered to pass -unpunished in her majesty's subjects, he should look to see massing -and Popery to rear again their heads in the land. - -And many loudly affirmed none could be Papists, or wish them well, and -be friends to the queen's government, and so it did stand to reason -that Papists were traitors. - -And another said that, for his part, he should desire to see them less -mercifully dealt with; and that the great clemency shown to such as -did refuse to come to church, by only laying fines on them, and not -dealing so roundly as should compel them to obedience, did but -maintain them in their obstinacy; and he himself would as lief shoot -down a seminary priest as a wolf, or any other evil beast. - -I noticed this last speaker to be one of those who had spoken with -most abhorrence of the massacres in France. - -One lady called out in a loud voice that Papists, and such as take -their part, among which she did lament to see Mr. Roper, should be -ashamed so much as to speak of persecution; and began to relate the -cruelties practised upon Protestants twenty years back, and the -burning at Oxford of those excellent godly men, the bishops of London -and Worcester. - -Mr. Roper listened to her with an attentive countenance, and then -said: - -"I' faith, madam, I cannot choose but think Dr. Latimer, if it be he -you speak of, did somewhat approve of such a method of dealing with -persons obstinate touching religion, when others than himself and -those of his own way of thinking were the subjects of it, if we judge -by a letter he wrote in 1538 to his singular good friend the Lord -Privy Seal Cromwell, at the time he was appointed to preach at the -burning at Smithfield of Friar Forest of Greenwich, a learned divine I -often did converse with in my young years." - -"What wrote the good bishop?" two or three persons asked; and the lady -who had spoken before said she should warrant it to be something -pious, for a more virtuous Protestant never did live than this holy -martyr. - -Whereupon Mr. Roper: "This holy bishop did open his discourse right -merrily, for in a pleasant manner he thus begins his letter: 'And, -sir, if it be your pleasure, as it is, that I shall play the fool in -my customable manner when Forest shall suffer, I would wish my stage -stood near unto Forest; for I would endeavor myself so to content the -people that therewith I might also convert Forest, God so helping.' -And further on he doth greatly lament that the White Friars of -Doncaster had access to the prisoner, and through the fault of the -sheriff or jailers, or both, he should be allowed to hear mass and -receive the sacrament, by which he is rather comforted in his way than -discouraged. And _such is his foolishness_, this good doth -humbly say, that if Forest would abjure his religion, he should yet -(for all his past obstinacy) wish him pardoned. O sirs, think you that -when at Oxford this aged man, seventeen years after, did see the -flames gather round himself, that he did not call to mind what time he -preached, playing the fool, as he saith, before a man in like agonies, -and never urged so much as one word against his sentence?" - -"Marry, if he did not," said one, whom I take to have been Sir -Christopher Wray, who had been a silent listener until then, "if his -conscience pricked him not thereon, it must needs have been by the -same rule as the lawyer used to the countryman, who did put to him -this question: 'Sir, if my cow should stray into your field and feed -there one whole day, what should be the law touching compensation -therefor?' 'Marry, friend, assuredly to pay the damage to the full, -which thou art bounden at once to do.' 'Ay,' quoth the countryman; -'but 'tis your cow hath strayed into my field.' Upon which, 'Go to, go -to,' cries the lawyer; 'for I warrant thee that doth altogether alter -the law.'" - -Some smiled, and others murmured at this story; and meanwhile one of -the company, who from his dress I perceived to be a minister, and -moreover to hold some dignity in the Protestant Church, rose from his -place, and crossing the room, came up to Mr. Roper (for that bold -speaker was no other than Sir Thomas More's son-in--law, whose great -charity and goodness I had often heard of), and, shaking hands with -him, said: "I be of the same mind with you, friend Roper, in every -word you have uttered tonight. And I pray to God my soul may be with -yours after this life, and our end in heaven, albeit I should not sail -there in the same boat with thou." - -"Good Mr. Dean," quoth Mr. Roper, "I do say amen to your prayer." and -then he added somewhat in a low voice, and methinks it was that there -is but one ship chartered for safety in such a voyage. - -At the which the other shook his head and waved his hand, and then -calling to him a youth not more than twelve or thirteen years old, his -son, he did present him to Mr. Roper. I had observed this young -gentleman to listen, with an eagerness betokening more keenness for -information than is usually to be found in youths of his years, to the -discourses held that evening. His father told Mr. Roper that this his -son's parts and quick apprehension in learning did lead him to hope he -should be one day, if it pleased God, an ornament to the church. Mr. -Roper smiled as he saluted the youth, and said a few words to him, -which he answered very readily. I never saw again that father or that -son. The one was Dr. Mathews, whom the queen made Bishop of Durham; -and the other, Toby Mathews, his son, who was reconciled some years -ago, and, as I have heard from some, is now a Jesuit. - -The venerable aspect of the good Mr. Roper so engaged my thoughts, -that I asked Lady Tregony, by whose side I was sitting, if she was -acquainted with him, and if his virtue was as great as his appearance -was noble. She smiled, and answered that his appearance, albeit -honorable and comely, was not one half so honorable as his life had -been, or so comely as his mind. That he had been the husband of Sir -Thomas More's never-to-be-forgotten daughter, Margaret, whose memory -he so reverently did cherish that he had never so much as thought of a -second marriage; and of late years, since he had resigned the office -of sub-notary in the Queen's Bench to his son, he did give his whole -substance and his time to the service of the poor, and especially to -prisoners, by reason of which he was called the staff of the -sorrowful, and sure refuge of the afflicted. Now, then, I looked on -the face of this good aged man with a deeper reverence than -heretofore. Now I longed to be favored with so much of his -notice as one passing word. Now I watched for an opportunity to -compass my desire, and I thank God not without effect; for I do count -it as a chief blessing to have been honored, during the remaining -years of this virtuous gentleman's life, with so much of his -condescending goodness, that if the word friendship may be used in -regard to such affectionate feelings as can exist between one verging -on four-score years of age and of such exalted merit, and a foolish -creature yet in her teens, whom he honored with his notice, it should -be so in this instance; wherein on the one side a singular reverence -and humble great affection did arise almost on first acquaintance, and -on the other so much benignity and goodness shown in the pains taken -to cultivate such good dispositions as had been implanted in this -young person's heart by careful parents, and to guard her mind against -the evils of the times, that nothing could be greater. - -Mr. Roper chancing to come near us, Lady Tregony said somewhat, which -caused him to address me in this wise: - -"And are there, then, maidens in these days not averse to the sight of -gray hairs, and who mislike not to converse with aged men?" - -This was said with so kindly a smile that timidity vanished, and -confidence took its place. - -"Oh, sir," I cried, "when I was not so much as five years old, my good -father showed me a picture of Sir Thomas More, and told me he was a -man of such angelic wit as England never had the like before, nor is -ever like to have again, and of a most famous and holy memory; and -methinks, sir, that you, being his son-in-law, who knew his doings and -his mind so well, and lived so long in his house, must needs in many -things resemble him." - -"As to his doings and his mind," Mr. Roper replied, "no man living -knoweth them so well, and if my mean wit, memory, and knowledge could -serve me now, could declare so much thereof. But touching resemblance, -alas! there was but one in all the world that represented the likeness -of his virtues and perfections; one whom he loved in a particular -manner, and who was worthiest of that love more than any creature God -has made." - -Here the good man's voice faltered a little, and he made a stop in his -discourse; but in a little while said that he had thought it behoved -him to set down in writing such matters concerning Sir Thomas's life -as he could then call to remembrance, and that he would lend me the -manuscript to read, which I did esteem an exceeding great favor, and -one I could not sufficiently thank him for. Then he spoke somewhat of -the times, which were waxing every day more troublesome, and told me -he often called to mind a conversation he once had with Sir Thomas, -walking along the side of the Thames at Chelsea, which he related in -these words: - -"'Now would to God, my son Roper,' quoth Sir Thomas, 'I were put in a -sack, and presently cast into the Thames, upon condition that three -things were well established throughout Christendom.' 'And what mighty -things are those, sir?' I asked. Whereupon he: 'Wouldst thou know, son -Roper, what they be?' 'Yea, marry, sir, with a good will, if it please -you,' quoth I. 'I' faith, son, they be these,' he said: 'The first is -that, whereas the most part of Christian princes are at mortal wars, -they were all at peace; the second that, whereas the church of Christ -is at present sorely afflicted with so many heresies, it were settled -in perfect uniformity of religion; the third that, where the matter of -the king's marriage is now come in question, it were, to the glory of -God and the quietness of all parties, brought to a good conclusion.' -'Ay, sir,' quoth I, 'those were indeed three things greatly to be -desired; but'--I continued with a certain joy--'where shall one see a -happier state than in this realm, that has so Catholic a prince that -no heretic durst show his face; so virtuous and learned a -clergy; so grave and sound a nobility; and so loving, obedient -subjects, all in one faith agreeing together?' 'Truth it is indeed, -son Roper,' quoth he; and in all degrees and estates of the same went -far beyond me in commendation thereof. 'And yet, son Roper, I pray -God,' said he, 'that some of us, as high as we seem to sit on the -mountains, treading heretics under our feet like ants, live not the -day that we would gladly be at league and composition with them, to -let them have their churches quietly to themselves, so that they would -be contented to let us have ours quietly to ourselves.' After I had -told him many considerations why he had no cause to say so: 'Well,' -said he, 'I pray God, son Roper, some of us will live not to see that -day.' To whom I replied: 'By my troth, sir, it is very desperately -spoken.' These vile terms, I cry God mercy, did I give him, who, -perceiving me to be in a passion, said merrily unto me, 'It shall not -be so; it shall not be so.' In sixteen years and more, being in the -house conversing with him, I could not perceive him to be so much as -once out of temper." - -This was the first of many conversations I held, during the years I -lived in Holborn, with this worthy gentleman, who was not more pleased -to relate, than I to hear, sundry anecdotes concerning Sir Thomas -More, his house, and his family. - -Before he left me that day, I did make bold to ask him if he feared -not ill consequences from the courageous words he had used in a mixed, -yea rather, with few exceptions, wholly adverse, company. - -"Not much," he answered. "Mine age; the knowledge that there are those -who would not willingly see me roughly handled, and have power to -prevent it; and withal no great concern, if it should be so, to have -my liberty constrained, yea, my life shortened by a few years, or -rather days,--doth move me to a greater freedom of speech than may -generally be used, and a notable indifference to the results of such -freedom." - -Having whispered the like fears I had expressed to him to Lady -Tregony, she did assure me his confidence was well based, and that he -had connexions which would by no means suffer him to be thrown into -prison, which should be the fate of any one else in that room who had -spoken but one half, yea one tenth part, as boldly as he had ventured -on. - - -CHAPTER XII. - -It was some time before I could restore myself to my countenance, -after so much moving discourse, so as to join with spirit in the -sports and the dancing which did ensue among the young people that -evening. But sober thoughts and painful themes after a while gave -place to merriment; and the sound of music, gay tattle, and cheerful -steps lured me to such enjoyment as youth is wont to take in these -kinds of pastimes. It was too much my wont to pursue with eagerness -the present humor, and drink deeply of innocent pleasure wherein no -harm should exist if enjoyed with moderation. But like in a horse on -whose neck the bridle is cast, what began in a gentle ambling ends in -wild gallopping; so lawful merriment, if unrestrained, often ends in -what is unbeseeming, and in some sort blameable. So this time, when -dancing tired, a ring was formed for conversation, and the choice of -the night's pastime yielded to my discretion; alack, rather to my -imprudence and folly, methinks I might style it. I chose that -arguments should be held by two persons of the company, turn by turn, -and that a judge should be named to allot a reward to the worthiest, -and a penance to the worst. This liked them all exceedingly, and by -one consent they appointed me to be judge, and to summon such as -should dispute. There were there two young gentlemen which -haunted our house, and Lady Ingoldby's also. One was Martin Tregony, -Lady Tregony's nephew, an ill-favored young man, with manners worse -than his face, and so apish and foppish in his dress and behavior, -that no young woman could abide him, much less would receive his -addresses, or if she did entertain him in conversation, it was to make -sport of his so great conceit. He had an ill-natured kind of wit, more -sharp than keen, more biting than sarcastic. He studied the art of -giving pain, and oftentimes did cause shamefaced merit to blush. The -other was Mr. Thomas Sherwood, who, albeit not very near in blood to -my father, was, howsoever, of the same family as ourselves. He had -been to the English College in Douay, and had brought me tidings a -short time back of my father and Edmund Genings' safe arrival thither, -and afterward came often to see us, and much frequented Lady Tregony's -house. He had exceedingly good parts, but was somewhat diffident and -bashful. Martin Tregony was wont to make him a mark, as it were, of -his ill-natured wit, and did fancy himself to be greatly his superior -in sharpness, partly because Mr. Sherwood's disposition was retiring, -and partly that he had too much goodness and sense to bandy words with -so ill-mannered a young man. I pray you who read this, could aught be -more indiscreet than, in a thoughtless manner, to have summoned these -two to dispute? which nevertheless I did, thinking some sport should -arise out of it, to see Master Martin foisted in argument by one he -despised, and also from his extravagant gestures and affected -countenances. So I said: - -"Master Tregony, your task shall be to dispute with Master Sherwood; -and this the theme of your argument, 'The Art of Tormenting.' He who -shall describe the nicest instances of such skill, when exercised by a -master toward his servant, a parent to his child, a husband to his -wife, a wife to her husband, a lover to his mistress, or a friend to -his friend, shall be proclaimed victorious; and his adversary submit -to such penance as the court shall inflict." - -Master Sherwood shook his head for to decline to enter these lists; -but all the young gentlemen and ladies cried, he should not be -suffered to show contempt of the court, and forced him to stand up. - -Master Martin was nothing loth, and in his ill-favored countenance -there appeared a made smile, which did indicate an assurance of -victory; so he began: - -"The more wit a man hath, the better able he shall be at times to -torment another; so I do premise, and at the outset of this argument -declare, that to blame a man for the exercise of a talent he doth -possess is downright impiety, and that to wound another by the -pungency of home-thrusts in conversation is as just a liberty in an -ingenious man, as the use of his sword in a battle is to a soldier." - -Mr. Sherwood upon this replied, that he did allow a public -disputation, appointed by meet judges, to come under the name of a -fair battle; but even in a battle (he said) generous combatants aim -not so much at wounding their adversaries, as to the disarming of -them; and that he who in private conversation doth make a weapon of -his tongue is like unto the man who provokes another to a single -combat, which for Christians is not lawful, and pierces him easily who -has less skill in wielding the sword than himself. - -"Marry, sir," quoth Master Martin, "if you do bring piety into your -discourse, methinks the rules of just debate be not observed; for it -is an unfair thing for to overrule a man with arguments he doth not -dare to reply to under pain of spiritual censures." - -"I cry you mercy, Master Martin," quoth the other; "you did bring in -_im_piety, and so methought piety should not be excluded." At the which -we all applauded, and Martin began to perceive his adversary to be -less contemptible than he had supposed. - -"Now to the point," I cried; "for exordiums be tedious. I pray you, -gentlemen, begin, and point out some notable fashion wherewith a -master might torment his servant." - -Upon which quoth Martin: "If a man hath a sick servant, and doth note -his fancy to be set on some indulgence not of strict necessity, and -should therefore deny it to him, methinks that should be a rare -opportunity to exercise his talent." - -"Nay," cried Master Sherwood, "a nicer one, and ever at hand -afterward, should be to show kindness once to a dependent when sick, -and to use him ten times the worse for it when he is well, upbraiding -him for such past favors, as if one should say: 'Alack, be as kind as -you will, see what return you do meet with!'" - -This last piece of ingenuity was allowed by the court to surpass the -first. "Now," I cried, "what should be the greatest torment a parent -could inflict on a child?" - -Martin answered: "If it should be fond of public diversion, to confine -it in-doors. If retirement suits its temper, to compel it abroad. If -it should delight in the theatre, to take it to see a good play, and -at the moment when the plot shall wax most moving, to say it must be -tired, and procure to send it home. Or, in more weighty matters,--a -daughter's marriage, for instance,--to detect if the wench hath set her -heart on one lover, and if so, to keep from her the knowledge of this -gentleman's addresses; and when she hath accepted another, to let her -know the first had sued for her hand, and been dismissed." - -Here all the young gentlewomen did exclaim that Master Sherwood could -by no means think of a more skilful torment than this should prove. He -thought for an instant, and then said: - -"It should be a finer and more delicate torment to stir up in a young -gentlewoman's mind suspicions of one she loved, and so work on her -natural passions of jealousy and pride, that she should herself, in a -hasty mood, discard her lover; and ever after, when the act was not -recallable, remind her she herself had wrought her own unhappiness, -and wounded one she loved." - -"Yea, that should be worse than the first torment," all but one young -lady cried out; who, for her part, could better endure, she said, to -have injured herself than to be deceived, as in the first case. - -"Then do come husbands," quoth Mr. Martin; "and I vow," he cried, "I -know not how to credit there be such vile wretches in the world as -should wish to torment their wives; but if such there be, methinks the -surest method they may practise is, to loving wives to show -indifferency; to such as be jealous, secrecy; to such as be pious, -profaneness; and the like in all the points whereon their affections -are set." - -"Alack!" cried Mistress Frances Bellamy, "what a study the man hath -made of this fine art! Gentlewomen should needs beware of such a one -for a husband. What doth Master Sherwood say?" - -Whereupon he: "Methinks the greatest torment a husband might inflict -on a worthy wife should be to dishonor her love by his baseness; or if -he had injured her, to doubt her proneness to forgive." - -"And wives," quoth Mistress Southwell,--"what of their skill therein, -gentlemen?" - -"It be such," cried Martin, "as should exceed men's ability thereof to -speak. The greatest instance of talent of this sort I have witnessed -is in a young married lady, whose husband is very willing to stay in -his house or go abroad, or reside in town, or at his seat in the -country, as should most please her, so she would let him know her -wishes. But she is so artful in concealing them, that the poor man can -never learn so much as should cause him to guess what they may be; but -with a meek voice she doth reply to his asking, 'An it please you, -sir, let it be as you choose, for you very well know I never do -oppose your will.' Then if he resolve to leave town, she maketh not -much ado till they have rode twenty or thirty miles out of London. -Then she doth begin to sigh and weep, for that she should be a most -ill-used creature, and her heart almost broken for to leave her -friends, and be shut up for six months in a swamp, for such she doth -term his estate; and if she should not have left London that same day, -she should have been at the Lord Mayor's banquet, and seen the French -princes, which, above all things, she had desired. But some husbands -be so hard-hearted, if they can hunt and hawk, 'tis little count they -make of their wives' pleasures. Then when she hath almost provoked the -good man to swear, she hangeth down her head and saith, 'Content you, -sir--content you; 'tis your good fortune to have an obedient wife.' -And so mopes all the time of the journey." - -Whilst Martin was speaking, I noted a young gentlewoman who did deeply -blush whilst he spoke, and tears came into her eyes. I heard afterward -she had been lately married, and that he counterfeited her voice in so -precise a manner, so that all such as knew her must needs believe her -to be the wife he spoke of; and that there was so much of truth in the -picture he had drawn, as to make it seem a likeness, albeit most -unjust toward one who, though apt to boast of her obedience, and to -utter sundry trifling complaints, was a fond wife and toward lady to -her dear husband; and that this malice in Mr. Tregony, over and above -his wonted spite, was due to her rejection of his hand some short time -before her marriage. Master Sherwood, seeing the ungracious -gentleman's ill-nature and the lady's confusion, stood up the more -speedily to reply, and so cut him short. "I will relate," he said, "a -yet more ingenious practice of tormenting, which should seem the -highest proof of skill in a wife, albeit also practised by husbands, -only not so aptly, or peradventure so often. And this is when one hath -offered to another a notable insult or affront, so to turn the tables, -even as a conjuror the cards he doth handle, that straightway the -offended party shall seem to be the offender, and be obliged to sue -forgiveness for that wherein he himself is hurt. I pray you, gentlemen -and ladies, can anything more ingenious than this practice be thought -on?" - -All did admit it to be a rare example of ability in tormenting; but -some objected it was not solely exercised by wives and husbands, but -that friends, lovers, and all sorts of persons might use it. Then one -gentleman called for some special instance of the art in lovers. But -another said it was a natural instinct, and not an art, in such to -torment one another, and likewise their own selves, and proposed the -behavior of friends in that respect as a more new and admirable theme. - -"Ah," quoth Master Martin, with an affected wave of his hand, "first -show me an instance of a true friendship betwixt ladies, or a sincere -affection betwixt gentlemen; and then it will be time for to describe -the arts whereby they do plague and torment each other." - -Mr. Sherwood answered, "A French gentleman said, a short time since, -that it should be a piece of commendable prudence to live with your -friend as looking that he should one day be your enemy. Now we be -warranted, by Master Tregony's speech, to conclude his friendships to -be enmities in fair disguise; and the practices wherewith friends -torment each other no doubt should apply to this case also; and so his -exceptions need in no wise alter the theme of our argument. I pray -you, sir, begin, and name some notable instance in which, without any -apparent breach of friendship, the appearance of which is in both -instances supposed, one may best wound his friend, or, as Mr. Tregony -hath it, the disguised object of his hatred." - -I noticed that Master Martin glanced maliciously at his -adversary, and then answered, "The highest exercise of such ability -should be, methinks, to get possession of a secret which your friend, -_or disguised enemy_, has been at great pains to conceal, and to let -him know, by such means as shall hold him in perpetual fear, but never -in full assurance of the same, that you have it in your power to -accuse him at any time of that which should procure him to be thrown -into prison, or maybe hanged on a gibbet." - -A paleness spread over Master Sherwood's face, not caused, I ween, by -fear so much as by anger at the meanness of one who, from envy and -spite, even in the freedom of social hours, should hint at secrets so -weighty as would touch the liberty, yea, the life, of one he called -his friend; and standing up, he answered, whilst I, now too late -discerning mine own folly in the proposing of a dangerous pastime, -trembled in every limb. - -"I know," quoth he,--"I know a yet more ingenious instance of the -skill of a malicious heart. To hang a sword over a friend's head, and -cause him to apprehend its fall, must needs be a well-practised -device; but if it be done in so skilful a manner that the weapon shall -threaten not himself alone, but make him, as it were, the instrument -of ruin to others dearer to him than his own life,--if, by the -appearance of friendship, the reality of which such a heart knoweth -not, he hath been to such confidence as shall be the means of sorrow -to those who have befriended him in another manner than this false -friend, this true foe,--the triumph is then complete. Malice and hatred -can devise naught beyond it." - -Martin's eyes glared so fearfully, and his voice sounded so hoarse, as -he hesitated in answering, that, in a sort of desperation, I stood up, -and cried, "Long enough have these two gentlemen had the talk to -themselves. Verily, methinks there be no conqueror, but a drawn game -in this instance." - -But a murmur rose among the company that Master Sherwood was -victorious, and Master Tregony should do penance. - -"What shall it be?" was asked; and all with one voice did opine Master -Sherwood should name it, for he was as much beloved as Master Tregony -was misliked. He (Sherwood), albeit somewhat inwardly moved, I ween, -had restrained his indignation, and cried out merrily, "Marry, so will -I! Look me in the face, Martin, and give me thy hand. This shall be -thy penance." - -The other did so; but a fiendly look of resentment was in his eyes; -and methinks Thomas Sherwood must needs have remembered the grasp of -his hand to forgive it, I doubt not, even at the foot of the scaffold. - -From that day Martin Tregony conceived an implacable hatred for Master -Sherwood, whom he had feigned a great friendship for on his first -arrival in London, because he hoped, by his means and influence with -his aunt, to procure her to pay his debts. But after he had thrown off -the mask, he only waited for an opportunity to denounce him, being -privy to his having brought a priest to Lady Tregony's house, who had -also said mass in her chapel. So one day meeting him in the streets, -he cried out, "Stop the traitor! stop the traitor!" and so causing him -to be apprehended, had him before the next justice of the peace; -where, when they were come, he could allege nothing against him, but -that he suspected him to be a Papist. Upon which he was examined -concerning his religion, and, refusing to admit the queen's -church-headship, he was cast into a dungeon in the Tower. His lodgings -were plundered, and £25, which he had amassed, as I knew, who had -assisted him to procure it, for the use of his aged and sick father, -who had been lately cast into prison in Lancaster, was carried off -with the rest. He was cruelly racked, we heard, for that he would not -reveal where he had heard mass; and kept in a dark filthy hole, -where he endured very much from hunger, stench, and cold. No one being -allowed to visit him--for the Tower was not like some other prisons -where Mistress Ward and others could sometimes penetrate--or afford -him any comfort, Mr. Roper had, by means of another prisoner, conveyed -to his keeper some money for his use; but the keeper returned it the -next day, because the lieutenant of the Tower would not suffer him to -have the benefit of it. All he could be prevailed upon to do was to -lay out one poor sixpence for a little fresh straw for him to lie on. -About six months after, he was brought to trial, and condemned to die, -for denying the queen's supremacy, and was executed at Tyburn, -according to sentence, being cut down whilst he was yet alive, -dismembered, bowelled, and quartered. - -Poor Lady Tregony's heart did almost break at this his end and her -kinsman's part in it; and during those six months--for she would not -leave London whilst Thomas Sherwood was yet alive--I did constantly -visit her, almost every day, and betwixt us there did exist a sort of -fellowship in our sorrow for this worthy young man's sufferings; for -that she did reproach herself for lack of prudence in not sufficient -distrust of her own nephew, whom now she refused to see, at least, she -said, until he had repented of his sin, which he, glorying in, had -told her, the only time they had met, he should serve her in the same -manner, and if he could ever find out she heard mass, should get her a -lodging in the Tower, and for himself her estate in Norfolk, whither -she was then purposing to retire, and did do so after Master -Sherwood's execution. For mine own part, as once before my father's -apprehended danger had diverted my mind from childish folly, so did -the tragical result of an entertainment, wherein I had been carried -away by thoughtless mirth, somewhat sicken me of company and sports. I -went abroad not much the next year; only was often at Mr. Wells's -house, and in Hubert's society, which had become so habitual to me -that I was almost persuaded the pleasure I took therein proceeded from -a mutual inclination, and I could observe with what jealousy he -watched any whom I did seem to speak with or allow of any civility at -their hands. Even Master Sherwood he would jalouse, if he found me -weeping over his fate; and said he was happier in prison, for whom -such tears did flow, than he at liberty, for whom I showed no like -regard. "Oh," I would answer, "he is happy because, Master Rookwood, -his sufferings are for his God and his conscience' sake, and not such -as arise from a poor human love. Envy him his faith, his patience, his -hope, which make him cry out, as I know he doth, 'O my Lord Jesu! I am -not worthy that I should suffer these things for thee;' and not the -compassionate tears of a paltry wench that in some sort was the means -to plunge him in these straits." - -In the spring of the year which did follow, I heard from my father, -who had been ordained at the English College at Rheims, and was on the -watch, he advertised me, for an opportunity to return to England, for -to exercise the sacred ministry amongst his poor Catholic brethren. -But at which port he should land, or whither direct his steps, if he -effected a safe landing, he dared not for to commit to paper. He said -Edmund Genings had fallen into a most dangerous consumption, partly by -the extraordinary pains he took in his studies, and partly in his -spiritual exercises, insomuch that the physicians had almost despaired -of his recovery, and that the president had in consequence resolved to -send him into England, to try change of air. That he had left Rheims -with great regret, and went on his journey, as far as Havre de Grace, -and, after a fortnight's stay in that place, having prayed to God very -heartily for the recovery of his health, so that he might return, and, -without further delay, continue his studies for the priesthood, -he felt himself very much better, almost as well as ever he was in his -life; upon which he returned to his college, and took up again, with -exceeding great fervor, his former manner of life; "and," my father -added, "his common expression, as often as talk is ministered of -England and martyrdom there, is this: _'Vivamus in spe! Vivamus in -spe!_'" - -This letter did throw me into an exceeding great apprehension that my -father might fall into the hands of the queen's officers at any time -he should land, and the first news I should hear of him to be that he -was cast into prison. And as I knew no Catholic priest could dwell in -England with out he did assume a feigned name, and mostly so one of -his station, and at one time well noted as a gentleman and a recusant, -I now never heard of any priest arrested in any part of England but I -feared it should be him. - -Hubert Rookwood was now more than ever at Mr. Lacy's house, and in his -library, for they did both affection the same pursuits, albeit with -very different abilities; and I was used to transcribe for them divers -passages from manuscripts and books, taking greater pleasure, so to -spend time, than to embroider in Kate's room, the compass of whose -thoughts became each day more narrow, and her manner of talk more -tasteless. Hubert seemed not well pleased when I told him my father -had been ordained abroad. I gathered this from a troubled look in his -eyes, and an increasing paleness, which betokened, to my now observant -eyes, emotions which he gave not vent to in words at all, or leastways -in any that should express strong resentment. His silence always -frighted me more than anger in others. He had acquired a great -influence over me, and, albeit I was often ill at ease in his company, -I ill brooked his absence. He was a zealous Catholic, and did adduce -arguments and proofs in behalf of his religion with rare ability. Some -of his writings which I copied at that time had a cogency and -clearness in their reasons and style, which in my poor judgment -betokened a singular sharp understanding and ingenuity of learning; -but in his conversation, and writings also, was lacking the fervency -of spirit, the warmth of devout aims, the indifferency to worldly -regards, which should belong to a truly Christian soul, or else the -nobleness and freedom of speech which some do possess from natural -temper. But his attainments were far superior to those of the young -men I used to see at Mr. Wells's, and such as gave him an -extraordinary reputation amongst the persons I was wont to associate -with, which contributed not a little to the value I did set on his -preference, of which no proofs were wanting, save an open paying of -his addresses to me, which by reason of his young age and mine, and -the poorness of his prospects, being but a younger son of a country -gentleman, was easy of account. He had a great desire for wealth and -for all kind of greatness, and used to speak of learning as a road to -it. - -In the spring of that year, my Lord Surrey left Cambridge, and came to -live at Howard House with his lady. They were then both in their -eighteenth years, and a more comely pair could not be seen. The years -that had passed since she had left London had greatly matured her -beauty. She was taller of stature than the common sort, and very fair -and graceful. The earl was likewise tall, very straight, long-visaged, -but of a pleasant and noble countenance. I could not choose but admire -her perfect carriage, toward her lord, her relatives, and her -servants; the good order she established in her house; the care she -took of her sister's education, who in two years was to be married to -Lord William Howard; and her great charity to the poor, which she then -began to visit herself, and to relieve in all sorts of ways, and was -wont to say the angels of that old house where God had been served by -so many prayers and alms must needs assist her in her care for -those in trouble. My lord appeared exceedingly fond of her then. One -day when I was visiting her ladyship, he asked me if I had read the -life of that sweet holy Queen Elizabeth of Hungary; and as I said I -had not met with it, he gifted me with a copy fairly printed and well -ornamented, which Mr. Martin had left behind him when he went beyond -seas, and said: - -"Mistress Sherwood, see if in this book you find not the likeness of a -lady which you mislike not any more than I do. Beshrew me, but I fear -I may find some day strange guests in mine house if she do copy the -pattern herein set down; and so I will e'en send the book out of the -house, for my lady is too good for me already, and I be no fitting -husband for a saint, which a very little more of virtue should make -her." - -And so he laughing, and she prettily checking his wanton speech, and -such sweet loving looks and playful words passing between them as -gladdened my heart to see. - -Some time after, I found one day my Lady Surrey looking somewhat grave -and thoughtful. She greeted me with an affectionate kiss, and said, - -"Ah, sweet Constance, I be glad thou art come; for methinks we shall -soon leave London." - -"So soon?" I answered. - -"Not _too_ soon, dear Constance," she said somewhat sadly. - -I did look wistfully in her sweet face. Methought there was trouble in -it, and doubt if she should further speak or not; for she rested her -head on her hand, and her dark eyes did fix themselves wistfully on -mine, as if asking somewhat of me, but what I knew not. "Constance," -she said at last, "I have no mother, no sister of mine own age, no -brother, no ghostly father, to speak my mind to. Methinks it should -not be wrong to unbosom my cares to thee, who, albeit young, hast a -thoughtful spirit, and, as I have often observed, an aptness to give -good counsel. And then thou art of that way of thinking wherein I was -brought up, and though in outward show we now do differ, I am not -greatly changed therein, as thou well knowest." - -"Alack!" I cried, "too well I do know it, dear lady; and, albeit my -tongue is silent thereon, my heart doth grieve to see you comfortless -of that which is the sole source of true comfort." - -"Tis not that troubles me," she answered, a little impatiently. "Thou -art unreasonable, Constance. My duty to my lord shapes my outward -behavior; but I have weighty cares, nevertheless. Dost thou mind that -passage in the late duke our father's letter to his son and me?--that -we should live in a lower degree, and out of London and from the -court. Methinks a prophetic spirit did move him thus to write. My lord -has a great heart and a generous temper, and loves to spend money in -all sorts of ways, profitable and unprofitable, as I too well observe -since we have been in London. And the queen sent him a store of -messages by my Lord Essex, and others of his friends, that she was -surprised not to see him at court; and that it was her highness's -pleasure he should wait upon her, and she shall show him so much favor -as he deserves, and such like inducements." - -"And hath my lord been to court?" I asked. - -"Yea, he hath been," she answered, sighing deeply. "He hath been -forced to kiss the hand which signed his father's death-warrant. -Constance, it is this which doth so pain me, that her majesty should -think he hath in his heart no resentment of that mishap. She said to -my Lady Berkeley some days since, when she sued for some favor at her -hands, 'No, no, my Lady Berkeley; you love us not, and never will. You -cannot forgive us your brother's death.' Why should her grace think a -son hath less resentment of a father's loss than a sister?" - -Willing to minister comfort to her touching that on which I did, -nevertheless, but too much consent to her thinking, I said, "In my -lord's case, he must have needs appeared to mislike the queen -and her government if he stayed away from court, and his duty to his -sovereign compelleth him to render her so much homage as is due to her -majesty." - -"Yea," cried my lady, "I be of the same mind with thee, that if my -lord do live in London he is in a manner forced to swim with the tide, -and God only knoweth into what a flood of troubles he may thus be led. -But I have prevailed on him to go to Kenninghall, and there to enjoy -that retired life his father passionately wished him to be contented -with. So I do look, if it please God, to happy days when we leave this -great city, where so many and great dangers beset us." - -"Have you been to court likewise, dear lady?" I asked; and she -answered, - -"No; her majesty doth deny me that privilege which the wife of a -nobleman should enjoy without so much as the asking for it. My Lord -Arundel and my Lord Sussex are mad thereon, and swear 'tis the gipsy's -doing, as they do always title Lord Leicester, and a sign of his -hatred to my lord. But I be not of their mind; for methinks he doth -but aid my lord to win the queen's favor by the slights which are put -on his wife, which, if he doth take patiently, must needs secure for -him such favor as my Lord Leicester should wish, if report speaks -truly, none should enjoy but himself." - -"But surely," I cried, "my lord's spirit is too noble to stomach so -mean a treatment of his lady?" - -A burning blush spread over the countess's face, and she answered, - -"Constance, nobility of soul is shaped into action by divers motives -and influences. And, I pray thee, since his father's death and the -loss of his first tutor, who hath my lord had to fashion the aims of -his eager spirit to a worthy ambition, and teach him virtuous -contentment with a meaner rank and lower fortunes than his birth do -entitle him to? He chafes to be degraded, and would fain rise to the -heights his ancestors occupied; and, alas! the ladder which those who -beset him--for that they would climb after him--do ever set before his -eyes is the queen's majesty's favor. 'Tis the breath of their -nostrils, the perpetual theme of their discourse. Mine ears sometimes -ache with the sound of their oft-repeated words." - -Then she broke off her speech for an instant, but soon asked me if to -consult fortune-tellers was not a sin. - -"Yea," I answered, "the Church doth hold it to be unlawful." - -"Ah!" she replied, "I would to God my lord had never resorted to a -person of that sort, which hath filled his mind with an apprehension -which will work us great evil, if I do mistake not." - -"Alas!" I said, "hath my lord been so deluded?" - -"Thou hast heard, I ween," my lady continued, "of one Dr. Dee, whom -the queen doth greatly favor, and often charge him to cast her -horoscope. Some time ago my lord was riding with her majesty and the -most part of her court near unto this learned gentleman's house at -Mortlake, which her highness, taking notice of, she must needs propose -to visit him with all her retinue, in order, she said, to examine his -library and hold conference with him. But learning that his wife had -been buried only four hours, her majesty would not enter, but desired -my Lord Leicester to take her down from her horse at the church-wall -at Mortlake and to fetch the doctor unto her, who did bring out for -her grace's inspection his magic-glass, of which she and all those -with her did see some of the properties. Several of the noblemen -thereunto present were greatly contented and delighted with this -cunning witchery, and did agree to visit again, in a private manner, -this learned man, for to have their nativities calculated; and my -lord, I grieve to say, went with them. And this cheat or wizard, for -methinks one or other of those names must needs belong to him, -predicted to my lord that he should be in great danger to be -overthrown by a woman. And, I ween, good Constance, there was a -craft in this most deep and deceptive, for doth it not tend, whichever -way it be understood, to draw and urge onward my lord to a careful -seeking to avoid this danger by a diligent serving and waiting on her -majesty, if she be the woman like to undo him, or else to move him to -the thought that his marriage--as I doubt not many endeavor to -insinuate into his mind--should be an obstacle to her favor such as -must needs mar his fortunes? Not that my lord hath breathed so much as -one such painful word in my hearing, or abated in his kind behavior; -but there are others who be not slow to hint so much to myself; and, I -pray you, shall they not then deal with him in the same manner, albeit -he is too noble and gentle to let me hear of it? But since that day he -is often thoughtful when we are alone, and his mind ever running on -means to propitiate her majesty, and doth send her many presents, the -value of which should rather mark them as gifts from one royal person -to another than from a subject to his prince. O Constance, I would -Kenninghall were a thousand miles from London, and a wild sea to run -between it and the court, such as could with difficulty be crossed; -but 'tis vain wishing; and I thank God my lord should be willing to -remove there, and so we shall be in quiet." - -"God send it!" I answered; "and that you, my sweet lady, may find -there all manner of contentment." Then I asked her ladyship if she had -tidings of my Lady l'Estrange. - -"Yea," she answered; "excellent good tidings, for that she was a -contented wife to a loving husband. Sir Hammond," she said, "hath a -most imperious temper, and, as I hear, doth not brook the least -contradiction; so that a woman less mild and affectionate than -Milicent should not, I ween, live at peace with him. But her sweet -temper doth move her to such strict condescension to his humors, that -she doth style herself most fortunate in marriage and a singular happy -wife. Dost mind Master Chaucer's tale of the patient Grizzel, which -Phil read to me some years back, soon after our first marriage, for to -give me a lesson on wifely duty, and which I did then write to thee -the story of?" - -"Yea, well," I cried; "and that I was so angered at her patience, -which methought was foolish, yea, wicked in its excess, that it did -throw me into a passion." - -My lady laughed and said, indeed she thought so too; but Milicent, in -her behavior and the style of her letters, did mind her so much of -that singular obedient wife, that she did sometimes call her Grizzel -to her face. "She is now gone to reside with her husband," she said, -"at a seat of his not very far from Lynn. 'Tis a poor and wild -district; and the people, I hear, do resort to her in great numbers -for assistance in the way of medicine and surgery, and for much help -of various sorts. She is greatly contented that her husband doth in -nowise impede her in these charitable duties, but rather the contrary. -She is a creature of such natural good impulses and compassionate -spirit that must needs show kindness to all who do come in her way." - -Then my lady questioned me touching Muriel and Mistress Ward, and Kate -and Polly, who were now both married; and I told her Kate had a fair -son and Polly a little daughter, like to prove as sharp as her mother -if her infant vivacity did not belie her. As to Muriel and her guide -and friend, I told her ladyship that few were like to have speech with -them, save such as were in so destitute a condition that nothing could -exceed it. Now that my two elder cousins had left home, mine uncle's -house was become a sort of refuge for the poor, and an hospital for -distressed Catholics. - -"And thou, Constance," my lady said, "dost thou not think on -marriage?" - -I smiled and answered I did sometimes; but had not yet met with any -one altogether conformable to my liking. - - -"Not Mr. Hubert Rookwood?" she said smiling; "I have been told he -haunts Mrs. Lacy's house, and would fain be admitted as Mistress -Sherwood's suitor." - -"I will not deny," I answered, "but that he doth testify a vast regard -for me, or that he is a gentleman of such great parts and exceedingly -winning speech that a gentlewoman should be flattered to be addressed -by him; but, dear lady," I continued, opening my heart to her, "albeit -I relish greatly his society, mine heart doth not altogether incline -to his suit; and Mr. Congleton hath lately warned me to be less free -in allowing of his attentions than hath hitherto been my wont; for, he -said, his means be so scanty, that it behoveth him not to think of -marriage until his fortunes do improve; and that his father would not -be competent to make such settlements as should be needful in such a -case, or without which he should suffer us to marry. As Hubert had -never opened to me himself thereon in so pointed a fashion as to -demand an answer from me, I was somewhat surprised at mine uncle's -speech; but I found he had often ministered talk of his passion for -me--for so he termed it--to Kate and her husband." - -"And did it work in thee, sweet one, no regrets," my lady asked, "that -the course of this poor gentleman's true love should be marred by his -lack of wealth?" - -"In truth no, dear lady," I replied; "except that I did notice, with -so much of pain as a good heart must needs feel in the sufferings of -another, that he was both sad and wroth at the change in my manner. -And indeed I had always seen--and methinks this was the reason that my -heart inclined not warmly toward his suit--that his affection was of -that sort that doth readily breed anger; and that if he had occasion -to misdoubt a return from me of such-like regard as he professed, his -looks of love sometimes changed into a scowl, or something nearly -resembling one. Yet I had a kindness toward him, yea, more than a -kindness, an attachment, which methinks should have led me to -correspond to his affection so far as to be willing to marry him, if -mine uncle had not forbade me to think on it; but since he hath laid -his commands upon me on that point, methinks I have experienced a -freedom of soul and a greater peace than I had known for some time -past." - -"'Tis well then as it is," my lady said; and after some further -discourse we parted that day. - -It had been with me even as I had said to her. My mind had been more -at ease since the contending would and would not, the desire to please -Hubert and the fear to be false in so doing, had been stayed,--and -mostly since he had urged me to entertain him as a friend, albeit -defended to receive him as a lover. And that peace lasted until a -day--ay, a day which began like other days with no perceptible -presentiment of joy or sorrow, the sun shining as brightly, and no -more, at its rise than on any other morning in June; and the -thunder-clouds toward noon overshadowing its glory not more darkly -than a storm is wont to do the clear sky it doth invade; nor yet -evening smiling again more brightly and peacefully than is usually -seen when nature's commotion is hushed, and the brilliant orb of day -doth sink to rest in a bed of purple glory; and yet that day did -herald the greatest joys, presage the greatest anguish, mark the most -mighty beginnings of most varied endings that can be thought of in the -life of a creature not altogether untried by sorrow, but on the brink -of deeper waters than she had yet sounded, on the verge of such -passages as to have looked forward to had caused her to tremble with a -two-fold resentment of hope and of fear, and to look back to doth -constrain her to lay down her pen awhile for to crave strength to -recount the same. - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -One day there was a great deal of company at Mistress Wells's house, -which was the only one I then haunted, being as afore said, somewhat -sickened of society and diversions. The conversation which was mostly -ministered amongst such as visited there related to public affairs and -foreign countries, and not so much as in some other houses to private -scandals and the tattle of the town. The uncertainty I was in -concerning my father's present abode and his known intent soon to -cross over the sea from France worked in me a constant craving for -news from abroad, and also an apprehensive curiosity touching reports -of the landing of seminary priests at any of the English ports. Some -would often tarry at Mr. Wells's house for a night who had lately come -from Rheims or Paris, and even Rome, or leastways received letters -from such as resided in those distant parts. And others I met there -were persons who had friends at court; and they often related -anecdotes of the queen and the ministers, and the lords and ladies of -her household, which it also greatly concerned me to hear of, by -reason of my dearest friend having embarked her whole freight of -happiness in a frail vessel launched on that stormy sea of the court, -so full of shoals and quicksands, whereby many a fair ship was daily -chanced to be therein wrecked. - -Nothing notable of this kind had been mentioned on the day I speak of, -which, howsoever, proved a very notable one to me. For after I had -been in the house a short time there came there one not known, and yet -it should seem not wholly unknown to me; for that I did discover in -his shape and countenance something not unfamiliar, albeit I could not -call to mind that I had ever seen this gentleman before. I asked his -name of a young lady who sat near to me, and she said she thought he -should be the elder brother of Mr. Hubert Rookwood, who was lodging in -the house, and that she heard he tabled there also since he had come -to town, and that he was a very commendable person, above the common -sort, albeit not one of such great parts as his brother. Then I did -instantly take note of the likeness between the brothers which had -made the elder's face not strange to me, as also perhaps that one -sight of him I had at Bedford some years before. Their visages were -very like; but their figures and mostly their countenances different. -I cannot say wherein that great differency did lie; but methinks every -one must have seen, or rather felt it. Basil was the tallest and the -handsomest of the twain. I will not be so great a prodigal of time as -to bestow it on commendations of his outward appearance whose inward -excellences were his chiefest merit. Howsoever, I be minded to set -down in this place somewhat touching his appearance; as it may so -happen that some who read this history, and who have known and loved -Basil in his old years, should take as much pleasure in reading as I -do in writing the description of his person, and limning as it were -the resemblance of him at a period in this history wherein the -hitherto separate currents of his life and mine do meet, like a noble -river and a poor stream, for to flow onward in the same channel. - -Basil Rookwood was of a tall stature, and well-proportioned shape in -all parts. His hair of light brown, very thickly set, and of a sunny -hue, curled with a graceful wave. His head had many becoming motions. -His mouth was well-made, and his lips ruddy. His forehead not very -high, in which was a notable dissemblance from his brother. His nose -raised and somewhat sharply cut. His complexion clear and rosy; his -smile so full of cheer and kindliness that it infected others with -mirthfulness. He was very nimble and active in all his movements, and -well skilled in riding, fencing, and dancing. I pray you who have -known him in his late years, can you in aught, save in a never-altered -sweetness mixing with the dignity of age, trace in this picture a -likeness to Basil, your Basil and mine? - -I care not, in writing this plain showing of mine own life, to use -such disguises as are observed in love-stories, whereby the reader is -kept ignorant of that which is to follow until in due time the course -of the tale doth unfold it. No, I may not write Basil's name as that -of a stranger. Not for the space of one page; nay, not with so much as -one stroke of my pen can I dissemble the love which had its dawn on -the day I have noted. It was sudden in its beginnings, yet steady in -its progress. It deepened and widened with the course of years, even -as a rivulet doth start with a lively force from its source, and, -gathering strength as it flows, grows into a broad and noble river. It -was ardent but not idolatrous; sudden, as I have said, in its rise, -but not unconsidered. It was founded on high esteem on the one side, -on the other an inexpressible tenderness and kindness. Religion, -honor, and duty were the cements of this love. No blind dotage; but a -deathless bond of true sympathy, making that equal which in itself was -unequal; for, if a vain world should have deemed that on the one side -there did appear some greater brilliancy of parts than showed in the -other, all who could judge of true merit and sound wisdom must needs -have allowed that in true merit Basil was as greatly her superior whom -he honored with his love, as is a pure diamond to the showy setting -which encases it. - -Hubert presented to me his brother, who, when he heard my name -mentioned, would not be contented till he had got speech of me; and -straightway, after the first civilities had passed between us, began -to relate to me that he had been staying for a few days before coming -to town at Mr. Roper's house at Richmond, where I had often visited in -the summer. It so befel that I had left in the chamber where I slept -some of my books, on the margins of which were written such notes as I -was wont to make whilst reading, for so Hubert had advised me, and his -counsel in this I found very profitable; for this method teaches one -to reflect on what he reads, and to hold converse as it were with -authors whose friendship and company he thus enjoys, which is a source -of contentment more sufficient and lasting than most other pleasures -in this world. - -Basil chanced to inhabit this room, and discovered on an odd by-shelf -these volumes so disfigured, or, as he said, so adorned; and took such -delight in the reading of them, but mostly in the poor reflections an -unknown pen had affixed to these pages, that he rested not until he -had learnt from Mr. Roper the name of the writer. When he found she -was the young girl he had once seen at Bedford, he marvelled at the -strong impulse he had toward her, and pressed the venerable gentleman -with so many questions relating to her that he feared he should have -wearied him but his inquiries met with such gracious answers that he -perceived Mr. Roper to be as well pleased with the theme of his -discourse as himself, and as glad to set forth her excellences (I -be ashamed to write the words which should indeed imply the speaker to -have been in his dotage, but for the excuse of a too great kindness to -an unworthy creature) as he had to listen to them. And here I must -needs interrupt my narrative to admire that one who was no scholar, -yea, no great reader at any time, albeit endowed with excellent good -sense and needful information, should by means of books have been -drawn to the first thoughts of her who was to enjoy his love which -never was given to any other creature but herself. But I pray you, -doth it not happen most often, though it is scarce to be credited, -that dissemblance in certain matters doth attract in the way of love -more than resemblance? That short men do choose tall wives; lovers of -music women who have no ear to discern one tune from another; scholars -witless housewives; retired men ambitious helpmates; and gay ladies -grave husbands? This should seem to be the rule, otherways the -exception; and a notable instance of the same I find in the first -motions which did incline Basil to a good opinion of my poor self. - -But to return. "Mistress Sherwood," quoth Basil, "Mr. Roper did not -wholly praise you; he recited your faults as well as your virtues." - -I answered, it did very much content me he should have done so, for -that then more credit should be given to his words in that wherein he -did commend me, since he was so true a friend as to note my defects. - -"But what," quoth he, archly smiling, "if the faults he named are such -as pleased me as well as virtues?" - -"Then," I replied, "methinks, sir, the fault should be rather in you -than in her who doth commit them, for she may be ignorant, or else -subject to some infirmity of temper; but to commend faults should be a -very dangerous error." - -"But will you hear," quoth he, "your faults as Mr. Roper recited -them?" - -"Yea, willingly," I answered, "and mend them also if I can." - -"Oh, I pray you mend them not," he cried. - -At which I laughed, and said he should be ashamed to give such wanton -advice. And then he: - -"Mr. Roper declares you have so much inability to conceal your -thoughts that albeit your lips should be forcibly closed, your eyes -would speak them so clearly that any one who listed should read them." - -"Methinks," I said, willing to excuse myself like the lawyer in the -gospel, "that should not be my fault, who made not mine own eyes." - -"Then he also says, that you have so sharp an apprehension of wrongs -done to others, that if you hear of an injustice committed, or some -cruel treatment of any one, you are so moved and troubled, that he has -known you on such occasions to shed tears, which do not flow with a -like ease for your own griefs. Do you cry mercy to this accusation, -Mistress Sherwood?" - -"Indeed," I answered, "God knoweth I do, and my ghostly father also. -For the strong passions of resentment touching the evil usage our -Catholics do meet with work in me so mightfully, that I often am in -doubt if I have sinned therein. And concerning mine own griefs, they -have been but few as yet, so that 'tis little praise I deserve for not -overmuch resentment in instances wherein, if others are afflicted, I -have much ado to restrain wrath." - -"Ah," he said, "methinks if you answer in so true and grave a manner -my rude catechizing. Mistress Sherwood, I be not bold enough to -continue the inventory of your faults." - -"I pray you do," I answered; for I felt in my soul an unusual liking -for his conversation, and the more so when, leaving off jesting, he -said, "The last fault Mr. Roper did charge you with was lack of -prudence in matters wherein prudence is most needed in these days." - - -"Alas!" I exclaimed; "for that also do I cry mercy; but indeed, Master -Rookwood, there is in these days so much cowardice and time-serving -which doth style itself prudence, that methinks it might sometimes -happen that a right boldness should be called rashness." - -Raising my eyes to his, I thought I saw them clouded by a misty dew; -and he replied, "Yea, Mistress Constance, and if it is so, I had -sooner that myself and such as I have a friendship for should have to -cry mercy on their death-beds for too much rashness in stemming the -tide, than for too much ease in yielding to it. And now," he added, -"shall I repeat what Mr. Roper related of your virtues?" - -"No," I answered, smiling. "For if the faults he doth charge me with -be so much smaller than the reality, what hope have I that he should -speak the truth in regard to my poor merits?" - -Then some persons moving nearer to where we were sitting, some general -conversation ensued, in which several took part; and none so much to -my liking as Basil, albeit others might possess more ready tongues and -a more sparkling wit. In all the years since I had left my home, I had -not found so much contentment in any one's society. His mind and mine -were like two instruments with various chords, but one key-note, which -maintained them in admirable harmony. The measure of our agreement -stood rather in the drift of our desires and the scope of our -approval, than in any parity of tastes or resemblance of disposition. -Acquaintanceship soon gave way to intimacy, which bred a mutual -friendship that in its turn was not slow to change into a warmer -feeling. We met very often. It seemed so natural to him to affection -me, and to me to reciprocate his affection, that if our love began -not, which methinks it did, on that first day of meeting, I know not -when it had birth. But if it be difficult precisely to note the -earliest buddings of the sweet flower love, it was easy to discern the -moment when the bitter root of jealousy sprang up in Hubert's heart. -He who had been suspicious of every person whose civilities I allowed -of, did not for some time appear to mislike the intimacy which had -arisen betwixt his brother and me. I ween from what he once said, when -on a later occasion anger loosened his tongue, that he held him in -some sort of contempt, even as a fox would despise a nobler animal -than himself. His subtle wit disdained his plainness of speech. His -confiding temper he derided; and he had methinks no apprehension that -a she-wit, as he was wont to call me, should prove herself so witless -as to prefer to one of his brilliant parts a man notable for his -indifferency to book learning, and to his smooth tongue and fine -genius the honest words and unvarnished merits of his brother. - -Howsoever, one day he either did himself notice some sort of -particular kindness to exist between us, or he was advertised thereof -by some of the company we frequented, and I saw him fix his eyes on us -with so arrested a persistency, and his frame waxed so rigid, that -methought Lot's wife must have so gazed when she turned toward the -doomed city. I was more frighted at the dull lack of expression in his -face than at a thousand frowns or even scowls. His eyes were reft of -their wonted fire; the color had flown from his lips; his always pale -cheek was of a ghastly whiteness; and his hand, which was thrust in -his bosom, and his feet, which seemed rooted to the ground, were as -motionless as those of a statue. A shudder ran through me as he stood -in this guise, neither moving nor speaking, at a small distance from -me. I rose and went away, for his looks freezed me. But the next time -I met him this strangeness of behavior had vanished, and I almost -misdoubted the truth of what I had seen. He was a daily witness, for -several succeeding weeks, of what neither Basil nor I cared much -to conceal--the mutual confidence and increasing tenderness of -affection, which was visible in all our words and actions at that -time, which was one of greater contentment than can be expressed. That -summer was a rare one for fineness of the weather and its great store -of sun-shiny days. We had often pleasant divertisements in the -neighborhood of London, than which no city is more famous for the -beauty of its near scenery. One while we ascended the noble river -Thames as far as Richmond, England's Arcadia, whose smooth waters, -smiling meads, and hills clad in richest verdure, do equal whatsoever -poets have ever sung or painters pictured. Another time we disported -ourselves in the gardens of Hampton, where, in the season of roses, -the insects weary their wings over the flower-beds--the thrifty bees -with the weight of gathered honey--and the gay butterflies, idlers as -ourselves, with perfume and pleasure. Or we went to Greenwich Park, -and underneath the spreading trees, with England's pride of shipping -in sight, and barges passing to and fro on the broad stream as on a -watery highway, we whiled away the time in many joyous pastimes. - -On an occasion of this sort it happened that both brothers went with -us, and we forecasted to spend the day at a house in the village of -Paddington, about two miles from London, where Mr. Congleton's sister, -a lady of fortune, resided. It stood in a very fair garden, the gate -of which opened on the high road; and after dinner we sat with some -other company which had been invited to meet us under the large cedar -trees which lined a broad gravel-walk leading from the house to the -gate. The day was very hot, but now a cooling air had risen, and the -young people there assembled played at pastimes, in which I was -somewhat loth to join; for jesting disputations and framing of -questions and answers, an amusement then greatly in fashion, minded -one of that fatal encounter betwixt Martin Tregony and Thomas -Sherwood, the end of which had been the death of the one and a fatal -injury to the soul of the other. Hubert was urgent with me to join in -the arguments proposed; but I refused, partly for the aforesaid -reason, and methinks, also, because I doubted that Basil should acquit -himself so admirably as his brother in these exercises of wit, wherein -the latter did indeed excel, and I cared not to shine in a sport -wherein he took no part. So I set myself to listen to the disputants, -albeit with an absent mind; for I had grown to be somewhat thoughtful -of late, and to forecast the future with such an admixture of hope and -fear touching the issue of those passages of love I was engaged in, -that the trifles which entertained a disengaged mind lacked ability to -divert me. I ween Polly, if she had been then in London, should have -laughed at me for the symptoms I exhibited of what she styled the -sighing malady. - -A little while after the contest had begun, a sound was heard at a -distance as of a trampling on the road, but not discernible as yet -whether of men or horses' feet. There was mixed with it cries of -hooting and shouts, which increased as this sort of procession (for so -it should seem to be) approached. All who were in the garden ran to -the iron railing for to discover the cause. From the houses on both -sides the road persons came out and joined in the clamor. As the crowd -neared the gate where we stood, the words, "Papists--seditious -priests--traitors," were discernible, mixed with oaths, curses, and -such opprobrious epithets as my pen dares not write. At the hearing of -them the blood rushed to my head, and my heart began to beat as if it -should burst from the violence with which it throbbed; for now the mob -was close at hand, and we could see the occasion of their yells and -shoutings. About a dozen persons were riding without bridle or spur or -other furniture, on lean and bare horses, which were fastened one -to the other's tails, marching slowly in a long row, each man's feet -tied under his horse's belly and his arms bound hard and fast behind -him. A pursuivant rode in front and cried aloud that those coming -behind him were certain papists, foes to the gospel and enemies to the -commonwealth, for that they had been seized in the act of saying and -hearing mass in disobedience to the laws. And as he made this -proclamation, the rabble yelled and took up stones and mud to cast at -the prisoners. One man cried out, "Four of them be vile priests." O ye -who read this, have you taken heed how, at some times in your lives, -in a less space than the wink of an eye, thought has outrun sight? So -did mine with lightning speed apprehend lest my father should be one -of these. I scanned the faces of the prisoners as they passed, but he -was not amongst them; however I recognized, with a sharp pain, the -known countenance of the priest who had shriven my mother on her -death-bed. He looked pale and worn to a shadow, and hardly able to sit -on his horse. I sunk down on my knees, with my head against the -railings, feeling very sick. Then the gate opened, and with a strange -joy and trembling fear I saw Basil push through the mob till he stood -close to the horse's feet where the crowd had made a stoppage. He -knelt and took off his hat, and the lips of the priests moved, as they -passed, for to bless him. Murmurs rose from the rabble, but he took no -heed of them. Till the last horseman had gone by he stood with his -head uncovered, and then slowly returned, none daring to touch him. -"Basil, dear Basil!" I cried, and, weeping, gave him my hand. It was -the first time I had called him by his name. Methinks in that moment -as secure a troth-plight was passed between us as if ten thousand -bonds had sealed it. When, some time afterward, we moved toward the -house, I saw Hubert standing at the door with the same stony rigid -look which had frighted me once before. He said not one word as I -passed him. I have since heard that a lady, endowed with more -sharpness than prudence or kindness, had thus addressed him on this -occasion: "Methinks, Master Hubert Rookwood, that you did perform your -part excellently well in that ingenious pastime which procured us so -much good entertainment awhile ago; but beshrew me if your brother did -not exceed you in the scene we have just witnessed, and if Mistress -Sherwood's looks do not belie her, she thought so too. I ween his -tragedy hath outdone your comedy." Then he (well-nigh biting his lips -through, as the person who related it to me observed) made answer: "If -this young gentlewoman's taste be set on tragedy, then will I promise -her so much of it another day as should needs satisfy her." - -This malicious lady misliked Hubert, by reason of his having denied -her the praise of wit, which had been reported to her by a third -person. She was minded to be revenged on him, and so the shaft -contained in her piercing jest had likewise hit those she willed not -to injure. It is not to be credited how many persons have been ruined -in fortune, driven into banishment, yea, delivered over to death, by -careless words uttered without so much as a thought of the evil which -should ensue from them. - -And now upon the next day Basil was to leave London. Before he went he -said he hoped not to be long absent, and that Mr. Congleton should -receive a letter, if it pleased God, from his father; which, if it -should be favorably received, and I willed it not to be otherwise, -should cause our next meeting to be one of greater contentment than -could be thought of. - -I answered, "I should never wish otherwise than that we should meet -with contentment, or will anything that should hinder it." Which he -said did greatly please him to hear, and gave him a comfortable hope -of a happy return. - - -He conversed also with Mistress Ward touching the prisoners we had -seen the day before, and left some money with her in case she should -find means to see and assist them, which she strove to do with the -diligence used by her in all such managements. In a few days she -discovered Mr. Watson to be in Bridewell, also one Mr. Richardson in -the Marshalsea, and three laymen in the Clink. Mr. Watson had a sister -who was a Protestant, and by her means she succeeded in relieving his -wants, and dealt with the gaolers at the other prisons so as to convey -some assistance to the poor men therein confined, whose names she had -found out. - -One morning when I was at Kate's house Hubert came there; and she, the -whole compass of whose thoughts was now circled in her nursery, not -minding the signs I made she should not leave us alone, rose and said -she must needs go and see if her babe was awake, for Hubert must see -him, and he should not go away without first he had beheld him walk -with his new leading-strings, which were the tastefullest in the world -and fit for a king's son; and that she doubted not we could find good -enough entertainment in each other's company, or in Mr. Lacy's books, -which must be the wittiest ever written, if she judged by her -husband's fondness for them. As soon as the door was shut on her, -Hubert began to speak of his brother, and to insinuate that my -behavior to himself was changed since Basil had come to London, which -I warmly denied. - -"If," I said, "I have changed--" - -"_If_," he repeated, stopping my speaking with an ironical and -disdainful smile, and throwing into that one little word as he uttered -it more of meaning than it would seem possible it should express. - -"Yes!" I continued, angered at his defiant looks. "Yes, if my behavior -to you has changed, which, I must confess, in some respects it has, -the cause did lie in my uncle's commands, laid on me before your -brother's coming to London. You know it, Master Rookwood, by the same -token that you charged me with unkindness for not allowing of your -visits, and refusing to read Italian with you, some weeks before ever -he arrived." - -"You have a very obedient disposition, madam," he answered in a -scornful manner, "and I doubt not have attended with a like readiness -to the behest to favor the _elder_ brother's suit as to that which -forbade the receiving of the younger brother's addresses." - -"I did not look upon you as a suitor," I replied. - -"No!" he exclaimed, "and not as on a lover? Not as on one whose lips, -borrowing words from enamored poets twenty times in a day, did avow -his passion, and was entertained on your side with so much good-nature -and apparent contentment with this mode of disguised worship, as -should lead him to hope for a return of his affection? But why -question of that wherein my belief is unshaken? I know you love me, -Constance Sherwood, albeit you peradventure love more dearly my -brother's heirship of Euston and its wide acres. Your eyes deceived -not, nor did your flushing cheek dissemble, when we read together -those sweet tales and noble poems, wherein are set forth the dear -pains and tormenting joys of a mutual love. No, not if you did take -your oath on it will I believe you love my brother!" - -"What warrant have you, sir," I answered with burning cheek, "to -minister such talk to one who, from the moment she found you thought -of marriage, did plainly discountenance your suit?" - -"You were content, then, madam, to be worshipped as an idol," he -bitterly replied, "if only not sued for in marriage by a poor man." - -My sin found me out then, and the hard taunt awoke dormant pangs in my -conscience for the pleasure I had taken and doubtless showed in the -disguised professions of an undisguised admiration; but anger yet -prevailed, and I cried, "Think you to advance your interest in my -friendship, sir, by such language and reproaches as these?" - -"Do you love my brother?" he said again, with an implied contempt -which made me mad. - -"Sir," I answered, "I entertain for your brother so great a respect -and esteem as one must needs feel toward one of so much virtue and -goodness. No contract exists between us; nor has he made me the tender -of his hand. More than that it behoves you not to ask, or me to -answer." - -"Ah! the offer of marriage is then the condition of your regard, and -love is to follow, not precede, the settlements, I' faith, ladies are -very prudent in these days; and virtue and goodness the new names for -fortune and lands. Beshrew me, if I had not deemed you to be made of -other metal than the common herd. But whatever be the composition of -your heart, Constance Sherwood, be it hard as the gold you set so much -store on, or, like wax, apt to receive each day some new impress, I -will have it; yea, and keep it for my own. No rich fool shall steal it -from me." - -"Hubert Rookwood," I cried in anger, "dare not so to speak of one -whose merit is as superior to thine as the sun outshines a -torchlight." - -"Ah!" he exclaimed, turning pale with rage, "if I thought thou didst -love him!" and clenched his hand with a terrible gesture, and ground -his teeth. "But 'tis impossible," he added bitterly smiling. "As soon -would I believe Titania verily to doat on the ass's head as for thee -to love Basil!" - -"Oh!" I indignantly replied, "you do almost constrain me to avow that -which no maiden should, unasked, confess. Do you think, sir, that -learning and scholarship, and the poor show of wit that lies in a -ready tongue, should outweigh honor, courage, and kindliness of heart? -Think you that more respect should be paid to one who can speak, and -write also, if you will, fair sounding words, than to him who in his -daily doings shows forth such nobleness as others only inculcate, and -God only knoweth if ever they practise it?" - -"Lady!" he exclaimed, "I have served you long; sustained torments in -your presence; endured griefs in your absence; pining thoughts in the -day, and anguished dreams in the night; jealousies often in times -past, and now--" - -He drew in his breath; and then not so much speaking the word -"despair" as with a smothered vehemence uttering it, he concluded his -vehement address. - -I was so shaken by his speech that I remained silent: for if I had -spoken I must needs have wept. Holding my head with both hands, and so -shielding my eyes from the sight of his pale convulsed face, I sat -like one transfixed. Then he again: "These be not times, Mistress -Sherwood, for women to act as you have done; to lift a man's heart one -while to an earthly heaven, and then, without so much as a thought, to -cast him into a hellish sea of woes. These be the dealings which drive -men to desperation; to attempt things contrary to their own minds, to -religion, and to honesty; to courses once abhorred--" - -His violence wrung my heart then with so keen a remorse that I cried -out, "I cry you mercy, Master Rookwood, if I have dealt thus with you; -indeed I thought not to do it. I pray you forgive me, if unwittingly, -albeit peradventure in a heedless manner, I have done you so much -wrong as your words do charge me with." And then tears I could not -stay began to flow; and for awhile no talk ensued. But after a little -time he spoke in a voice so changed and dissimilar in manner, that I -looked up wholly amazed. - -"Sweet Constance," he said, "I have played the fool in my customable -fashion, and by such pretended slanders of one I should rather incline -to commend beyond his deserts, if that were possible, than to give him -vile terms, have sought--I cry you mercy for it--to discover your -sentiments, and feigned a resentment and a passion which indeed has -proved an excellent piece of acting, if I judge by your tears. I pray -you pardon and forget my brotherly device. If you love Basil--as I -misdoubt not he loves you--where shall a more suitable match be found, -or one which every one must needs so much approve? Marry, sweet lady; -I will be his best man when he doth ride to church with you, and cry -'Amen' more loudly than the clerk. So now dart no more vengeful -lightnings from thine eyes, sweet one; and wipe away the pearly drops -my unmannerly jesting hath caused to flow. I would not Basil had -wedded a lady in love with his pelf, not with himself." - -"I detest tricks," I cried, "and such feigning as you do confess to. I -would I had not answered one word of your false discourse." - -Now I wept for vexation to have been so circumvented and befooled as -to own some sort of love for a man who bad not yet openly addressed -me. And albeit reassured in some wise, touching what my conscience had -charged me with when I heard Hubert's vehement reproaches, I -misdoubted his present sincerity. He searched my face with a keen -investigation, for to detect, I ween, if I was most contented or -displeased with his late words. I resolved, if he was false, I would -be true, and leave not so much as a suspicion in his mind that I did -or ever had cared for him. But Kate, who should not have left us -alone, now returned, when her absence would have been most profitable. -She had her babe in her aims, and must needs call on Hubert to praise -its beauty and list to its sweet crowing. In truth, a more winsome, -gracious creature could not be seen; and albeit I had made an -inpatient gesture when she entered, my arms soon eased hers of their -fair burthen, and I set to playing with the boy, and Hubert talking -and laughing in such good cheer, that I began to credit his passion -had been feigning, and his indifferency to be true, which contented me -not a little. - -A few days afterward Mr. Congleton received a letter, in the evening, -when we were sitting in my aunt's room, and a sudden fluttering in my -heart whispered it should be from Basil's father. Mine eyes affixed -themselves on the cover, which had fallen on the ground, and then -travelled to my uncle's face, wherein was a smile which seemed to say, -"This is no other than what I did expect." He put it down on the -table, and his hand over it. My aunt said he should tell us the news -he had received, to make us merry; for that the fog had given her the -vapors, and she had need of some good entertainment. - -"News!" quoth he. "What news do you look for, good wife?" - -"It would not be news, sir," she answered, "if I expected it." - -"That is more sharp than true," he replied. "There must needs come -news of the queen of France's lying-in; but I pray you how will it be? -Shall she live and do well? Shall it be a prince or a princess?" - -"Prithee, no disputings, Mr. Congleton," she said. "We be not playing -at questions and answers." - -"Nay, but thou dost mistake," he cried out, laughing. "Methinks we -have here in hand some game of that sort if I judge by this letter." - -Then my heart leapt, I knew not how high or how tumultuously; for I -doubted not now but he had received the tidings I hoped for. - -"Constance," he said, "hast a mind to marry?" - -"If it should please you, sir," I answered; "for my father charged me -to obey you." - -"Good," quoth he. "I see thou art an obedient wench. And thou wilt -marry who I please?" - -"Nay, sir; I said not that." - -"Oh, oh!" quoth he. "Thou wilt marry so as to please me, and yet--" - -"Not so as to displease myself, sir," I answered. - -"Come," he said, "another question. Here is a gentleman of -fortune and birth, and excellent good character, somewhat advanced in -years indeed, but the more like to make an indulgent husband, and to -be prudent in the management of his affairs, hath heard so good a -report from two young gentlemen, his sons, of thy abilities and proper -behavior, that he is minded to make thee a tender of marriage, with so -good a settlement on his estate in Suffolk as must needs content any -reasonable woman. Wilt have him, Conny?" - -"Who, sir?" I asked, waxing, I ween, as red as a field-poppy. - -"Mr. Rookwood, wench--Basil and Hubert's father." - -Albeit I knew my uncle's trick of jesting, my folly was so great just -then, hope and fear working in me, that I was seized with fright, and -from crimson turned so white, that he cried out: - -"Content thee, child! content thee! 'Tis that tall strapping fellow -Basil must needs make thee an offer of his hand; and by my troth, -wench, I warrant thee thou wouldst go further and fare worse; for the -gentleman is honorably descended, heir-apparent to an estate worth -yearly, to my knowledge, three thousand pounds sterling, well disposed -in religion, and of a personage without exception. Mr. Rookwood -declares he is more contented with his son's choice than if he married -Mistress Spencer, or any other heiress; and beshrew me, if I be not -contented also." - -Then he bent his head close to mine ear, and whispered, "And so art -thou, methinks, if those tell-tale eyes of thine should be credited. -Yea, yea, hang down thy head, and stammer 'As you please, sir!' And -never so much as a _Deo gratias_ for thy good fortune! What thankless -creatures women be!" I laughed and ran out of the room before mine -aunt or Mistress Ward had disclosed their lips; for I did long to be -in mine own chamber alone, and, from the depths of a heart over full -of, yea overflowing with, such joy as doth incline the knees to bend -and the eyes to raise themselves to the Giver of all good--he whom -all other goodness doth only mirror and shadow forth--pour out a hymn -of praise for the noble blessing I had received. For, I pray you, -after the gift of faith and grace for to know and love God, is there -aught on earth to be jewelled by a woman like to the affection of a -good man; or a more secure haven for her to anchor in amid the present -billows of life, except that of religion, to which all be not called, -than an honorable contract of marriage, wherein reason, passion, and -duty do bind the soul in a triple cord of love? - -And oh! with what a painful tenderness I thought in that moving hour -on mine own dear parents--my mother, now so many years dead; my -father, so parted from his poor child, that in the most weighty -concernment of her life--the disposal of her in marriage--his consent -had to be presumed; his authority, for so he had with forecasting care -ordained, being left in other hands. But albeit a shade of melancholy -from such a retrospect as the mind is wont to take of the past, when -coming events do cast, as it should seem, a new light on what has -preceded them, I could not choose but see, in this good which had -happened to me, a reward to him who had forsaken all things--lands, -home, kindred, yea his only child, for Christ's dear sake. It minded -me of my mother's words concerning me, when she lay dying, "Fear not -for her." - -I was somewhat loth to return to mine aunt's chamber, and to appear in -the presence of Kate and Polly, who had come to visit their mother, -and, by their saucy looks when I entered, showed they were privy to -the treaty in hand. Mine aunt said she had been thinking that she -would not go to church when I was married, but give me her blessing at -home; for she had never recovered from the chilling she had when Kate -was married, and had laid abed on Polly' wedding-day, which she -liked better. Mistress Ward had great contentment, she said, that I -should have so good an husband. Kate was glad Basil was not too fond -of books, for that scholars be not as conversable as agreeable -husbands should be. Polly said, for her part, she thought the less wit -a man had, the better for his wife, for she would then be the more -like to have her own way. But that being her opinion, she did not -wholly wish me joy; for she had noticed Basil to be a good thinker, -and a man of so much sense, that he would not be ruled by a wife more -than should be reasonable. I was greatly pleased that she thus -commended him, who was not easily pleased, and rather given to despise -gentlemen than to praise them. I kissed her, and said I had always -thought her the most sensible woman in the world. She laughed, and -cried, "That was small commendation, for that women were the -foolishest creatures in the world, and mostly such as were in love." - -Ah me! The days which followed were full of sweet waiting and pleasant -pining for the effects of the letter mine uncle wrote to Mr. Rookwood, -and looking for one Basil should write himself, when licence for to -address me had been yielded to him. When it came, how unforeseen, how -sad were the contents! Albeit love was expressed in every line, sorrow -did so cover its utterance, that my heart overflowed through mine -eyes, and I could only sigh and weep that the beginning of so fair a -day of joy should have set in clouds of so much grief. Basil's father -was dead. The day after he wrote that letter, the cause of all our -joy, he fell sick and never bettered any more, but the contrary: time -was allowed him to prepare his soul for death, by all holy rites and -ghostly comforts. One of his sons was on each side of his bed when he -died; and Basil closed his eyes. - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -Basil came to London after the funeral, and methought his sadness then -did become him as much as his joyfulness heretofore. His grief was -answerable to the affection he had borne unto his father, and to that -gentlemen's most excellent deserts. He informed Mr. Congleton that in -somewhat less than one year he should be of age, and until then his -wardship was committed to Sir Henry Stafford. It was agreed betwixt -them, that in respect of his deep mourning and the greater commodity -his being of age would afford for the drawing up of settlements, our -marriage should be deferred until he returned from the continent in a -year's time. Sir Henry was exceeding urgent he should travel abroad -for the bettering as he affirmed of his knowledge of foreign -languages, and acquirement of such useful information as should -hereafter greatly benefit him; but methinks, from what Basil said, it -was chiefly with the end that he should not be himself troubled during -his term of guardianship with proceedings touching his ward's -recusancy, which was so open and manifest, no persuasions dissuading -him from it, that he apprehended therefrom to meet with difficulties. - -So with heavy hearts and some tears on both sides, a short time after -Mr. Rookwood's death, we did part, but withal with so comfortable a -hope of a happy future, and so great a security of mutual affection, -that the pangs of separation were softened, and a not unpleasing -melancholy ensued. We forecasted to hold converse by means of letters, -of which he made me promise I should leastways write two for his one; -for he argued, as I always had a pen in my hand, it should be no -trouble to me to write down my thoughts as they arose, but as for -himself, it would cost him much time and labor for to compose such a -letter as it would content me to receive. But herein he was too -modest; for, indeed, in everything he wrote, albeit short and -mostly devoid of such flowers of the fancy as some are wont to scatter -over their letters, I was always excellently well pleased with his -favors of this kind. - -Hubert remained in London for to commence his studies in a house of -the law; but when my engagement with his brother became known, he left -off haunting Mr. Lacy's house, and even Mr. Wells's, as heretofore. -His behavior was very mutable; at one time exceedingly obliging, and -at another more strange and distant than it had yet been; so that I -did dread to meet him, not knowing how to shape mine own conduct in -his regard; for if on the one hand I misliked to appear estranged from -Basil's brother, yet if I dealt graciously toward him I feared to -confirm his apprehension of some sort of unusual liking on my part -toward himself. - -One month, or thereabouts, after Basil had gone to France, Lady Surrey -did invite me to stay with her at Kenninghall, which greatly delighted -me, for it was a very long time then since I had seen her. The reports -I heard of her lord's being a continual waiter on her majesty, and -always at court, whereas she did not come to London so much as once in -the year, worked in me a very uneasy apprehension that she should not -be as happy in her retirement as I should wish. I long had desired to -visit this dear lady, but durst not be the first to speak of it. Also -to one bred in the country from her infancy, the long while I had -spent in a city, far from any sights or scents of nature, had created -in me a great desire for pure air and green fields, of which the -neighborhood of London had afforded only such scanty glimpses as -served to whet, not satisfy, the taste for such-like pleasures. So -with much contentment I began my journey into Norfolk, which was the -first I had taken since that long one from Sherwood Hall to London -some years before. A coach of my Lord Surrey's, with two new pairs of -horses, was going from the Charter-house to Kenninghall, and a -chamber-woman of my lady's to be conveyed therein; so for conveniency -I travelled with her. We slept two nights on the road (for the horses -were to rest often), in very comfortable lodgings; and about the -middle of the third day we did arrive at Kenninghall, which is a place -of so great magnitude and magnificence, that to my surprised eyes it -showed more like unto a palace, yea, a cluster of palaces, than the -residence of a private though illustrious nobleman. The gardens which -we passed along-side of, the terraces adorned with majestic trees, the -woods at the back of the building, which then wore a gaudy dress of -crimson and golden hues,--made my heart leap for joy to be once more -in the country. But when we passed through the gateway, and into one -court and then another, methought we left the country behind, and -entered some sort of city, the buildings did so close around us on -every side. At last we stopped at a great door, and many footmen stood -about me, and one led me through long galleries and a store of empty -chambers; I forecasting in my mind the while how far it should be to -the gardens I had seen, and if the birds could be heard to sing in -this great house, in which was so much fine tapestry, and pictures in -high-gilt frames, that the eye was dazzled with their splendor. A -little pebbly brook or a tuft of daisies would then have pleased me -more than these fine hangings, and the grass than the smooth carpets -in some of the rooms, the like of which I had never yet seen. But -these discontented thoughts vanished quickly when my Lady Surrey -appeared; and I had nothing more to desire when I received her -affectionate embrace, and saw how joyful was her welcome. Methought, -too, when she led me into the chamber wherein she said her time was -chiefly spent, that its rich adornment became her, who had verily a -queenly beauty, and a presence so sweetly majestic that it alone -was sufficient to call for a reverent respect from others even in her -young years. There was an admirable simplicity in her dress; so that I -likened her in my mind, as she sat in that gilded room, to a pare fair -diamond enchased in a rich setting. In the next chamber her -gentlewoman and chambermaids were at work--some at frames, and others -making of clothes, or else spinning; and another door opened into her -bed-chamber, which was very large, like unto a hall, and the canopy of -the bed so high and richly adorned that it should have beseemed a -throne. The tapestry on the wall, bedight with fruits and flowers, -very daintily wrought, so that nature itself hath not more fair hues -than therein were to be seen. - -"When my lord is not at home, I mislike this grand chamber, and do lie -here," she said, and showed me an inner closet; which I perceived to -be plainly furnished, and in one corner of it, which pleased me most -for to see, a crucifix hung against the wall, over above a -kneeling-stool. Seeing my eyes did rest on it, she colored a little, -and said it had belonged to Lady Mounteagle, who had gifted her with -it on her death-bed; upon which account she did greatly treasure the -possession thereof. - -I answered, it did very much content me that she should set store on -what had been her grandmother's, for verily she was greatly indebted -to that good lady for the care she had taken of her young years; "but -methinks," I added, "the likeness of your Saviour which died for you -should not need any other excuse for the prizing of it than what -arises from its being what it is, his own dear image." - -She said she thought so too; but that in the eyes of Protestants she -must needs allege some other reason for the keeping of a crucifix in -her room than that good one, which nevertheless in her own thinking -she allowed of. - -Then she showed me mine own chamber, which was very commodious and -pleasantly situated, not far from hers. From the window was to be seen -the town of Norwich, and an extensive plain intersected with trees; -and underneath the wall of the house a terrace lined with many fair -shrubs and strips of flower-beds, very pleasing to the eye, but too -far off for a more familiar enjoyment than the eyesight could afford. - -When we had dined, and I was sitting with my lady in her dainty -sitting-room, she at her tambour-frame, and I with a piece of -patch-work on my knees which I had brought from London, she began -forthwith to question me touching my intended marriage, Mr. Rookwood's -death, and Basil's going abroad, concerning which she had heard many -reports. I satisfied her thereon; upon which she expressed great -contentment that my prospects of happiness were so good; for all which -knew Basil thought well on him, she said; and mostly his neighbors, -which have the chiefest occasions for to judge of a man's disposition. -And Euston, she thought, should prove a very commendable residence, -albeit the house was small for so good an estate; but capable, she -doubted not, of improvements, which my fine taste would bestow on it; -not indeed by spending large sums on outward show, but by small -adornments and delicate beautifying of a house and gardens, such as -women only do excel in; the which kind of care Mr. Rookwood's seat had -lacked for many years. She also said it pleased her much to think that -Basil and I should agree touching religion, for there was little -happiness to be had in marriage where consent doth not exist in so -important a matter. I answered, that I was of that way of thinking -also. But then this consent must be veritable, not extorted; for in so -weighty a point the least shadow of compulsion on the one side, and -feigning on the other, do end by destroying happiness, and virtue -also, which is more urgent. She made no answer; and I then asked her -if she liked Kenninghall more than London, and had found in a -retired life the contentment she had hoped for. She bent down her head -over her work-frame, so as partly to conceal her face; but how -beautiful what was to be seen of it appeared, as she thus hid the -rest, her snowy neck supporting her small head, and the shape of her -oval cheek just visible beneath the dark tresses of jet-black hair! -When she raised that noble head methought it wore a look of becoming, -not unchristian, pride, or somewhat better than should be titled -pride; and her voice betokened more emotion than her visage betrayed -when she said, "I am more contented, Constance, to inhabit this my -husband's chiefest house than to dwell in London or anywhere else. -Where should a wife abide with so much pleasure as in a place where -she may be sometimes visited by her lord, even though she should not -always be so happy as to enjoy his company? My Lord Arundel hath often -urged me to reside with him in London, and pleaded the comfort my Lady -Lumley and himself, in his declining years, should find in my filial -care; but God helping me--and I think in so doing I fulfill his -will--naught shall tempt me to leave my husband's house till he doth -himself compel me to it; nor by resentment of his absence lose one day -of his dear company I may yet enjoy." - -"O my dear lady," I exclaimed, "and is it indeed thus with you? Doth -my lord so forget your love and his duty as to forsake one he should -cherish as his most dear treasure?" - -"Nay, nay," she hastily replied; "Philip doth not forsake me; a little -neglectful he is" (this she said with a forced smile), "as all the -queen's courtiers must needs be of their wives; for she is so -exacting, that such as stand in her good graces cannot be stayers at -home, but ever waiters on her pleasure. If Philip doth only leave -London or Richmond for three or four days, she doth suspect the cause -of his absence; her smiles are turned to frowns, and his enemies -immediately do take advantage of it. I tried to stay in London one -while this year, after Bess was married; but he suffered so much in -consequence from the loss of her good graces when she heard I was at -the Charter-house, that I was compelled to return here." - -"And hath my lord been to see you since?" I eagerly asked. - -"Once," she answered; "for three short days. O Constance, it was a -brief, and, from its briefness, an almost painful joy, to see him in -his own princely home, and at the head of his table, which he doth -grace so nobly; and when he went abroad saluted by every one with so -much reverence, that he should be taken to be a king when he is here; -and himself so contented with this show of love and homage, that his -face beamed with pleasant smiles; and when he observed what my poor -skill had effected in the management of his estates, which do greatly -suffer from the prodigalities of the court, he commended me with so -great kindness as to say he was not worthy of so good a wife." - -I could not choose but say amen in mine own soul to this lord's true -estimation of himself, and of her, one hair of whose head did, in my -thinking, outweigh in merit his whole frame; but composed my face lest -she should too plainly read my resentment that the like of her should -be so used by an ungrateful husband. - -"Alas," she continued, "this joy should be my constant portion if an -enemy robbed me not of my just rights. 'Tis very hard to be hated by a -queen, and she so great and powerful that none in the compass of her -realm can dare to resent her ill treatment. I had a letter from my -lord last week, in which he says if it be possible he will soon visit -me again; but he doth add that he has so much confidence in my -affection, that he is sure I would not will him to risk that which may -undo him, if the queen should hear of it. 'For, Nan,' he writes, 'I -resemble a man scrambling up unto a slippery rock, who, if he -gaineth not the topmost points, must needs fall backward into a -precipice; for if I lose but an inch of her majesty's favor, I am like -to fall as my fathers have done, and yet lower. So be patient, good -Nan, and bide the time when I shall have so far ascended as to be in -less danger of a rapid descent, in which thine own fortunes would be -involved." - -She folded this letter, which she had taken out of her bosom, with a -deep sigh, and I doubt not with the same thought which was in mine own -mind, that the higher the ascent, the greater doth prove the peril of -an overthrow, albeit to the climber's own view the further point doth -seem the most secured. She then said she would not often speak with me -touching her troubles; but we should try to forget absent husbands and -lovers, and enjoy so much pleasure in our mutual good company as was -possible, and go hawking also and riding on fine days, and be as merry -as the days were long. And, verily, at times youthful spirits assumed -the lead, and like two wanton children we laughed sometimes with -hearty cheer at some pleasantry in which my little wit but fanciful -humor did evince itself for her amusement. But the fair sky of these -sunshiny hours was often overcast by sudden clouds; and weighty -thoughts, ill assorting with soaring joylity, wrought sad endings to -merry beginnings. I restrained the expression of mine own sorrow at my -father's uncertain fate and Basil's absence, not to add to her -heaviness; but sometimes, whilst playing in some sort the fool to make -her smile, which smiles so well became her, a sharp aching of the -heart caused me to fail in the effort; which when she perceived, her -arm was straightway thrown round my neck, and she would speak in this -wise: - -"O sweet jester! poor dissembler! the heart will have its say, albeit -not aided by the utterance of the tongue. Believe me, good Constance, -I am not unmindful of thy griefs, albeit somewhat silent concerning -them, as also mine own; for that I eschew melancholy themes, having a -well-spring of sorrow in my bosom which doth too readily overflow if -the sluices be once opened." - -Thus spake this sweet lady; but her unconscious tongue, following the -current of her thoughts more frequently than she did credit, dwelt on -the theme of her absent husband; and on whichever subject talk was -ministered between us, she was ingenious to procure it should end with -some reference to this worshipped object. But verily, I never -perceived her to express, in speaking of that then unworthy husband, -but what, if he had been present, must needs have moved him to regret -his negligent usage of an incomparable, loving, and virtuous wife, -than to any resentment of her complaints, which were rather of others -who diverted his affections from her than of him, the prime cause of -her grief. One day that we walked in the pleasaunce, she led the way -to a seat which she said during her lord's last visit he had commended -for the fair prospect it did command, and said it should be called "My -Lady's Arbor." - -"He sent for the head-gardener," quoth she, "and charged him to plant -about it so many sweet flowers and gay shrubs as should make it in -time a most dainty bower fit for a queen. These last words did, I -ween, unwittingly escape his lips, and, I fear me, I was too shrewish; -for I exclaimed, 'O no, my lord; I pray you let it rather be -_un_fitted for a queen, if so be you would have me to enjoy it!' He -made no answer, and his countenance was overcast and sad when he -returned to the house. I misdoubted my hasty speech had angered him; -but when his horse came to the door for to carry him away to London -and the court, he said very kindly, as he embraced me, 'Farewell, dear -heart! mine own good Nan!' and in a letter he since wrote he inquired -if his orders had been obeyed touching his sweet countess's -pleasure-house." - - -I always noticed Lady Surrey to be very eager for the coming of the -messenger which brought letters from London mostly twice in the week, -and that in the untying of the strings which bound them her hand -trembled so much that she often said, "Prithee, Constance, cut this -knot. My fingers be so cold I have not so much patience as should -serve to the undoing thereof." - -One morning I perceived she was more sad than usual after the coming -of this messenger. The cloud on her countenance chased away the joy I -had at a letter from Basil, which was written from Paris, and wherein -he said he had sent to Rheims for to inquire if my father was yet -there, for in that case he should not so much fail in his duty as to -omit seeking to see him; and so get at once, he trusted, a father and -a priest's blessing." - -"What ails you, sweet lady?" I asked, seeing her lips quiver and her -eyes to fill with tears. - -"Nothing should ail me," she answered more bitterly than was her wont. -"It should be, methinks, the part of a wife to rejoice in her -husband's good fortune; and here is one that doth write to me that my -lord's favor with the queen is so great that nothing greater can be -thought of: so that some do say, if he was not married he would be -like to mount, not only to the steps, but on to the throne itself. -Here should be grand news for to rejoice the heart of the Countess of -Surrey. Prithee, good wench, why dost thou not wish thy poor friend -joy?" - -I felt so much choler that any one should write to my lady in this -fashion, barbing with cruel malice, or leastways careless lack of -thought, this wanton arrow, that I exclaimed in a passion it should be -a villain had thus written. She smiled in a sad manner and answered: - -"Alas, an innocent villain I warrant the writer to be, for the letter -is from my Bess, who has heard others speak of that which she doth -unwittingly repeat, thinking it should be an honor to my lord, and to -me also, that he should be spoken of in this wise. But content thee; -'tis no great matter to hear that said again which I have had hints of -before, and am like to hear more of it, maybe." - -Then hastily rising, she prepared to go abroad; and we went to a lodge -in the park, wherein she harbored a great store of poor children which -lacked their parents; and then to a barn she had fitted up for to -afford a night's lodging to travellers; and to tend sick -people--albeit, saving herself, she had no one in her household at -that time one half so skilful in this way as my Lady l'Estrange. I -ween this was the sole place wherein her thoughts were so much -occupied that she did for a while forget her own troubles in curing -those of others. A woman had stopped there the past night, who, when -we went in, craved assistance from her for to carry her to her native -village, which was some fifteen miles north of Norwich. She was -afraid, she said, for to go into the town; for nowadays to be poor was -to be a wicked person in men's eyes; and a traveller without money was -like to be whipt and put into the stocks for a vagabond, which she -should die of if it should happen to her, who had been in the service -of a countess, and had not thought to see herself in such straits, -which she should never have been reduced to if her good lady had not -been foully dealt with. Lady Surrey, wishing, I ween, by some sort of -examination, to detect the truth of her words, inquired in whose -service she had lived. - -"Madam," she answered, "I was kitchen maid in the Countess of -Leicester's house, and never left her service till she was murthered -some years back by a black villain in her household, moved by a -villain yet more black than himself." - -"Murthered!" my lady exclaimed. "It was bruited at the time that lady -had died of a fall." - -"Ay, marry," quoth the beggar, shaking her head, "I warrant you, -ladies, that fall was compassed by more hands than two, and more minds -than one. But it be not safe for to say so; as Mark Hewitt could -witness if he was not dead, who was my sweetheart and a scullion at -Cumnor Place, and was poisoned in prison for that he offered to give -evidence touching his lady's death which would have hanged some which -deserved it better than he did--albeit he had helped to rob a coach in -Wales after he had been discharged, as we all were, from the old -place. Oh, if folks dared to tell all they do know, some which ride at -the queen's side should swing on a gibbet before this day -twelvemonth." - -Lady Surrey sat down by this woman; and albeit I pulled her by the -sleeve and whispered in her ear to come away--for methought her talk -was not fitting for her to hear, whose mind ran too much already on -melancholy themes--she would not go, and questioned this person very -much touching the manner of Lady Leicester's life, and what was -reported concerning her death. This recital was given in a homely but -withal moving manner, which lent a greater horror to it than more -studied language should have done. She said her lady bad been ill some -time and never left her room; but that one day, when one of her lord's -gentlemen had come from London, and had been examining of the house -with the steward for to order some repairing of the old walls and -staircases, and the mason had been sent for also late in the evening, -a so horrible shriek was heard from the part of the house wherein the -countess's chamber was, that it frighted every person in the place, so -that they did almost lose their senses; but that she herself had run -to the passage on which the lady's bed-chamber did open, and saw some -planking removed, and many feet below the body of the countess lying -quite still, and by the appearance of her face perceived her to be -gone. And when the steward came to look also (this the woman said, -lowering her voice, with her hollow eyes fixed on Lady Surrey's -countenance, which did express fear and sorrow), "I'll warrant you, my -lady, he did wear a murtherer's visage, and I noticed that the corpse -bled at his approach. But methinketh if that earl which rides by the -queen's side, and treads the world under his feet, had then been nigh, -the mangled form should have raised itself and the cold dead lips -cried out, 'Thou art the man!' Marry, when poor folks do steal a -horse, or a sheep, or shoot the fallow-deer in a nobleman's park, they -straightway do suffer and lose their life; but if a lord which is a -courtier shall one day choose to put his wife out of his way for the -bettering of his fortunes, even though it be by a foul murther, no -more ado is made than if he had shot a pigeon in his woods." - -Then changing her theme, she asked Lady Surrey to dress a wound in her -leg, for that she did hear from some in that place that she often did -use such kindness toward poor people. Without such assistance, she -said, to walk the next day would be very painful. My lady straightway -began to loosen the bandages which covered the sore, and inquired how -long a time it should be since it had been dressed. - -"Four days ago," the beggar answered, "Lady l'Estrange had done her so -much good as to salve the wound with a rare ointment which had greatly -assuaged the pain, until much walking had inflamed it anew." - -We both did smile; and my lady said she feared to show herself less -skilful than her old pupil; but if the beggar should be credited, she -did acquit herself indifferently well of her charitable task; and the -bounty she bestowed upon her afterward, I doubt not, did increase her -patient's esteem of her ability. But I did often wish that evening my -lady had not heard this woman's tale, for I perceived her to harp upon -it with a very notable persistency; and when I urged no credit should -attach itself to her report, and it was most like to be untrue, -she affirmed that some similar surmises had been spoken of at the time -of Lady Leicester's death; and that Lord Sussex and Lord Arundel had -once mentioned, in her hearing, that the gypsy was infamed for his -wife's death, albeit never openly accused thereof. She had not taken -much heed of their discourse at the time, she said; but now it came -back into her mind with a singular distinctness, and it was passing -strange she should have heard from an eye-witness the details of this -tragedy. She should, she thought, write to her husband what the woman -had related; and then she changed her mind, and said she would not. - -All my pleadings to her that she should think no more thereon were -vain. She endeavored to speak of other subjects, but still this one -was uppermost in her thoughts. Once, in the midst of an argument -touching the uses of pageants, which she maintained to be folly and -idle waste, but which I defended, for that they sometimes served to -exercise the wit and memory of such as contrive them, carrying on the -dispute in a lively fashion, hoping thus to divert her mind, she broke -forth in these exclamations: "Oh, what baneful influences do exist in -courts, when men, themselves honorable, abhor not to company with such -as be accused of foul crimes never disproved, and if they will only -stretch forth their blood-stained hands to help them to rise, disdain -not to clasp them!" - -Then later, when I had persuaded her to play on the guitar, which she -did excellently well, she stopped before the air was ended to ask if I -did know if Lady Leicester was a fair woman, and if her husband was at -any time enamored of her. And when I was unable to resolve these -questions, she must needs begin to argue if it should be worse never -to be loved, or else to lose a husband's affection; and then asked me, -if Basil should alter in his liking of me, which she did not hold to -be possible, except that men be so wayward and inconstant that the -best do sometimes change, if I should still be glad he had once loved -me. - -"If he did so much alter," I answered, "as no longer to care for me, -methinks I should at once cast him out of my heart; for then it would -not have been Basil, but a fancied being coined by mine own -imaginings, I should have doted on." - -"Tut, tut!" she cried; "thou art too proud. If thou dost speak truly, -I misdoubt that to be love which could so easily discard its object." - -"For my part," I replied, somewhat nettled, "I think the highest sort -of passion should be above suspecting change in him which doth inspire -it, or resenting a change which should procure it freedom from an -unworthy thrall." - -"I ween," she answered, "we do somewhat misconceive each one the -other's meaning; and moreover, no parallel can exist between a wife's -affection and a maiden's liking." Then she said she hoped the poor -woman would stay another day, so that she might speak with her again; -for she would fain learn from her what was Lady Leicester's behavior -during her sorrowful years, and the temper of her mind before her so -sudden death. - -"Indeed, dear lady," I urged, "what likelihood should there be that a -serving-wench in her kitchen should be acquainted with a noble lady's -thoughts?" - -"I pray God," my lady said, "our meanest servants do not read in our -countenance, yea in the manner of our common and indifferent actions, -the motions of our souls when we be in such trouble as should only be -known to God and one true friend." - -Lady Surrey sent in the morning for to inquire if the beggar was gone. -To my no small content she had departed before break of day. Some days -afterward a messenger from London brought to my lady, from Arundel -House, a letter from my Lady Lumley, wherein she urged her to -repair instantly to London, for that the earl, her grandfather, was -very grievously sick, and desired for to see her. My lady resolved to -go that very day, and straightway gave orders touching the manner of -her journey, and desired her coach to be made ready. She proposed that -the while she was absent I should pay a visit to Lady l'Estrange, -which I had promised for to do before I left Norfolkshire; "and then," -quoth my lady, "if my good Lord Arundel doth improve in his health, so -that nothing shall detain me at London, I will return to my -banishment, wherein my best comfort shall ever be thy company, good -Constance. But if peradventure my lord should will me to stay with -him" (oh, how her eyes did brighten! and the fluttering of her heart -could be perceived in her quick speech and the heaving of her bosom as -she said these words), "I will then send one of my gentlewomen to -fetch thee from Lynn Court to London; and if that should happen, why -methinks our meeting may prove more merry than our parting." - -She then dispatched a messenger on horseback to Sir Hammond -l'Estrange's house, which did return in some hours with a very -obliging answer; for his lady did write that she almost hoped my Lady -Surrey would be detained in London, if so be it would not discontent -her, and so she should herself have the pleasure of my company for a -longer time, which was what she greatly desired. - -For some miles, when she started, I rode with my lady in her coach, -and then mounted on a horse she had provided for my commodity, and, -accompanied by two persons of her household, went to Sir Hammond -l'Estrange's seat. It stood in a bleak country without scarce so much -as one tree in its neighborhood, but a store of purple heath, then in -flower, surrounding it on all sides. As we approached unto it, I for -the first time beheld the sea. The heath had minded me of Cannock -Chase and my childhood. I ween not what the sea caused me to think of; -only I know that the waves which I heard break on the shore had, to my -thinking, a wonderful music, so exceeding sweet and pleasant to mine -ears that one only sound of it were able to bring, so it did seem to -me, all the hearts of this world asleep. Yet although I listed -thereunto with a quiet joy, and mine eyes rested on those vasty depths -with so much contentment, as if perceiving therein some image of the -eternity which doth await us, the words which rose in my mind, and -which methinks my lips also framed, were these of Holy Writ: "Great as -the sea is thy destruction." If it be not that some good angel -whispered them in mine ear for to temper, by a sort of forecasting of -what was soon to follow, present gladness, I know not what should have -caused so great a dissimilarity between my then thinking and the words -I did unwittingly utter. - -Lady l'Estrange met me on the steps of her house, which was small, but -such as became a gentleman of good fortune, and lacking none of the -commodities habitual to such country habitations. The garden at the -back of it was a true labyrinth of sweets; and an orchard on one side -of it, and a wood of fir-trees beyond the wall, shielded the shrubs -which grew therein from the wild sea-blasts. Milicent was delighted -for to show me every part of this her home. The bettering of her -fortunes had not wrought any change in the gentle humility of this -young lady. The attractive sweetness of her manner was the same, -albeit mistress of a house of her own. She set no greater store on -herself than she had done at the Charter-house, and paid her husband -as much respect and timid obedience as she had ever done her mistress. -Verily, in his presence I soon perceived she scarce held her soul to -be her own; but studied his looks with so much diligence, and framed -each word she uttered to his liking with so much ingenuity, that -I marvelled at the wit she showed therein, which was not very apparent -in other ways. He was a tall man, of haughty carriage and -well-proportioned features. His eyes were large and gray; his nose of -a hawkish shape; his lips very thin. I never in any face did notice -the signs of so set a purpose or such unyielding lineaments as in this -gentleman. Milicent told me he was pious, liberal, an active -magistrate, and an exceeding obliging and indulgent husband; but -methought her testimony on this score carried no great weight with it, -for that her meekness would read the most ordinary kindnesses as rare -instances of goodness. She seemed very contented with her lot; and I -heard from Lady Surrey's waiting-maid (which she had sent with me from -Kenninghall) that all the servants in her house esteemed her to be a -most virtuous and patient lady; and so charitable, that all who knew -her experience her bounty. On the next day she showed me her garden, -her dairy, poultry-yard, and store-room; and also the closet where she -kept the salves and ointments for the dressing of wounds, which she -said she was every morning employed in for several hours. I said, if -she would permit me, I would try to learn this art under her -direction, for that nothing could be thought of more useful for such -as lived in the country, where such assistance was often needed. Then -she asked me if I was like to live in the country, which, from my -words, she hoped should be the case; and I told her, if it pleased -God, in one year I would be married to Mr. Rookwood, of Euston Hall; -which she was greatly rejoiced to learn. - -Then, as we walked under the trees, talk ensued between us touching -former days at the Charter-house; and when the sun was setting amidst -gold and purple clouds, and the wind blew freshly from the sea, whilst -the barking of Sir Hammond's dogs, and the report of his gun as he -discharged it behind the house, minded me more than ever of old -country scenes in past time, my thoughts drew also future pictures of -what mine own home should be, and the joy with which I should meet -Basil, when he returned from the field-sports in which he did so much -delight. And a year seemed a long time to wait for so much happiness -as I foresaw should be ours when we were once married. "If Lady -l'Estrange is so contented," I thought, "whose husband is somewhat -churlish and stem, if his countenance and the reports of his neighbors -are to be credited, how much enjoyment in her home shall be the -portion of my dear Basil's wife! than which a more sweet-tempered -gentleman cannot be seen, nor one endued with more admirable qualities -of all sorts, not to speak of youth and beauty, which are perishable -advantages, but not without attractiveness." - -Mrs. l'Estrange, an unmarried sister of Sir Hammond, lived in the -house, and some neighbors which had been shooting with him came to -supper. The table was set with an abundance of good cheer; and -Milicent sat at the head of it, and used a sweet cordiality toward all -her guests, so that every one should seem welcome to her hospitality; -but I detected looks of apprehension in her face, coupled with hasty -glances toward her husband, if any one did bring forward subjects of -discourse which Sir Hammond had not first broached, or did appear in -any way to differ with him in what he himself advanced. Once when Lord -Burleigh was mentioned, one of the gentleman said somewhat in -disparagement of this nobleman, as if he should have been to blame in -some of his dealings with the parliament, which brought a dark cloud -on Sir Hammond's brow. Upon which Milicent, the color coming into her -cheeks, and her voice trembling a little, as she seemed to cast about -her for some subject which should turn the current of this talk, began -to tell what a store of patients she had seen that day, and to -describe them, as if seeking to stop the mouths of the disputants. -"One," quoth she, "hath been three times to me this week to have his -hands dressed, and I be verily in doubt what his station should be. He -hath a notable appearance of good breeding, albeit but poorly -apparelled, and his behavior and discourse should show him to be a -gentleman. The wounds of his hands were so grievously galled for want -of proper dressing, when he first came, I feared they should mortify, -and the curing of them to exceed my poor skill. The skin was rubbed -off the whole palms, as if scraped off by handling of ropes. A more -courageous patient could not be met with. Methought the dressing -should have been very painful, but he never so much as once did wince -under it. He is somewhat reserved in giving an account of the manner -in which he came by those wounds, and answered jestingly when I -inquired thereof. But to-morrow I will hear more on it, for I charged -him to come for one more dressing of his poor hands." - -"Where doth this fellow lodge?" Sir Hammond asked across the table in -a quick eager manner. - -"At Master Rugeley's house, I have heard," quoth his wife. - -Then his fist fell on the table so that it shook. - -"A lewd recusant, by God!" he cried. "I'll be sworn this is the popish -priest escaped out of Wisbeach, for whom I have this day received -orders to make diligent search. Ah, ah! my lady hath trapped the -Jesuit fox." - -I looked at Milicent, and she at me. O my God, what looks those were! - - -CHAPTER XV. - -Then methought was witnessed (I speak of the time when Sir Hammond -l'Estrange made the savage speech which caused his lady and me to -exchange affrighted looks) a rare instance of the true womanly courage -which doth sometimes lie at the core of a timid heart. The meek wife, -which dared not so much as to lift up her eyes to her lord if he did -only frown, or to oppose his will in any trifling matter; whose color -I had seen fly from her cheek if he raised his voice, albeit not in -anger against herself, now in the presence of those at table, with a -face as pale as ashes, but a steady voice, and eyes fixed on him, thus -addressed her husband: - -"Sir, since we married I have never opposed your will, or in anything -I wot of offended you, or ever would if I could help it. Do not, -therefore, displeasure me so much, I beseech you, in this grave -instance, as to make me an instrument in the capture. And God knoweth -what should follow of one which came to me for help, and to whom the -service I rendered him would prove the means of his ruin if you -persist therein." - -"Go to, madam, go to," cries Sir Hammond; "your business doth lie with -poor people, mine with criminals. Go your way, and intrude not -yourself in weightier matters than belong to your sex." - -"Sir," she answers, braving his frowning looks, albeit her limbs began -to tremble, "I humbly crave your patience; but I will not leave you, -neither desist from my suit, except thereunto compelled by force. I -would to God my tongue had been plucked out rather than that it should -utter words which should betray to prison, yea, perhaps to death, the -poor man whose wounds I tended." - -The cloud on Sir Hammond's brow waxed darker as she spoke. He glanced -at me, and methinks perceived my countenance to be as much disturbed -as his lady's. A sudden thought, I ween, then passed through his mind; -and with a terrible oath he swore that he misliked this strenuous -urging in favor of a vile popish priest, and yet more the manner of -this intercession. - -"Heaven shield, madam," he cried, "you have not companied with -recusants so as to become infected with a lack of zeal for the -Protestant religion!" - -The color returned for a moment to Lady l'Estrange's cheeks as she -answered: - -"Sir, I have never, from the time my mother did teach me my prayers, -been of any other way of thinking than that wherein she then -instructed me, or so much as allowed myself one thought contrary to -true Protestant religion; or ever lent an ear, and with God's help -never will, to what papists do advance; but nevertheless, if this -priest do fall into any grievous trouble through my speeches, I shall -be a most unhappy woman all my life." - -And then the poor soul, rising from her seat, went round to her -husband's side, and, kneeling, sought to take his hands, beseeching -him in such moving and piteous terms to change his purpose as I could -see did visibly affect some present. But I also noticed in Sir -Hammond's face so resolved an intent as if nothing in earth or heaven -should alter it. A drowning wretch would as soon have moved a -rock to advance toward him as she succeeded in swerving his will by -her entreaties. - -A sudden thought inspired me to approach her where she had sunk down -on her knees at her husband's feet, he seeking angrily to push her -away. I took her by the hand and said: - -"I pray you, dear lady, come with me. These be indeed matters wherein, -as Sir Hammond saith, women's words do not avail." - -Both looked at me surprised; and she, loosing her hold of him, -suffered me to lead her away. We went into the parlor, Mrs. l'Estrange -following us. But as I did try to whisper in her ear that I desired to -speak with her alone, the bell in the dining-room began to ring -violently; upon which she shuddered and cried out: - -"Let me go back to him, Mistress Sherwood. I'll warrant you he is -about to send for the constables; but beshrew me if I die not first at -his feet; for if this man should be hung, peace will be a stranger to -me all my life." - -Mistress l'Estrange essayed to comfort her; but failing therein, said -she was very foolish to be so discomposed at what was no fault of -hers, and she should think no more thereon, for in her condition to -fret should be dangerous; and if people would be priests and papists -none could help if they should suffer for it. And then she left the -parlor somewhat ruffled, like good people sometimes feel when they -perceive their words to have no effect. When we were alone, "Lady -l'Estrange," I said, "where is Master Rugeley's house?" - -"One mile, or thereabouts, across the heath," she answered. - -"And the way to it direct?" I asked. - -"Yea, by the footpath," she replied; "but much longer by the high -road." - -I went to the window and opened the shutter and the lattice also. The -moon was shining very brightly. - -"Is it that cottage near to the wood?" I inquired, pointing to a -thatched roof nigh unto the darksome line of trees against the sky. - -"Yea," she answered, "how near it doth seem seen in this light! -Constance, what think you to do?" she exclaimed, when I went to her -cupboard and took out the keys she had showed me that morning opened -the doors of the kitchen garden and the orchard. - -"Did you not say," I answered, "that the gentleman now in so great -peril did lodge with Master Rugeley?" - -"Would you go there?" she said, looking aghast. "Not alone; you durst -not do it!" - -"Twenty times over," I answered, "for to save a man's life, and he--he -a--" But there I stopped; for it was her fellow-creature she desired -to save. Her heart bled not like mine for the flock which should be -left without a shepherd; and albeit our fears were the same, we felt -not alike. I went into the hall, and she pursued me--one-half striving -to stay me from my purpose, one-half urging me to fulfil it; yet -retracting her words as soon as uttered. - -"When I issue from the door of the orchard unto the heath," I said, -the while wrapping round me a cloak with a hood to it, "and pursue the -path in front, by what token may I find Master Rugeley's house if the -moon should be obscured?" - -"Where two roads do meet," she said, "at the edge of the heath, a tall -oak doth stand near to a gate; a few steps to the right should then -lead to it. But verily, Mistress Constance, I be frightened to let you -go; and oh, I do fear my husbands's anger." - -"Would you, then, have a man die by your means?" I asked, thinking for -to cure one terror by another, as indeed it did; for she cried, - -"Nay, I will speed you on your way, good Constance; and show so brave -a face during your absence as God shall help me to do; yea, and open -the door for you myself, if my husband should kill me for it!" - - -Then she took the keys in her hand, and glided like unto a pale ghost -before me through the passage into the hall, so noiselessly that I -should have doubted if aught of flesh and blood could have moved so -lightly, and undid the bars of the back door without so much as a -sound. Then she would fetch some thick shoes for me to wear, which I -did entreat her not to stay me for; but nothing else would content the -poor soul, and, as she had the keys in her hand, I was forced to wait -her return with so much impatience as may be guessed. I heard the -voices of the gentlemen still carousing after supper; and then a -servant's below in the hall, who said the constables had been sent -for, and a warrant issued for the apprehension of a black papist at -Master Rugeley's. Then Milicent returned, and whilst I put on the -shoes she had brought, and she was tying with trembling fingers the -hood of my cloak, the rustling of Mrs. l'Estrange's silk gown was -heard on the stair above our heads, from whence we were like to be -seen; and, fear awakening contrivance, I said aloud, - -"Oh, what a rare pastime it should be to dress as a ghost, and -frighten the good lady your sister-in-law! I pray you get me some -white powder to pale my face. Methinks we need some kind of sport to -drive away too much thinking on that dismal business in hand." - -The steps over our head sounded more hurried, and we heard the door of -the parlor close with a bang, and the lattice also violently shut. - -"Now," I whispered, "give me the keys, good Lady l'Estrange, and go to -your sister yourself. Say I was ashamed to have been overheard to plan -so rank a piece of folly (and verily you will be speaking no other -than the truth), and that you expect I shall not so much as show my -face in the parlor this evening; and lock also my chamber-door, that -none may for a surety know me for to be absent." - -"Yea," answered the poor lady, with so deep a sigh as seemed to rend -her heart; "but, God forgive me, I never did think to hide anything -from my husband! And who shall tell me if I be doing right or wrong?" - -I could not stay, though I grieved for her; and the sound of her voice -haunted me as I went through the garden, and then the orchard, unto -the common, locking the doors behind me. When this was done, I did -breathe somewhat more freely, and began to run along the straight path -amidst the heath. I wot not if my speed was great--the time seemed -long; yet methinks I did not slacken my pace once, but rather -increased it, till, perceiving the oak, and near it the gate Lady -l'Estrange had mentioned, I stopped to consider where to turn; and -after I had walked a little to the right I saw a cottage and a light -gleaming inside. Then my heart beat very fast; and when I knocked at -the door I felt scarce able to stand. I did so three times, and no -answer came. Then I cried as loudly as I could, "Master Rugeley, I -beseech you open the door." I heard some one stirring within, but no -one came. Then I again cried out, "Oh, for our Blessed Lady's sake, -some one come." At last the lattice opened, and a man's head appeared. - -"Who are you?" he said, in a low voice. - -"A friend," I answered, in a whisper; "a Catholic. Are yon Master -Rugeley?" - -"Yea," he answered. - -"Oh, then, if Mr. Tunstall is here, hide him quickly, or send him -away. I am a friend of Lady l'Estrange's and staying in her house. Sir -Hammond hath received tidings that a priest is in this neighborhood, -and a warrant is issued for to apprehend him. His lady unwittingly, -and sorely troubled she is thereat, showed by her speeches touching -your guest, that he is like to be Mr. Tunstall; and the constables -will soon be here." - -"Thank you," he replied whom I was addressing; "but Mr. Tunstall is -not the name of my friend." - -Then I feared he did take me for a spy, and I cried out, greatly -moved, "As I do hope to go to heaven one day, and not to hell, -Master Rugeley, I speak the truth, and my warning is an urgent one." - -Then I heard some one within the house, who said, "Open the door, -Master Rugeley. I should know that voice. Let the speaker in." - -Methought I, too, knew the voice of the person who thus spoke. The -door was opened, and I entered a room dimly lighted by one candle. - -"Oh, for God's sake," I cried, "if a priest is here, hide him -forthwith." - -"Are you a Catholic, my child?" - -I looked up to the person who put this question to me, and gave a -sudden cry, I know not whether of terror or joy; for great as was the -change which the lapse of years, and great inward and outward changes, -had wrought in his aspect, I saw it was my father. - -"I am Constance," I cried; "Constance Sherwood! Oh, my dear father!" -and then fell at his feet weeping. - -After an instant's, astonishment and fixed gazing on my face, he -recognized me, who was, I doubt not, more changed than himself, and -received me with a great paternal kindness and the tenderest greeting -imaginable, yet tempered with reserve and so much of restraint as -should befit one who, for Christ's sake, had dissevered himself from -the joys, albeit not from the affections, of the natural heart. - -"Oh, my good child, my own dear Constance," he said; "hath God in his -bounty given thy poor father a miraculous sight of thee before his -death, or art thou come verily in flesh and blood to warn him of his -danger?" - -"My dear and honored father," I replied, "time presses; peril is -indeed at hand, if you and Mr. Tunstall are the same person." - -"The wounds in my hands," he answered, "must prove me such, albeit now -healed by the care of that good Samaritan, Lady l'Estrange. But -prithee, my good child, whence comest thou?" - -"Alas!" I said; "and yet not alas, if God should be so good to me as -by my means to save you, I am Sir Hammond's guest, being a friend of -his lady's. I came there yesterday." - -"Oh, my good child, I thought not to have seen thee in these thy -grown-up years. Master Rugeley," he added, turning to his host, "this -is the little girl I forsook four years ago, for to obtain the -hundredfold our Lord doth promise." - -"My very dear father," I said, "joy is swallowed up in fear. God help -me, I came to warn a stranger (if so be any priest in these times -should be a stranger to a Catholic), and I find you." - -"Oh, but I am mightfully pleased," quoth he, "to see thee, my child, -even in this wise, and to hear thee speak like a true daughter of Holy -Church. And Lady l'Estrange is then thy friend?" - -"Yea, my dear father; but for God and our lady's sake hide yourself. I -warrant yon the constables may soon be here. Master Rugeley, where can -he be concealed, or whither fly, and I with him?" - -"Nay, prithee not so fast," quoth he. "Flight would be useless; and in -the matter of hiding, one should be more easily concealed than two; -beside that, the hollow of a tree, which Master Rugeley will, I ween, -appoint me for a bed-chamber to-night, should hardly lodge us both -with comfort." - -"Oh, sir," said Rugeley, "do not tarry." - -"For thy sake, no; not for more than one minute, Thomas; but ere I -part from this wench, two questions I must needs ask her." - -Then he drew me aside and inquired what facilities I continued to have -in London for the exercise of Catholic religion, and if I was punctual -in the discharge of my spiritual duties. When I had satisfied him -thereon, he asked if the report was true which he heard from a -prisoner for recusancy in Wisbeach Castle, concerning my troth-plight -with Mr. Rookwood. - -"Yea," I said, "it is true, if so be you now do add your consent to -it." - - -He answered he should do so with all his heart, for he knew him to be -a good Catholic and a virtuous gentleman; and as we might lack the -opportunity to receive his blessing later, he should now give it unto -me for both his most dear children. Which he did, laying his hand on -my head with many fervent benisons, couched in such words as these, -that he prayed for us to be stayed up with the shore of God's grace in -this world; and after this transitory life should end, to ascend to -him, and appear pure and unspotted before his glorious seat. Then he -asked me if it was Lady l'Estrange who had detected him; whereupon I -briefly related to him what had occurred, and how sore her grief was -therein. - -"God bless her," he answered; "and tell her I do thank her and pray -for her with all mime heart." - -And more he would have added, but Master Rugeley opened the door -impatiently. So, after kissing once more my father's hand, I went -away, compelled thereunto by fears for his safety, if he should not at -once conceal himself. - -Looking back, I saw him and his guide disappear in the thicket, and -then, as I walked on toward Lynn Court, it did almost seem to me as if -the whole of that brief but pregnant interview should have been a -dream; nor could I verily persuade myself that it was not a half -habitant of another world I had seen and spoken with rather than mine -own father; and in first thinking on it I scarcely did fully apprehend -the danger he was in, so as to feel as much pain as I did later, when -the joy and astonishment of that unexpected meeting had given way to -terrifying thoughts. Ever and anon I turned round to gaze on the dark -wood wherein his hopes of safety did lie, and once I knelt down on the -roadside to pray that the night should be also dark and shield his -escape. But still the sense of fear was dulled, and woke not until the -sound of horses' feet on the road struck on my ear, and I saw a party -of men riding across the common. The light in the cottage was -extinguished, but the cruel moon shone out then more brightly than -heretofore. Now I felt so sick and faint that I feared to sink down on -the path, and hurried through the orchard-door and the garden to the -house. When I had unlocked the back door and stood in the hall where a -lately kindled fire made a ruddy light to glow, I tried again to think -I had been dreaming, like one in a nightmare strives to shake off an -oppressive fancy. I could not remain alone, and composed my -countenance for to enter the parlor, when the door thereof opened and -Mrs. l'Estrange came out, who, when she perceived me standing before -her, gave a start, but recovering herself, said, good-naturedly: - -"Marry, if this be not the ghost we have been looking for; now -ashamed, I ween, to show itself. I hope, Mistress Sherwood, you do not -haunt quiet folks in their beds at night; for I do, I warn you, -mislike living ghosts, and should be disposed to throw a jug of water -at the head of such a one." And laughing, she took my hand in a kind -manner, which when she did, almost a cry broke from her: "How now, -Milicent! she is as cold as a stone figure. Where has she been -chilling herself?" - -Milicent pressed forward and led me to my chamber, wherein a fire had -been lighted, and would make me drink a hot posset. But when I thought -of the cold hollow of a tree wherein my father was enclosed, if it -pleased God no worse mishap had befallen him, little of it could I -force myself to swallow, for now tears had come to my relief, and -concealing my face in the pillow of the bed whereon for weariness I -had stretched myself, I wept very bitterly. - -"Is that poor man gone from Rugeley's house?" Milicent whispered. - -Alas! she knew not who that poor man was to me, nor with what anguish -I answered: "He is not in the cottage, I hope; but God only -knoweth if his pursuers shall not discover him." The thought of what -would then follow overcame me, and I hid my face with mine hands. - -"Oh, Constance," she exclaimed, "was this poor man known to thee, that -thy grief is so great, whose conscience doth not reproach thee as mine -doeth?" - -I held out my hand to her without unshading my face with the other, -and said: "Dear Milicent! thou shouldst not sorrow so mach for thine -own part in this sore trial. It was not thy fault. He said so. He -blest thee, and prays for thee." - -Uncomforted by my words, she cried again, what she had so often -exclaimed that night, "If this man should die, my happiness is over." - -Then once more she asked me if I know this priest, and I was froward -with her (God forgive me, for the suspense and fear overthrew better -feelings for a moment), and I cried, angrily, "Who saith he is a -priest? Who can prove it?" - -"Think you so?" she said joyfully; "then all should be right." - -And once more, with some misdoubting, I ween, that I concealed -somewhat from her, she inquired touching my knowledge of this -stranger. Then I spoke harshly, and bade her leave me, for I had -sorrow enough without her intermeddling with it; but then grieving for -her, and also afraid to be left alone, I denied my words, and prayed -her to stay, which she did, but did not speak much again. The silence -of the night seemed so deep as if the rustling of a leaf could be -noticed; only now and then the voices of the gentlemen below, and some -loud talking and laughter from some of them was discernible through -the closed doors. Once Lady l'Estrange said: "They be sitting up very -late; I suppose till the constables return. Oh, when will that be?" - -The great clock in the hall then struck twelve; and soon after, -starting up, I cried, "What should be that noise?" - -"I do hear nothing," she answered, trembling as a leaf. - -"Hush," I replied, and going to the window, opened the lattice. The -sound in the road on the other side of the house was now plain. On -that we looked on naught was to be seen save trees and grass, with the -ghastly moonlight shining on them. A loud opening and shutting of -doors and much stir now took place within the house, and, moved by the -same impulse, we both went out into the passage and half way down the -stairs. Milicent was first. Suddenly she turned round, and falling -down on her knees, with a stifled exclamation, she hid her face -against me, whisperings "He is taken!" - -We seemed both turned to stone. O ye which have gone through a like -trial, judge ye; and you who have never been in such straits, imagine -what a daughter should feel who, after long years' absence, beholdeth -a beloved father for one instant, and in the next, under the same roof -where she is a guest, sees him brought in a prisoner and in jeopardy -of his life. Every word which was uttered we could hear where we sat -crouching, fearful to advance--she not daring to look on the man she -had ruined, and I on the countenance of a dear parent, lest the sight -of me should distract him from his defence, if that could be called -such which he was called on to make. They asked him touching his name, -if it was Tunstall. He answered he was known by that name. Then -followed the murtherous question, if he was a Romish priest? To which -he at once assented. Then said Sir Hammond: - -"How did you presume, sir, to return into England contrary to the -laws?" - -"Sir," he answered, "as I was lawfully ordained a priest by a Catholic -bishop, by authority derived from the see of Rome" (one person here -exclaimed, "Oh, audacious papist! his tongue should be cat out;" -but Sir Hammond imposed silence), "so likewise," he continued, "am I -lawfully sent to preach the word of God, and to administer the -sacraments to my Catholic countrymen. As the mission of priests -lawfully ordained is from Christ, who did send his apostles even as -his Father sent him, I do humbly conceive no human laws can justly -hinder my return to England, or make it criminal; for this should be -to prefer the ordinances of man to the commands of the supreme -legislator, which is Christ himself." - -Loud murmurs were here raised by some present, which Sir Hammond again -silencing, he then inquired if he would take the oath of allegiance to -the queen? He answered (my straining ears taking note of every word he -uttered) that he would gladly pay most willing obedience to her -majesty in all civil matters; but the oath of allegiance, as it was -worded, he could not take, or hold her majesty to possess any -supremacy in spiritual matters. He was beginning to state the reasons -thereof, but was not suffered to proceed, for Sir Hammond, -interrupting him, said he was an escaped prisoner, and by his own -confession condemned, so he should straightway commit him to the gaol -in Norwich. Then I lost my senses almost, and seizing Lady -l'Estrange's arm, I cried, "Save him! he is mine own father, Mr. -Sherwood!" She uttered a sort of cry, and said, "Oh, I have feared -this, since I saw his face!" and running forward, I following her, -affrighted at what should happen, she called out, "It shall not be! He -shall not do it!" and with a face as white as any smock, runs to her -husband, and perceiving the constables to be putting chains on my -father's hands and feet, which I likewise beheld with what feelings -you who read this may think, she falls on her knees and gasps out -these words in such a mournful tone, that I shuddered to hear her, -"Oh, sir! if this man leaves this house a chained prisoner, I shall -never be the like of my-self again. There shall be no more joy for me -in life." And then faints right away, and Sir Hammond carries her in -his arms out of the hall. Mine eyes the while met my father's; who -smiled on me with kind cheer, but signed for me to keep away. I -stretched my arms toward him, and with his chained hand he contrived -yet once more for to bless me; then was hurried out of my sight. Far -more time than I ever did perceive or could remember the length of I -remained in that now deserted hall, motionless, alone, near to the -dying embers, the darkness still increasing, too much confused to -recall at once the comforts which sacred thoughts do yield in such -mishaps, only able to clasp my hand and utter broken sentences of -prayer, such as "God, ha' mercy on us," and the like; till about the -middle of the night, Sir Hammond comes down the stairs, with a lamp in -his hand, and a strange look in his face. - -"Mistress Sherwood," he says, "come to my lady. She is very ill, and -hath been in labor for some time. She doth nothing but call for you, -and rave about that accursed priest she will have it she hath -murthered. Come and feign to her he hath escaped." - -"O God!" I cried, "my words may fall on her ear, Sir Hammond, but my -face cannot deceive her." - -He looked at me amazed and angry. "What meaneth this passion of grief? -What is this old man to you, that his misfortune should thus disorder -you?" And as I could not stay my weeping, he asked in a scornful -manner, "Do papists so dote on their priests as to die of sorrow when -they get their deserts?" This insulting speech did so goad me, that, -unable to restrain myself, I exclaimed, "Sir Hammond, he whom you have -sent to a dungeon, and perhaps to death also (God pardon you for it!), -is my true father!--the best parent and the noblest gentleman that -ever breathed, which for many years I had not seen; and here under -your roof, myself your guest, I have beheld him loaded with -chains, and dared not to speak for fear to injure him yet further, -which I pray God I have not now done, moved thereunto by your cruel -scoffs." - -"Your father!" he said amazed; "Mr. Sherwood! These cursed feignings -do work strange mishaps. But he did own himself a priest." - -Before I had time to answer, a serving woman ran into the hall, crying -out, "Oh, sir, I pray you come to my lady. She is much worse; and the -nurse says, if her mind is not eased she is like to die before the -child is born." - -"Oh, Milicent! sweet Milicent!" I cried, wringing my hands; and when I -looked at that unhappy husband's face, anger vanished and pity took -its place. He turned to me with an imploring countenance as if he -should wish to say, "None but you can save her." I prayed to Our Lady, -who stood and fainted not beneath the Rood, to get me strength for to -do my part in that sick chamber whither I signed to him to lead the -way. "God will help me," I whispered in his ear, "to comfort her." - -"God bless you!" he answered in a hoarse voice, and opened the door of -the room in which his sweet lady was sitting in her bed, with a wild -look in her pale blue eyes, which seemed to start out of her head. - -"Sir," I heard her say, as he approached, "what hath befallen the poor -man you would not dismiss?" - -I took a light in my hand, so that she should see my face, and smiled -on her with such good cheer, as God in his mercy gave me strength to -do even amidst the two-fold anguish of that moment. Then she threw her -arms convulsively round my neck, and her pale lips gasped the same -question as before. I bent over her, and said, "Trouble yourself no -longer, dear lady, touching this prisoner. He is safe (in God's -keeping, I added, internally). He is where he is carefully tended (by -God's angels, I mentally subjoined); he hath no occasion to be afraid -(for God is his strength), and I warrant you is as peaceful as his -nearest friends should wish him to be." - -"Is this the truth?" she murmured in my ear. - -"Yea," I said, "the truth, the very truth," and kissed her flushed -cheek. Then feeing like to faint, I went away, Sir Hammond leading me -to my chamber, for I could scarce stand. - -"God bless you!" he again said, when he left me, and I think he was -weeping. - -I fell into a heavy, albeit troubled, sleep, and when I awoke it was -broad daylight. When the waiting-maid came in, she told me Lady -l'Estrange had been delivered of a dead child and Sir Hammond was -almost beside himself with grief. My lady's mind had wandered ever -since; but she was more tranquil than in the night. Soon after he sent -to ask if he could see me, and I went down to him into the parlor. A -more changed man, in a few hours, I ween, could not be seen, than this -poor gentleman. He spoke not of his lady; but briefly told me he had -sent in the night a messenger on horseback to Norwich, with a letter -to the governor of the gaol, praying him to show as much -consideration, and allow so much liberty as should consist with -prudence, to the prisoner in his custody, sent by him a few hours -before, for that he had discovered him not to be one of the common -sort, nor a lewd person, albeit by his own confession amenable to the -laws, and escaped from another prison. Then he added, that if I wished -to go to Norwich, and visit this prisoner, he would give me a letter -to the governor, and one to a lady, who would conveniently harbor me -for a while in that city, and his coach should take me there, or he -would lend me a horse and a servant to attend me. I answered, I should -be glad to go, and then said somewhat of his lady, hoping she should -now do well. He made no reply for a moment, and then only said, - -"God knoweth! she is not like herself at the present." - -The words she had so mournfully spoken the day before came into -my mind, "I shall never be like myself again, and there shall be no -more joy in this house." And, methinks, they did haunt him also. - -I sat for some time by her bedside that day. She seemed not ill at -ease, but there was something changed in her aspect, and her words -when she spoke had no sense or connection. And here I will set down, -before I relate the events which followed my brief sojourn under their -roof, what I have heard touching the sequel of Sir Hammond and his -wife's lives. - -In that perilous and sorely troubled childbirth understanding was -alienated, and the art of the best physicians in England could never -restore it. She was not frantic; but had such a pretty deliration, -that in her ravings there was oftentimes more attractiveness than in -many sane persons' conversation. They mostly ran on pious themes, and -she was wont to sing psalms, and talk of heaven, and that she hoped to -see God there; and in many things she showed her old ability, such as -fine embroidery and the making of preserves. One day her waiting-woman -asked her to dress a person's wounds, which did greatly need it, and -she set herself to do it in her accustomed manner; but at the sight of -the wounds, she was seized with convulsions, and became violently -delirious, so that Sir Hammond sharply reprehended the imprudent -attendant, and forbade the like to be ever proposed to her again. He -gave himself up to live retired with her, and ceased to be a -magistrate, nor ever, that I could hear of, took any part again in the -persecution of Catholics. The distemper which had estranged her mind -in all things else, had left her love and obedience entire to her -husband; and he entertained a more visible fondness, and evinced a -greater respect for her after she was distempered than he had ever -done in the early days of their marriage. Methinks, the gentleness of -her heart, and delicacy of her conscience, which till that misfortune -had never, I ween, been burdened by any, even the least, -self-reproach, and the lack of strength in her mind to endure an -unusual stress, made the stroke of that accidental harm done to -another through her means too heavy for her sufferance, and, as the -poet saith, unsettled reason on her throne. For mine own part, but let -others consider of it as they list, I think that had she been a -Catholic by early training and distinct belief, as verily I hope she -was in rightful intention, albeit unconsciously to herself (as I make -no doubt many are in these days, wherein persons are growing up with -no knowledge of religion except what Protestant parents do instill -into them), that she would have had a greater courage for to bear this -singular trial; which to a feeling natural heart did prove unbearable, -but which to one accustomed to look on suffering as not the greatest -of evils, and to hold such as are borne for conscience sake as great -and glorious, would not have been so overwhelming. But herein I write, -methinks, mine own condemnation, for that in the anguish of filial -grief I failed to point out to her during those cruel moments of -suspense that which in retrospection I do so clearly see. And so, may -God accept the blighting of her young life, and the many sufferings of -mine which I have still to record, as pawns of his intended mercies to -both her and to me in his everlasting kingdom! - -When I was about to set out for Norwich, late in the afternoon of that -same day, Sir Hammond's messenger returned from thence with a letter -from the governor of the gaol; wherein he wrote that the prisoner he -had sent the night before was to proceed to London in a few hours with -some other priests and recusants which the government had ordered to -be conveyed thither and committed to divers prisons. He added, that he -had complied with Sir Hammond's request, and shown so much favor to -Mr. Tunstall as to transfer him, as soon as he received his -letter, from the common dungeon to a private cell, and to allow him to -speak with another Catholic prisoner who had desired to see him. Upon -this I prayed Sir Hammond to forward me on my journey to London, as -now I desired nothing so much as to go there forthwith; which he did -with no small alacrity and good disposition. Then, with so much speed -as was possible, and so much suffering from the lapse of each hour -that it seemed to me the journey should never end, I proceeded to what -was now the object of my most impatient pinings--the place where I -should bear tidings of my father, and, if it should be possible, -minister assistance to him in his great straits. At last I reached -Holborn; and, to the no small amazement of my uncle, Mrs. Ward, and -Muriel, revealed to them who Mr. Tunstall was, whose arrival at the -prison of Bridewell Mrs. Ward had had notice of that morning, when she -had been to visit Mr. Watson, which she had contrived to do for some -time past in the manner I will soon relate. - -CHAPTER XVI. - -One of the first persons I saw in London was Hubert Rookwood, who, -when he heard (for being Basil's brother I would not conceal it from -him) that my father was in prison at Bridewell, expressed so much -concern therein and resentment of my grief, that I was thereby moved -to more kindly feelings toward him than I had of late entertained. He -said that in the houses of the law which he frequented he had made -friends which he hoped would intercede in his behalf, and therein -obtain, if not his release, yet so much alleviation of the hardships -of a common prison as should render his condition more tolerable, and -that he would lose no time in seeking to move them thereunto; but that -our chief hope would lie in Sir Francis Walsingham, who, albeit much -opposed to papists, had always showed himself willing to assist his -friends of that way of thinking, and often procured for them some -relief, which indeed none had more experienced than Mr. Congleton -himself. Hubert commended the secrecy which had been observed touching -my father's real name; for if he should be publicly known to be -possessed of lands and related to noble families, it should be harder -for any one to get him released than an obscure person; but -nevertheless he craved license to intimate so much of the truth to Sir -Francis as should appear convenient, for he had always observed that -gentlemen are more compassionate to those of their own rank than to -others of meaner birth. Mr. Congleton prayed him to use his own -discretion therein, and said he should acquaint no one himself of it -except his very good friend the Portuguese ambassador, who, if all -other resources failed, might yet obtain of the queen herself some -mitigation of his sentence. Thereupon followed some days of weary -watching and waiting, in which my only comfort was Mistress Ward, who, -by means of the gaoler's wife, who had obliged her in the like manner -before, did get access from time to time to Mr. Watson, and brought -him necessaries. From him she discovered that the prisoner in the -nearest cell to his own was the so-called Mr. Tunstall, and that by -knocks against the wall, ingeniously numbered so as to express the -letters of the alphabet, as one for _a_, two for _b_, and so to the -end thereof, they did communicate. So she straightway began to -practice this management; but time allowed not of many speeches to -pass between them. Yet in this way he sent me his blessing, and that -he was of very good cheer; but that none should try for to visit him, -for he had only one fear, which was to bring others into trouble; and, -for himself, he was much beholden to her majesty, which had provided -him with a quiet lodging and time to look to his soul's welfare; -which evidence of his cheerful and pious spirit comforted me not a -little. Then that dear friend which had brought me this good comfort -spoke of Mr. Watson, and said she desired to procure his escape from -prison more than that of any other person in the same plight, not -excepting my father. "For, good Constance," quoth she, "when a man is -blest with a stout heart and cheerful mind, except it be for the sake -of others, I pray you what kind of service do you think we render him -by delaying the victory he is about to gain, and peradventure -depriving him of the long-desired crown of martyrdom? But this good -Mr. Watson, who as you well know was a zealous priest and pious -missioner, nevertheless, some time after his apprehension and -confinement in Bridewell, by force of torments and other miseries of -that place, was prevailed upon to deny his faith so far as to go once -to the Protestant service--not dragged there by force as some have -been, but compelled thereunto by fear of intolerable sufferings, and -was then set at liberty. But the poor man did not thus better his -condition; for the torments of his mind, looking on himself as an -apostate and traitor to the Church, he found to be more insupportable -than any sufferings his gaolers put upon him. So, after some miserable -weeks, he went to one of the prisons where some other priests were -confined for to seek comfort and counsel from them; and, having -confessed his fault with great and sincere sorrow, he received -absolution, and straightway repaired to that church in Bridewell -wherein he had in a manner denied his faith, and before all the people -at that time therein assembled, declared himself a Catholic, and -willing to go to prison and to death sooner than to join again in -Protestant worship. Whereupon he was laid hold of, dragged to prison, -and thrown into a dungeon so low and so straight that he could neither -stand up in it nor lay himself down at his full length to sleep. They -loaded him with irons, and kept him one whole month on bread and -water; nor would suffer any one to come near him to comfort or speak -with him." - -"Alas!" I cried, "and is this, then, the place where my father is -confined?' - -"No,", she answered; "after the space of a month Mr. Watson was -translated to a lodging at the top of the house, wherein the prisoners -are leastways able to stretch their limbs and to see the light; but he -having been before prevailed on to yield against his conscience -touching that point of going to Protestant worship, no peace is left -to him by his persecutors, which never cease to urge on him some sort -of conformity to their religion. And, Constance, when a man hath once -been weak, what security can there be, albeit I deny not hope, that he -shall always after stand firm?" - -"But by what means," I eagerly asked, '"do you forecast to procure his -escape?" - -"I have permission," she answered, "to bring him necessaries, which I -do in a basket, on condition that I be searched at going in and coming -out, for to make sure I convey not any letter unto him or from him; -and this was so strictly observed the first month that they must needs -break open the loaves or pies I take to him lest any paper should be -conveyed inside. But they begin now to weary of this strict search, -and do not care at ways to hearken when I speak with him; so he could -tell me the last time I did visit him that he had found a way by which -if he had but a cord long enough for his purpose, he could let himself -down from the top of the house, and so make his escape in the night." - -"Oh," I cried, "dear Mistress Ward, but this is a perilous venture, to -aid a prisoner's escape. One which a daughter might run for her -father, oh, how willingly, but for a stranger--" - -"A stranger!" she answered. "Is he a stranger for whom Christ died, -and whose precious soul is in danger, even if not a priest; and -being so, is he not entitled to more than common reverence, chiefly in -these days when God's servants minister to us in the midst of such -great straits to both soul and body?' - -"I cry God mercy," I said; "I did term him a stranger who gave ghostly -comfort to my dear mother on her death-bed; but oh, dear Mistress -Ward, I thought on your peril, who, he knoweth, hath been as a mother -to me for these many years. And then-if you are resolved to run this -danger, should it not be possible to save my father also by the same -means? Two cords should not be more difficult to convey, methinks, -than one, and the peril not greater." - -"If I could speak with him," she replied, "it would not be impossible. -I will tell Muriel to make two instead of one of these cords, which -she doth twine in some way she learnt from a Frenchman, so strong as, -albeit slight, to have the strength of a cable. But without we do -procure two men with a boat for to fetch the prisoners when they -descend, 'tis little use to make the attempt. And it be easier, I -warrant thee, Constance, to run one's self into a manifest danger than -to entice others to the like." - -"Should it be safe," I asked, "to speak thereon to Hubert Rookwood? He -did exhibit this morning much zeal in my father's behalf, and promised -to move Sir Francis Walsingham to procure his release." - -"How is he disposed touching religion? she asked, in a doubtful -manner. - -"Alas!" I answered, "there is a secrecy in his nature which in more -ways than one doth prove unvestigable, leastways to me; but when he -comes this evening I will sound him thereon. Would his brother were in -London! Then we should not lack counsel and aid in this matter." - -"We do sorely need both," she answered; "for your good uncle, than -which a better man never lived, wanes feeble in body, and hence easily -overcome by the fears such enterprises involve. Mr. Wells is not in -London at this tune, or he should have been a very palladium of -strength in this necessity. Hubert Rookwood hath, I think, a good -head." - -"What we do want is a brave heart," I replied, thinking on Basil. - -"But wits also," she said. - -"Basil hath them too," I answered, forgetting that only in mine own -thinking had he been named. - -"Yea," she cried, "who doth doubt it? but, alas! he is not here." - -Then I prayed her not to be too rash in the prosecution of her design. -"Touching my father," I said, "I have yet some hope of his release; -and as long as any remaineth, flight should be methinks a too -desperate attempt to be thought of." - -"Yea," she answered, "in most cases it would be so." But Mr. Watson's -disposition she perceived to be such as would meet a present danger -and death itself, she thought, with courage, but not of that stamp -which could endure prolonged fears or infliction of torments. - -Since my coming to London I had been too much engaged in these weighty -cares to go abroad; but on that day I resolved, if it were possible, -to see my Lady Surrey. A report had reached me that the breach between -her and her husband had so much deepened that a separation had ensued, -which if true, I, which knew her as well almost as mine own self, -could judge what her grief must be. I was also moved to this endeavor -by the hope that if my Lord Arundel was not too sick to be spoken -with, she should perhaps obtain some help through his means for that -dear prisoner whose captivity did weigh so heavily on my heart. - -So, with a servant to attend on me, I went through the city to the -Chapter-house, and with a misgiving mind heard from the porter that -Lady Surrey lodged not there, but at Arundel House, whither she had -removed soon after her coming to London. Methought that in the -telling of it this man exhibited a sorrowful countenance; but not -choosing to question one of his sort on so weighty a matter, I went on -to Arundel House, where, after some delay, I succeeded in gaining -admittance to Lady Surrey's chamber, whose manner, when she first saw -me, lacked the warmth which I was used to in her greetings. There -seemed some fear in her lest I should speak unadvisedly that which she -would be loth to hear; and her strangeness and reserve methinks arose -from reluctance to have the wound in her heart probed,--too sore a -one, I ween, even for the tender handling of a friend. I inquired of -her if my Lord Arundel's health had improved. She said he was better, -and like soon to be as well as could be hoped for now-a-days, when his -infirmities had much increased. - -"Then you will return to Kenninghall?" I said, letting my speech -outrun discretion. - -"No," she replied; "I purpose never more to leave my Lord Arundel or -my Lady Lumley as long as they do live, which I pray God may be many -years." - -And then she sat without speaking, biting her lips and wringing the -kerchief she held in her hands, as if to keep her grief from -outbursting. I dared not to comment on her resolve, for I foresaw that -the least word which should express some partaking of her sorrow, or -any question relating to it, would let loose a torrent weakly stayed -by a mightful effort, not like to be of long avail. So I spoke of mine -own troubles, and the events which had occasioned my sudden departure -from Lynn Court. She had heard of Lady l'Estrange's mishap, and that -the following day I had journeyed to London; but naught of the causes -thereof, or of the apprehension of any priest by Sir Hammond's orders. -Which, when she learnt the manner of this misfortune, and the poor -lady's share therein, and that it was my father she had thus -unwittingly discovered, her countenance softened, and throwing her -arms round my neck, she bitterly wept, which at that moment methinks -did her more good than anything else. - -"Oh, mine own good Constance," she said, "I doubt not nature riseth -many passionate workings in your soul at this time; but, my dear -wench, when good men are in trouble our grief for them should be as -noble as their virtues. Bethink thee what a worst sorrow it should be -to have a vile father, one that thou must needs love,--for who can -tear out of his heart affection strong as life?--and he should then -prove unworthy. Believe me, Constance, God gives to each, even in this -world, a portion of their deserts. Such griefs as thy present one I -take to be rare instances of his favor. Other sorts of trials are meet -for cowardly souls which refuse to set their lips to a chalice of -suffering, and presently find themselves submerged in a sea of woes. -But can I help thee, sweet one? Is there aught I can do to lighten thy -affliction? Hast thou license for to see thy father?" - -"No, dear lady," I answered; "and his name being concealed, I may not -petition as his daughter for this permission; but if my Lord Arundel -should be so good a lord to me as to obtain leave for me to visit this -prisoner, without revealing his name and condition, he should do me -the greatest benefit in the world." - -"I will move him thereunto," my lady said. "But he who had formerly no -equal in the queen's favor, and to whom she doth partly owe her crown, -is now in his sickness and old age of so little account in her eyes, -that trifling favors are often denied him to whom she would once have -said: 'Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it unto thee.' But -what my poor endeavors can effect through him or others shall not be -lacking in this thy need. But I am not in that condition I was once -like to have enjoyed." Then with her eyes cast on the ground she -seemed for to doubt if she should speak plainly, or still shut -up her grief in silence. As I sat painfully expecting her next words, -the door opened, and two ladies were announced, which she whispered in -mine ear she would fain not have admitted at that time, but that Lord -Arundel's desire did oblige her to entertain them. One was Mistress -Bellamy, and the other her daughter, Mistress Frances, a young -gentlewoman of great beauty and very lively parts, which I had once -before seen at Lady Ingoldsby's house. She was her parents' sole -daughter, and so idolized by them that they seemed to live only to -minister to her fancies. Lord Arundel was much bounden to this family -by ancient ties of friendship, which made him urgent with his -granddaughter that she should admit them to her privacy. I admired in -this instance how suddenly those which have been used to exercise such -self-command as high breeding doth teach can school their exterior to -seem at ease, and even of good cheer, when most ill at ease -interiorly, and with hearts very heavy. Lady Surrey greeted these -visitors with as much courtesy, and listened to their discourse with -as much civility and smiles when called for, as if no burthensome -thoughts did then oppress her. - -Many and various themes were touched upon in the random talk which -ensued. First, that wonted one of the queen's marriage, which some -opined should verily now take place with Monsieur d'Alençon; for that -since his stealthy visits to England, she did wear in her bosom a -brooch of jewels in a frog's shape. - -"Ay," quoth Mistress Frances, "that stolen visit which awoke the ire -of the poor soul Stubbs, who styled it 'an unmanlike, unprincelike, -French kind of wooing,' and endeth his book of 'The Gaping Gulph' in a -loyal rage: 'Here is, therefore, an imp of the crown of France, to -marry the crowned nymph of England,'--a nymph indeed well stricken in -years. My brother was standing by when Stubbs' hand was cut off; for -nothing else would content that sweet royal nymph, albeit the lawyers -stoutly contended the statute under which he suffered to be null and -void. As soon as his right hand is off, the man takes his hat off with -the left, and cries 'God bless the queen!'" - -"Here is a wonder," I exclaimed; "I pray you, what is the art this -queen doth possess by which she holdeth the hearts of her subjects in -so great thrall, albeit so cruel to them which do offend her?" - -"Lady Harrington hath told me her majesty's own opinion thereon," said -Mrs. Bellamy; "for one day she did ask her in a merry sort, 'How she -kept her husband's good-will and love?' To which she made reply that -she persuaded her husband of her affection, and in so doing did -command his. Upon which the queen cries out, 'Go to, go to, Mistress -Moll! you are wisely bent, I find. After such sort do I keep the good -wills of all my husbands, my good people; for if they did not rest -assured of some special love toward them, they would not readily yield -me such good obedience.'" - -"Tut, tut!" cried Mistress Frances; "all be not such fools as John -Stubbs; and she knoweth how to take rebukes from such as she doth not -dare to offend. By the same token that Sir Philip Sydney hath written -to dissuade her from this French match, and likewise Sir Francis -Walsingham, which last did hint at her advancing years; and her -highness never so much as thought of striking off their hands. But I -warrant you a rebellion shall arise if this queen doth issue such -prohibitions as she hath lately done." - -"Of what sort?" asked Lady Surrey. - -"First, to forbid," Mrs. Bellamy said, "any new building to be raised -within three thousand paces of the gates of London on pain of -imprisonment, and sundry other penalties; or for more than one family -to inhabit in one house. For her majesty holds it should be an -impossible thing to govern or maintain order in a city larger than -this London at the present time." - -Mistress Frances declared this law to be more tolerable than the one -against the size of ladies' ruffs, which were forsooth not to exceed a -certain measure; and officers appointed for to stand at the comers of -streets and to clip such as overpassed the permitted dimensions, which -sooner than submit to she should die. - -Lady Surrey smiled, and said she should have judged so from the size -of her fine ruff. - -"But her majesty is impartial," quoth Mrs. Bellamy; "for the -gentlemen's rapiers are served in the same manner. And verily this law -hath nearly procured a war with France; for in Smithfield Lane some -clownish constables stayed M. de Castelnau, and laid hands on his -sword for to shorten it to the required length. I leave you to judge. -Lady Surrey, of this ambassador's fury. Sir Henry Seymour, who was -tidying the air in Smithfield at the time, perceived him standing with -the drawn weapon in his hand, threatening to kill whosoever should -approach him, and destruction on this realm of England if the officers -should dare to touch his sword again; and this with such frenzy of -speech in French mixed with English none could understand, that God -knoweth what should have ensued if Sir Henry had not interfered. Her -majesty was forced to make an apology to this mounseer for that her -officers had ignorantly attempted to clip the sword of her good -brother's envoy." - -"Why doth she not clip," Mistress Frances said, "if such be her -present humor, the orange manes of her gray Dutch horses, which are -the frightfullest things in the world?" - -"Tis said," quoth Mrs. Bellamy, "that a new French embassy is soon -expected, with the dauphin of Auvergne at its head." - -"Yea," cried her daughter, "and four handsome English noblemen to meet -them at the Tower stairs, and conduct them to the new banqueting-house -at Westminster,--my Lord Surrey, Lord Windsor, Sir Philip Sydney, and -Sir Fulke Greville. Methinks this should be a very fine sight, if rain -doth not fall to spoil it." - -I saw my Lady Surrey's countenance change when her husband was -mentioned; and Mrs. Bellamy looked at her daughter forasmuch as to -check her thoughtless speeches, which caused this young lady to glance -round the room, seeking, as it seemed, for some other topic of -conversation. - -Methinks I should not have preserved so lively a recollection of the -circumstances of this visit if some dismal tidings which reached me -afterward touching this gentlewoman, then so thoughtless and innocent, -had not revived in me the memory of her gay prattle, bright unabashed -eyes, and audacious dealing with subjects so weighty and dangerous, -that any one less bold should have feared to handle them. After the -pause which ensued on the mention of Lord Surrey's name, she took for -her text what had been said touching the prohibitions lately issued -concerning ruffs and rapiers, and began to mock at her majesty's -favorites; yea, and to mimic her majesty herself with so much humor -that her well-acted satire must have needs constrained any one to -laugh. Then, not contented with these dangerous jests, she talked such -direct treason against her highness as to say she hoped to see her -dethroned, and a fair Catholic sovereign to reign in her stead, who -would be less shrewish to young and handsome ladies. Then her mother -cried her, for mercy's sake, to restrain her mad speech, which would -serve one day to bring them all into trouble, for all she meant it in -jest. - -"Marry, good mother," she answered, "not in jest at all; for I do -verily hold myself bound to no allegiance to this queen, and would -gladly see her get her deserts." - -Then Lady Surrey prayed her not to speak so rashly; but methought in - her heart, and somewhat I could perceive of this in her eyes, -she misliked not wholly this young lady's words, who then spoke of -religion; and oh, how zealous therein she did appear, how boldly -affirmed (craving Lady Surrey's pardon, albeit she would warrant, she -said, there was no need to do so, her ladyship she had heard being -half a papist herself) that she had as lief be racked twenty times -over and die also, or her face to be so disfigured that none should -call her ever after anything but a fright--which martyrdom she held -would exceed any yet thought of--than so much as hold her tongue -concerning her faith, or stay from telling her majesty to her face, if -she should have the chance to get speech with her, that she was a foul -heretic, and some other truths beside, which but once to utter in her -presence, come of it what would, should be a delicious pleasure. Then -she railed at the Catholics which blessed the queen before they -suffered for their religion, proving them wrong with ingenious reasons -and fallacious arguments mixed with pleasantries not wholly becoming -such grave themes. But it should have seemed as reasonable to be angry -with a child babbling at random of life and death in the midst of its -play, as with this creature, the lightest of heart, the fairest in -face, the most winsome in manner, and most careless of danger, that -ever did set sail on life's stream. - -Oh, how all this rose before me again, when I heard, two years -afterward, that for her bold recusancy--alas! more bold, as the -sequel proved, than deep, more passionate than fervent--this only -cherished daughter, this innocent maiden, the mirror of whose fame no -breath had sullied, and on whose name no shadow had rested, was torn -by the pursuivants from her parents' home, and cast into a prison with -companions at the very aspect of which virtue did shudder. And the -unvaliant courage, the weak bravery, of this indulged and wayward -young lady had no strength wherewith to resist the surging tides of -adversity. No voice of parent, friend, or ghostly father reached her -in that abode of despair. No visible angel visited her, but a fiend in -human form haunted her dungeon. Liberty and pleasure he offered in -exchange for virtue, honor, and faith. She fell; sudden and great was -that fall. - -There is a man the name of which hath blenched the cheeks and riven -the hearts of Catholics, one who hath caused many amongst them to lose -their lands and to part from their homes, to die on gibbets and their -limbs to be torn asunder--one Richard Topcliffe. But, methinks, of all -the voices which shall be raised for to accuse him at Christ's -judgment-seat, the loudest will be Frances Bellamy's. Her ruin was his -work; one of those works which, when a man is dead, do follow him; -whither, God knoweth! - -Oh, you who saw her, as I did, in her young and innocent years, can -you read this without shuddering? Can you think on it without weeping? -As her fall was sudden, so was the change it wrought. With it vanished -affections, hopes, womanly feelings, memory of the past; nay, methinks -therein I err. Memory did yet abide, but linked with hatred; Satan's -memory of heaven. From depths to depths she hath sunk, and is now -wedded to a mean wretch, the gaoler of her old prison. So rank a -hatred hath grown in her against recusants and mostly priests, that it -rages like a madness in her soul, which thirsts for their blood. Some -months back, about the time I did begin to write this history, news -reached me that she had sold the life of that meek saint, that sweet -poet, Father Southwell, of which even an enemy, Lord Mountjoy, did -say, when he had seen him suffer, "I pray God, where that man's soul -now is, mine may one day be." Her father had concealed him in that -house where she had dwelt in her innocent days. None but the family -knew the secret of its hiding-place. -She did reveal it, and took gold for her wages! What shall be that -woman's death-bed? What trace doth remain on her soul of what was once -a share in the divine nature? May one of God's ministers be nigh unto -her in that hour for to bid her not despair! If Judas had repented, -Jesus would have pardoned him. Peradventure, misery without hope of -relief overthrew her brain. I do pray for her always. 'Tis a vain -thought perhaps, but I sometimes wish I might, though I see not how to -compass it, yet once speak with her before she or I die. Methinks I -could say such words as should touch some old chord in her dead heart. -God knoweth! That day I write of, little did I ween what her end would -be. But yet it feared me to hear one so young and of so frail an -aspect speak so boastfully; and it seemed even then to my -inexperienced mind, that my Lady Surrey, who had so humbly erewhile -accused herself of cowardice and lamented her weakness, should be in a -safer plight, albeit as yet unreconciled. - -The visit I have described had lasted some time, when a servant came -with a message to her ladyship from Mr. Hubert Rookwood, who craved to -be admitted on an urgent matter. She glanced at me somewhat surprised, -upon which I made her a sign that she should condescend to his -request; for I supposed he had seen Sir Francis Walsingham, and was in -haste to confer with me touching that interview; and she ordered him -to be admitted. Mrs. Bellamy and her daughter rose to go soon after -his entrance; and whilst Lady Surrey conducted them to the door he -asked me if her ladyship was privy to the matter in hand. When I had -satisfied him thereof, he related what had passed in an interview he -had with Sir Francis, whom he found ill-disposed at first to stir in -the matter, for he said his frequent remonstrances in favor of -recusants had been like to bring him into odium with some of the more -zealous Protestants, and that he must needs, in every case of that -sort, prove it to be his sole object to bring such persons more -surely, albeit slowly, by means of toleration, to a rightful -conformity; and that with regard to priests he was very loth to -interfere. - -"I was compelled," quoth Hubert, "to use such arguments as fell in -with the scope of his discourse, and to flatter him with the hope of -good results in that which he most desired, if he would procure Mr. -Sherwood's release, which I doubt not he hath power to effect. And in -the end he consented to lend his aid therein, on condition he should -prove on his side so far conformable as to suffer a minister to visit -and confer with him touching religion, which would then be a pretext -for his release, as if it were supposed he was well disposed toward -Protestant religion, and a man more like to embrace the truth when at -liberty than if driven to it by stress of confinement. Then he would -procure," he added, "an order for his passage to France, if he -promised not to return, except he should be willing to obey the laws." - -"I fear me much," I answered, "my father will not accept these terms -which Sir Francis doth offer. Methinks he will consider they do -involve some lack of the open profession of his faith." - -"It would be madness for one in his plight to refuse them," Hubert -exclaimed, and appealed thereon to Lady Surrey, who said she did -indeed think as he did, for it was not like any better could be -obtained. - -It pained me he should refer to her, who from conformity to the times -could not well conceive how tender a Catholic conscience should feel -at the least approach to dissembling on this point. - -"Wherein," he continued, "is the harm for to confer with a minister, -or how can it be construed into a denial of a man's faith to listen to -his arguments, unless, indeed, he feels himself to be in danger of -being shaken by them?" - -"You very well know," I exclaimed with some warmth, "that not to -be my meaning, or what I suppose his should be. Our priests do -constantly crave for public disputations touching religion, albeit -they eschew secret ones, which their adversaries make a pretext of to -spread reports of their inability to defend their faith, or -willingness to abandon it. But heaven forbid I should anyways prejudge -this question; and if with a safe conscience--and with no other I am -assured will he do it--my father doth subscribe to this condition, -then God be praised for it!" - -"But you will move him to it, Mistress Constance?" he said. - -"If I am so happy," I answered, "as to get speech with him, verily I -will entreat him not to throw away his life, so precious to others, if -so be he can save it without detriment to his conscience." - -"Conscience!" Hubert exclaimed, "methinks that word is often -misapplied in these days." - -"How so?" I asked, investigating his countenance, for I misdoubted his -meaning. Lady Surrey likewise seemed desirous to hear what he should -say on that matter. - -"Conscience," he answered, "should make persons, and mostly women, -careful how they injure others, and cause heedless suffering, by a too -great stiffness in refusing conformity to the outward practices which -the laws of the country enforce, when it affects not the weightier -points of faith, which God forbid any Catholic should deny. There is -often as much of pride as of virtue in such rash obstinacy touching -small yieldings as doth involve the ruin of a family, separation of -parents and children, and more evils than can be thought of." - -"Hubert," I said, fixing mine eyes on him with a searching look he -cared not, I ween, to meet, for he cast his on a paper he had in his -hand, and raised them not while I spoke, "'sit is by such reasonings -first, and then by such small yieldings as you commend, that some have -been led two or three times in their lives, yea, oftener perhaps, to -profess different religions, and to take such contradictory oaths as -have been by turns prescribed to them under different sovereigns, and -God each time called on to witness their perjuries, whereby truth and -falsehood in matters of faith shall come in time to be words without -any meaning." - -Then he: "You do misapprehend me, Mistress Constance, if you think I -would counsel a man to utter a falsehood, or feign to believe that -which in his heart he thinketh to be false. But, in heaven's name, I -pray you, what harm will your father do if he listens to a minister's -discourse, and suffers it to be set forth he doth ponder thereon, and -in the meantime escapes to France? whereas, if he refuses the loophole -now offered to him, he causeth not to himself alone, but to you and -his other friends, more pain and sorrow than can be thought of, and -deprives the Church of one of her servants, when her need of them is -greatest." - -I made no reply to this last speech; for albeit I thought my father -would not accede to these terms, I did not so far trust mine own -judgment thereon as to predict with certainty what his answer should -be. And then Hubert said he had an order from Sir Francis that would -admit me on the morrow to see my father; and he offered to go with me, -and Mistress Ward too, if I listed, to present it, albeit I alone -should enter his cell. I thanked him, and fixed the time of our going. - -When he had left us, Lady Surrey commended his zeal, and also his -moderate spirit, which did charitably allow, she said, for such as -conformed to the times for the sake of others which their -reconcilement would very much injure. - -Before I could reply she changed this discourse, and, putting her -hands on my shoulders and kissing my forehead, said, - -"My Lady Lumley hath heard so much from her poor niece of one -Mistress Constance Sherwood, that she doth greatly wish to see this -young gentlewoman and very resolved papist." And then taking me by the -arm she led me to that lady's chamber, where I had as kind a welcome -as ever I received from any one from her ladyship, who said "her dear -Nan's friends should be always as dear to her as her own," and added -many fine commendations greatly exceeding my deserts. - -CHAPTER XVII. - -When I had been a short time in my Lady Lumley's chamber, my Lord -Arundel sent for his granddaughter, who was wont, she told me, at that -hour to write letters for him; and I stayed alone with her ladyship, -who, as soon as Lady Surrey left us, thus broke forth in her praise: - -"Hath any one, think you. Mistress Sherwood, ever pictured or imagined -a creature more noble, more toward in disposition, more virtuous in -all her actions, of greater courage in adversity or patience under -ill-usage than this one, which God hath sent to this house to cheer -two lonely hearts, whilst her own is well-nigh broken?" - -"Oh, my Lady Lumley!" I exclaimed, "I fear some new misfortune hath -befallen this dear lady, who is indeed so rare a piece of goodness -that none can exceed in describing her deserts. Hitherto she hath -condescended to impart her sorrows to her poor friend; but to-day she -shut up her griefs in her own bosom, albeit I could read unspoken -suffering in every lineament of her sweet countenance." - -"God forgive me," her ladyship replied, "if in speaking of her wrongs -I should entertain over-resentful feelings toward her ungracious -husband, whom once I did love as a mother, and very loth hath my heart -been to condemn him; but now, if it were not that I myself received -him in my arms what time he was born, whose life was the cause of my -sweet young sister's death, I should doubt he could be her son." - -"What fresh injury," I timidly asked, "hath driven Lady Surrey from -her house?" - -"_Her_ house no longer," quoth Lady Lumley. "She hath no house, no -home, no husband worthy of the name, and only an old man nigh unto the -grave, alas! and a poor feeble woman such as I am to raise a voice in -her behalf, who is spurned by one who should have loved and cherished -her, as twice before God's altar he vowed to do. Oh," cried the poor -lady, weeping, "she hath borne all things else with a sweet fortitude -which angels looking down on her must needs have wondered at. She -would ever be excusing this faithless husband with many pretty wiles -and loving subterfuges, making, sweet sophist, the worst appear the -better reason. 'Men must needs be pardoned,' she would say, when my -good father waxed wroth at his ill-usage of her, 'for such outward -neglect as many practice in these days toward their wives, for that it -was the fashion at the court to appear unhusbandly; but if women would -be patient, she would warrant them their love should be requited at -last.' And when news came that Phil had sold an estate for to -purchase--God save the mark!--a circlet of black pearls for the queen; -and Lord Arundel swore he should leave him none of his lands but what -by act of parliament he was compelled to do, she smiled winsomely, and -said: 'Yea, my lord, I pray you, let my dear Phil be a poor man as his -father wished him to be, and then, if it please God, we may live in a -cottage and be happy.' And so turned away his anger by soft words, for -he laughed and answered: 'Heaven help thee. Nan! but I fear that -cottage must needs be Arundel Castle, for my hands are so tied therein -that thy knavish husband cannot fail to inherit it. And beshrew me if -I would either rob thee of it, mine own good Nan, or its old walls of -thy sweet presence when I shall be dead.' And so she always pleaded -for him, and never lost heart until . . . Oh, Mistress Sherwood, I -shall never forget the day when her uncle, Francis Dacre--wisely or -unwisely I know not, but surely meaning well--gave her to read in this -house, where she was spending a day, a letter which had fallen into -his hands, I wot not how, in the which Philip--God forgive -him!--expressed some kind of doubt if he was truly married to her or -not. Some wily wretch had, I ween, whispered to him, in an evil hour, -this accursed thought. When she saw this misdoubt written in his hand -she straightway fell down in a swoon, which recovering from, the first -thing she did was to ask for her cloak and hat, and would have walked -alone to her house if I had not stayed her almost by force, until Lord -Arundel's coach could be got ready for her. In less than two hours she -returned with so wan and death-like a countenance that it frighted me -to see her, and for some time she would not speak of what had passed -between her lord and herself; only she asked for to stay always in -this house, if it should please her grandfather, and not to part from -us any more. At the which speech I could but kiss her, and with many -tears protest that this should be the joyfullest news in the world to -Lord Arundel and to me, and what he would most desire, if it were not -for her grief, which, like an ill wind, yet did blow us this good. -'Yea,' she answered, with the deepest sigh which can be thought of, 'a -cold, withering blast which driveth me from the shelter which should -be mine! I have heard it said that when Cardinal Wolsey lay a-dying he -cried, "It were well with me now if I had served my God with the like -zeal with which I have served my king," or some words of that sort. -Oh, my Lady Lumley!' the poor child exclaimed, 'if I had not loved -Philip more than God and his Church, methinks I should not thus be -cast off!' 'Cast off,' I cried; 'and has my graceless nephew, then, -been so wicked?' 'Oh, he is changed,' she answered--'he is changed. -In his eyes, in his voice, I found not Philip's looks, nor Philip's -tones. Nought but harshness and impatience to dismiss me. The queen, -he said, was coming to rest at his house on her way to the city, and -he lacked leisure to listen to my complaints. Then I felt grief and -anger rise in my breast with such vehemency that I charged him, maybe -too suddenly, with the doubt he had expressed in his letter to my Lord -Oxford. His face flushed deeply; but drawing up haughtily, as one -aggrieved, he said the manner of our marrying had been so unusual that -there were some, and those persons well qualified to judge, who -misdoubted if there did not exist a flaw in its validity. That he -should himself be loth to think so, but that to seek at that moment to -prove the contrary, when his fortunes hung on a thread, would be to -ruin him.' - -"There she paused, and clasped her hands together as if scarce able to -proceed; but soon raising her head, she related in a passionate manner -how her heart had then swelled well-nigh to bursting, pride and -tenderness restraining the utterance of such resentful thoughts as -rose in her when she remembered his father's last letter, wherein he -said his chief prop and stay in his fallen estate should be the wife -he had bestowed on him; of her own lands sold for the supply of his -prodigal courtiership; of her long patience and pleading for him to -others; and this his present treatment of her, which no wife could -brook, even if of mean birth and virtue, much loss one his equal in -condition, as well dowered as any in the land, and as faithful -and tender to him as he did prove untoward to her. But none of these -reproaches passed her lips; for it was an impossible thing to her, she -said, to urge her own deserts, or so much as mention the fortune she -had brought him. Only twice she repeated, 'Ruin your fortunes, my -lord! ruin your fortunes! God help me, I had thought rather to mend -them!' And then, when he tried to answer her in some sort of evading -fashion, as if unsaying, and yet not wholly denying his former speech, -she broke forth (and in the relation of this scene the passion of her -grief renewed itself) in vehement adjurations, which seemed somewhat -to move him, not to be so unjust to her or to himself as to leave that -in uncertainty which so nearly touched both their honors; and if the -thought of a mutual love once existing between them, and a firm bond -of marriage relied on with unshaken security, and his father's dying -blessing on it, and the humble duty she had shown him from the time -she had borne his name, sufficed not to resolve him thereunto, yet for -the sake of justice to one fatherless and brotherless as herself, she -charged him without delay to make that clear which, left uncertain, -concerned her more nearly than fortune or state, and without which no, -not one day, would she abide in his house. Then the sweet soul said -she hoped, from his not ungracious silence and the working of his -features, which visibly revealed an inward struggle, that his next -words should have been of comfort to her; but when she had drawn nigh -to him, and, taking his hand, called him by his name with so much of -reproachful endearment as could be expressed in the utterance of it, a -gentleman broke into the room crying out: 'My lord, my lord, the -trumpets do sound! The queen's coach is in sight.' Upon which, she -said that, with a muttered oath, he started up and almost thrust her -from him, saying, 'For God's sake, be gone!' And by a back-door,' she -added, 'I went out of mine own house into the street, where I had left -my Lord Arundel's coach, and crept into it, very faint and giddy, the -while the queen's coach did enter the court with gay banners waving, -and striking-up of music, and the people crying out, "God bless the -queen!" I cry God mercy for it,' she said, 'but I could not say amen.' -Now she is resolved," my Lady Lumley continued, "never to set her foot -again in any of her husband's houses, except he doth himself entreat -her to it, and makes that matter clear touching his belief in the -validity of their marriage; and methinks she is right therein. My Lord -Arundel hath written to remonstrate with his grandson touching his -ill-usage of his lady, and hath also addressed her majesty thereupon. -But all the comment she did make on his letter, I have been told, was -this: 'That she had heard my Lord Arundel was in his dotage; and -verily she did now hold it to be so, for that she had never received a -more foolish letter; and she did pity the old white horse, which was -now only fit to be turned out to grass;' and other biting jests, -which, when a sovereign doth utter them, carry with them a rare -poignancy." - -Then my Lady Lumley wiped her eyes, and bade me to be of good cheer, -and not to grieve overmuch for Lady Surrey's troubles (but all the -while her own tears continued to flow), for that she had so noble and -religious a disposition, with germs of so much virtue in it, that she -thought her to be one of those souls whom Almighty God draws to -himself by means of such trials as would sink common natures; and that -she had already marked how, in much prayer, ever-increasing good -works, and reading of books which treat of wholesome doctrine and -instruction, she presently recalled the teachings of her childhood, -and took occasion, when any Catholics came to the house, to converse -with them touching religion. Then, with many kind expressions, she -dismissed me; and on the stairs, as I went out, I met Lady -Surrey, who noticed mine eyes to be red with weeping, and, embracing -me, said: - -"I ween Lady Lumley hath been no hider of my griefs, good Constance, -and, i' faith, I am obliged to her if she hath told thee that which I -would fain not speak of, even to thee, dear wench. There are sorrows -best borne in silence; and since the last days we talked together mine -have grown to be of that sort. And so farewell for to-day, and may God -comfort thee in thy nobler troubles, and send his angels to thine -aid." - -When I returned to Holborn, Mistress Ward met me with the news that -she had been to the prison, and heard that Mr. Watson was to be -strenuously examined on an approaching day--and it is well known what -that doth signify--touching the names of the persons which had -harbored him since his coming to England. And albeit he was now -purposed steadily to endure extreme torments sooner than to deny his -faith or injure others, she did so much apprehend the weakness of -nature should betray him, that her resolve was taken to attempt the -next day, or rather on the following night, to further his escape. But -how, she asked, could my father be dealt with in time touching that -matter? I told her I was to see him on the morrow, by means of an -order from Sir Francis Walsingham, and should then lay before him the -issues offered unto his election. She said she was very much contented -to hear it; and added, she must now secure boatmen to assist in the -escape who should be reliable Catholic men; and if in this she did -succeed, she feared not to fail in her design. - -At the hour I had fixed upon with Hubert, on the next day, he came to -carry me to the prison at Bridewell. Mistress Ward prevailed on Mr. -Congleton to go thither with us, for she was loth to be seen there in -company with known persons, and added privily in mine ear, "The more -so at a time when it may happen I should get into trouble touching the -matter I have in hand." When we reached the place, Hubert presented to -the gaoler Sir Francis's letter, which was also signed by the -governor, and I was forthwith conducted to my father's cell. When I -entered it, and advanced toward that dear prisoner, I dared not in the -man's presence to show either the joy or grief I felt at that meeting, -but stood by his side like one deprived of the power of speech, and -only struggling to restrain my tears. I feared we should not have been -left alone, and then this interview should have proved of little use -or comfort; but after setting for me a chair, which he had sent -for--for there was only one small bench in the cell--this officer -withdrew, and locked the door on me and that dear parent, whose face -was very white and wan, but who spoke in as cheerful and kind a manner -as can be thought of, albeit taxing me with wilfulness for that I had -not complied with his behest that none should come to visit him. I -would not have the chair which had been sent for me--for I did hold -it to be an unbecoming thing for a daughter to sit down in her -father's presence (and he a priest), who had only a poor bench to rest -his limbs on--but placed myself on the ground at his feet; which at -first he misliked, but afterward said it should be as I pleased. Then, -after some affectionate speeches, wherein his great goodness toward me -was shown, and my answers to them, which disburthened my heart of some -of the weight which oppressed it, as did likewise the shedding of a -few tears on his hand, which was clasped in mine, I spoke, in case -time should press, of Sir Francis's offer, and the condition thereunto -attached, which I did with a trembling voice, and yet such indifferent -tones as I could affect, as if showing no leaning to one way of -thinking or the other, touching his acceptance of these terms. In the -brief time which did elapse between my speaking and his reply, -methinks I had an equal fear lest he should assent or dissent -therein--filial love mightfully prompting me to desire his acceptance -of this means of deliverance, yet coupled with an apprehension that in -that case he should stand one degree less high in the favor of God and -the eyes of men. But I was angered with myself that I should have mine -own thoughts therein, or in any way form a judgment forestalling his, -which peradventure would see no evil in this concession; and -forecasting also the consequences which should ensue if he refused, I -resolved to move him thereunto by some such words as these: "My dearly -beloved father, if it be possible, I pray you yield this small matter -to those that seek to save your life. Let the minister come to satisfy -Sir Francis, and all shall be well, yea, without your speaking one -word, or by so much as one look assenting to his arguments." - -I dared not to meet his eyes, which he fixed on me, but kept kissing -his hand whilst he said: "Daughter Constance, labor not to move me in -this matter; for far above all other things I may have to suffer, -nothing would touch me so near, or be so grievous to me, as to see -you, my well-beloved child, try to persuade me unto that which in -respect of my soul I will never consent to. For, I pray you, first as -regards religion, can I suffer any to think, albeit I should give no -cause for it but silence, that my faith is in any wise shaken, which -peradventure would prove a stumbling-block to others? or, touching -truth and honesty, shall I accept life and freedom on some such -supposition as that I am like to change my religion, when I should as -soon think to cast myself into hell of mine own free will as to deny -one point of Catholic belief? No, no, mine own good child; 'tis a -narrow path which doth lead to heaven, and maybe it shall prove -exceeding narrow for me ere I reach its end, and not over easy to the -feet or pleasant to the eye; but God defend I should by so much as one -hair's-breadth overpass a narrowness which tendeth to so good a -conclusion; and verily, to be short, my good child, tender my thanks -to Sir Francis Walsingham--who I doubt not meaneth excellently well by -me--and to young Master Rookwood, who hath dealt with him therein; -but tell them I am very well pleased with my present abode as long as -it shall please God to keep me in this world; and when he willeth me -to leave it, believe me, daughter Constance, the quickest road to -heaven shall be the most pleasing to me." - -His manner was so resolved that I urged him no further, and only -heaved a deep sigh. Then he said, kindly: "Come, mine own good child, -give me so much comfort as to let me hear that thou art of the same -way of thinking in this matter as thy unworthy but very resolved -father." - -"My dear father," I replied, "methinks I never loved you so well, or -honored you one half so much as now, when you have cast off all human -consolation, yea, and a certain hope of deliverance, rather than give -occasion to the enemies of our faith to boast they had prevailed on -you, in ever so small a matter, to falter in the open profession -thereof; and I pray God, if ever I should be in a like plight, I may -not prove myself to be otherwise than your true child in spirit as in -nature. As to what shall now follow your refusal, it lieth in God's -hands, and I know he can deliver you, if he doth will it, from this -great peril you are in." - -"There's my brave wench," quoth he then, laying his scarred hand on my -head; "thy mother had a prophetic spirit, I ween, when she said of -thee when yet a puling girl, 'As her days, so shall her strength be.' -Verily God is very good, who hath granted us these moments of peaceful -converse in a place where we had once little thought for to meet." - -As I looked upon him, sitting on a poor bench in that comfortless -cell, his noble fair visage oldened by hardships and toils rather than -years, his eyes so full of peace, yea of contentment, that joy -seemed to beam in them, I thought of the words of Holy Writ, which do -foretell which shall be said hereafter of the just by such as have -afflicted them and taken away their labors: "There are they whom we -had some time in derision and for a parable of reproach. We fools -esteemed their life madness and their end without honor. Behold, how -they are numbered with the children of God, and their lot amongst the -saints." - -At that time a knock against the wall was heard, and my father set his -ear against it, counting the number of such knocks; for it was Mr. -Watson, he said, beginning to converse with him in their wonted -fashion. "I will tell him I am engaged," quoth he, in his turn tapping -in the same manner. "But peradventure he hath somewhat to -communicate," I said. - -"No," he answered, "for in that case he would have knocked three times -at first, for on this signal we have agreed." Smiling, he added, "We -do confess to each other in this way. 'Tis somewhat tedious, I do -admit; but thanks be to God we lack not leisure here for such duties." - -Then I briefly told him of Mistress Ward's intent to procure Mr. -Watson's escape. - -"Ay," he said, "I am privy to it, and I do pray God it may succeed. It -should be to me the greatest joy in the world to hear that good man -was set free, or made free by any good means." - -"Then," I added, "will you not join in the attempt, if so be she can -convey to you a cord? and the same boat should carry you both off." - -"Nay," he replied; "for more reasons than one I am resolved against -that in mine own case which in Mr. Watson's I do commend. This -enterprise must needs bring that good woman, Mrs. Ward, into some sort -of danger, which she doth well to run for his sake, and which he doth -not wrong to consent unto, she being of a willing mind to encounter -it. For if the extremity of torture should extort the admissions they -do seek from him, many should then grievously suffer, and mostly his -own soul. But I have that trust in God, who hath given me in all my -late perils what nature had verily not furnished me with, an undaunted -spirit to meet sufferings with somewhat more than fortitude, with a -very great joy such as his grace can only bestow, that he will -continue to do so, whatever straits I do find myself in; and being so -minded, I am resolved not again by mine own doing to put mine own and -others' lives in jeopardy; but to take what he shall send in the -ordinary course of things, throwing all my care on him, without whose -knowledge and will not so much as one hair of our heads doth fall to -the ground. But I am glad to be privy to the matter in hand for Mr. -Watson, so as to pray for him this day and night, and also for that -noble soul who doth show herself so true a Christian in her care for -his weal and salvation." - -Then, changing to other themes, he inquired of me at some length -touching the passages of my life since he had parted with me, and my -dispositions touching the state of life I was about to embrace, -concerning which he gave me the most profitable instructions which can -be thought of, and rules of virtue, which, albeit imperfectly -observed, have proved of so great and wholesome guidance to my -inexperienced years that I do stand more indebted to him for this fine -advice, there given me, than for all other benefits besides. He then -spoke of Edmund Genings, who, by a special dispensation of the Pope, -had lately been ordained priest, being but twenty-three years of age, -and said the preparation he had made for receiving this holy order was -very great, and the impression the greatness of the charge made upon -his mind so strong, that it produced a wonderful effect in his very -body, affecting for a time his health. He was infirmarian at Rheims, -and labored among the sick students, a very model of piety and -humility; but _vivamus in spe_ was still, as heretofore, his motto, -and that hope in which he lived was to be sent upon the English -mission. These, my father said, were the last tidings he had heard of -him. His mother he did believe was dead, and his younger brother had -left La Rochelle and was in Paris, leading a more gay life than was -desirable. "And now I pray you, mine own dear honored father," I said, -"favor me, I beseech you, with a recital of your own haps since you -landed in England, and I ceased to receive letters from you." He -condescended to my request, in the words which do follow: - -"Well, my good child, I arrived in this country one year and five -months back, having by earnest suit and no small difficulty obtained -from my superiors to be sent on the English mission; for by reason of -the weakness of my health, and some use I was of in the college, owing -to my acquaintanceship with the French and the English languages, Dr. -Allen was loth to permit my departure. I crossed the seas in a small -merchant-vessel, and landed at Lynn. The port-officers searched me to -the skin, and found nothing on me; but one Sledd, an informer, which -had met me in an inn at Honfleur, where I had lodged for some days -before sailing for England, had taken my marks very precisely; and -arriving in London some time before I landed in Norfolk, having been -stayed by contrary winds in my longer passage, he there presented my -name and marks; upon which the queen's council sent to the searchers -of the ports. These found the said marks very apparent in me; but for -the avoiding of charges, the mayor of the place, one Mr. Alcock, and -Rawlins the searcher, requested a gentleman which had landed at the -same time with me, and who called himself Haward, to carry me as a -prisoner to the lord-lieutenant of the county. He agreed very easily -thereunto; but as soon as we were out of the town, 'I cannot,' says -this gentleman, 'in conscience, nor will not, being myself a Catholic, -deliver you, a Catholic priest, prisoner to the lord-lieutenant. But -we will go straight to Norwich, and when we come there, shift for -yourself, as I will do for myself.' - -"Coming to Norwich, I went immediately to one of the gaols, and -conferred with a Catholic, a friend of mine, which by chance I found -out to be there imprisoned for recusancy. I recounted to him the order -of my apprehension and escape; and he told me that in conscience I -could not make that escape, and persuaded me I ought to yield myself -prisoner; whereupon I went to my friend Haward, whom, through the -aforesaid Catholic prisoner, I found to be no other than Dr. Ely, a -professor of canon and civil law at Douay. I requested him to deliver -to me the mayor's letter to the lord-lieutenant. 'Why, what will you -do with it?' said he. 'I will go,' I said, 'and carry it to him, and -yield myself a prisoner; for I am not satisfied I can make this escape -in conscience, having had a contrary opinion thereon.' And I told him -what that prisoner I had just seen had urged. 'Why,' said Haward, -'this counsel which hath been given you proceedeth, I confess, from a -zealous mind; but I doubt whether it carrieth with it the weight of -knowledge. You shall not have the letter, nor you may not in -conscience yield yourself to the persecutors, having so good means -offered to escape their cruelty.' But as I still persisted in my -demand, 'Well,' said Mr. Haward, 'seeing you will not be turned by me -from this opinion, let us go first and consult with such a man,' and -he named one newly come over, who was concealed at the house of a -Catholic not very far off. This was a man of singular wit aid -learning, and of such rare virtues that I honored and reverenced him -greatly, which Mr. Haward perceiving, he said, with a smile, 'If he be -of your opinion, you shall have the letter, and go in God's name!' -When we came to him, he utterly disliked of my intention, and -dissuaded me from what he said was a fond cogitation. So being -assuaged, I went quietly about my business, and travelled for the -space of more than a year from one Catholic house to another in -Norfolk and Suffolk, ministering the sacraments to recusants, and -reconciling many to the Church, which, from fear or lack of -instruction or spiritual counsel, or only indifferency, had conformed -to the times. Methinks, daughter Constance, for one such year a man -should be willing to lay down a thousand lives, albeit, or rather -because, as St. Paul saith, he be 'in journeyings often, in perils -from his own nation, in perils from false brethren' (oh, how true and -applicable do these words prove to the Catholics of this land!), 'in -perils in the city, in perils of the wilderness, in perils of the -sea.' And if it pleases God now to send me labors of another sort, so -that I may be in prisons frequently, in stripes above measure, and, -finally, in death itself, his true servant,--oh, believe me, my good -child, the right fair house I once had, with its library and garden -and orchard, and everything so handsome about us, and the company of -thy sweet mother, and thy winsome childish looks of love, never gave -me so much heartfelt joy and comfort as the new similitude I -experience, and greater I hope to come, to my loved and only Master's -sufferings and death!" - -At this time of his recital my tears flowed abundantly; but with an -imparted sweetness, which, like a reflected light, shone from his soul -on mine. But to stay my weeping he changed his tone, and said with -good cheer: - -"Come now, my wench, I will presently make thee merry by the recital -of a strait in which I once found myself, and which maketh me to laugh -to think on it, albeit at the time, I warrant thee, it was like to -prove no laughable matter. It happened that year I speak of that I was -once secretly sent for by a courtlike gentleman of good wealth that -had lived in much bravery, and was then sick and lying in great pain. -He had fallen into a vehement agitation and deep study of the life to -come; and thereupon called for a priest--for in mind and opinion he -was Catholic--that he might learn from him to die well. According to -the custom of the Church, I did admonish him, among other things, that -if he had any way hurt or injured any man, or unjustly possessed other -men's goods, he should go about by-and-by to make restitution -according to his ability. He agreed to do so, and called to mind that -he had taken away something from a certain Calvinist, under pretence -of law indeed, but not under any good assurance for a Catholic -conscience to trust to. Therefore, he took order for restitution to be -made, and died. The widow, his wife, was very anxious to accomplish -her husband's will; but being afraid to commit the matter to any one, -her perplexed mind was entangled in briers of doubtfulness. She one -day declared her grief unto me, and beseeched me, for God's sake, to -help her with my counsel and travail. So, seeing her distress, I -proffered to put myself in any peril that might befall in the doing of -this thing; but, indeed, persuaded myself that no man would be so -perverse as of a benefit to desire revengement. Therefore committing -the matter to God, I mounted on horseback, and away I went on my -journey. When I came to the town where the man did dwell to whom the -money was to be delivered, I set up my horse in the next inn, that I -might be readier at hand to scape immediately after my business was -despatched. I then went to the creditor's house, and called the man -forth alone, taking him by the hand and leading him aside from the -company of others. Then I declared to him that I had money for him, -which I would deliver into his hands with this condition, that he -inquired no further either who sent or who brought it unto him, or -what the cause and matter was, but only receive the money and -use it as his own. The old fellow promised fair, and with a good will -gave his word faithfully so to do, and with many thanks sent me away. -With all the speed I was able to make, I hastened to mine host's -house, for to catch hold of my horse and fly away. But forthwith the -deceitful old fellow betrayed me, and sent men after to apprehend me, -not supposing me this time to be a priest, but making the surmise -against me that forsooth I was not a man but a devil, which had -brought money of mine own making to bewitch him. All the people of the -town, when they heard the rumor, confirmed the argument, with this -proof among others, that I had a black horse, and gave orders for to -watch the animal diligently, whether he did eat hay as other horses, -or no. As for me, they put a horse-lock about my leg, shut me up close -in a strong chamber, and appointed a fellow to be with me continually, -night and day, which should watch if I did put off my boots at any -time, and if my feet were like horses' feet, or that I was -cloven-footed, or had feet slit and forked as beasts have; for this -they affirmed to be a special mark whereby to know the devil when he -lieth lurking under the shape and likeness of a man. Then the people -assembled about the house in great numbers, and proffered money -largely that they might see this monster with their own eyes; for by -this time they were persuaded that I was indeed an ill spirit, or the -very devil. 'For what man was ever heard of,' said they, 'which, if he -had the mind, understanding, and sense of a man, would, of his own -voluntary will, and without any respect or consideration at all, give -or proffer such a sum of money to a man utterly unknown?' God knowcth -what should have ensued if some hours later it had not chanced that -Sir Henry Stafford did ride into the town, and, seeing a great -concourse of people at the door of the inn, he stopped to inquire into -the cause; which when it was related to him, he said he was a -magistrate, and should himself examine, face to face, this limb of -Satan. So I was taken before him into the parlor; and being alone with -him, and knowing him to be well-disposed in religion, albeit -conforming to the times, I explained in a general manner what sort of -an errand had brought me to that place. Methinks he guessed me to be a -priest, although he said nothing thereon, but only licensed me to -depart and go away whither I would, himself letting me out of the -house through a back-door. I have heard since that he harangued the -people from the balcony, and told them, that whilst he was examining -me a strong smell of sulphur had come into the chamber, and a pack of -devils carried me off through the window into the air; and he doubted -not I had by that time returned to mine own lodging in hell. Which he -did, I knew, for to prevent their pursuing me and using such violence -as he might not have had means to hinder." - -"It was not, then," I asked, "on this occasion you were apprehended -and taken to Wisbeach?" - -"No," he answered; "nor indeed can I be said to have been apprehended -at all, for it happened in this wise that I became a prisoner. I was -one day in Norwich, whither I had gone to baptize a child, and, as -Providence would have it, met with Haward, by whose means I had been -set at liberty one year before. After ordinary salutations, he said to -me, 'Mr. Tunstall' (for by that name only he knew me), 'the host of -the inn where you were taken last year says I have undone him, by -suffering the prisoner I had promised to deliver to escape; for he -having been my surety with the mayor, he is threatened with eight -months' imprisonment, or the payment of a large fine. He hath come to -this town for to seek me, and hath seized upon me on this charge; so -that I be only at liberty for six hours, for I promised that I -would bring you to him by four o'clock (a Catholic merchant yielding -him security thereof), or else that I should deliver him my body -again. 'I am content,' he said, 'so that I have one of you two.' So -either you, Mr. Tunstall, or I, must needs go to prison. You know my -state and condition, and may guess how I shall be treated, if once I -appear under my right name before them. You know, also, your own -state. Now, it is in your choice whether of us shall go; for one must -go; there is no remedy; and to force you I will not, for I had rather -sustain any punishment whatsoever.' 'Now God be blessed,' I cried, -'that he hath thrown me in your way at this time, for I should never -while I lived have been without scruple if you had gone to prison in -my stead. Nothing grieveth me in this but that I have not finished off -some business I had in this town touching a person in some distress of -mind.' 'Why,' said Haward, 'it is but ten o'clock yet; you may -despatch your business by four of the clock, and then you may go to -the sign of the Star and inquire for one Mr. Andrews, the -lord-lieutenant's deputy, and to him you may surrender yourself.' 'So -I will,' I said; and so we parted. At four of the clock I surrendered -myself, and was straightway despatched to Wisbeach Castle, where I -remained for three months. A message reached me there that a Catholic -which had led a very wicked life, and was lying on his death-bed, was -almost beside himself for that he could get no priest to come to him. -The person which delivered this advertisement left some ropes with me, -by which means I escaped out of the window into the moat with such -damage to my hands that I was like to lose the use of them, and -perhaps of my life, if these wounds had mortified before good Lady -l'Estrange dressed them. But I reached the poor sinner, which had -proved the occasion of my escaping, in time for to give him -absolution, and from Mr. Rugeley's house visited many Catholics in -that neighborhood. The rest is well known to thee, my good child. . . ." - -As he was speaking these words the door of the cell opened, and the -gaoler advertised me I could tarry no longer; so, with many blessings, -my dear father dismissed me, and I went home with Mr. Congleton and -Hubert, who anxiously inquired what his answer had been to the -proposal I had carried to him. - -"A most resolved denial of the conditions attached to it," I said, -"joined to many grateful acknowledgments to Sir Francis and to you -also for your efforts in his favor." - -"'Tis madness!" he exclaimed. - -"Yea," I answered, "such madness as the heathen governor did charge -St. Paul with." - -And so no more passed between us whilst we rode back to Holborn. Mr. -Congleton put questions to me touching my father's health and his -looks,--if he seemed of good cheer, and spoke merrily as he used to -do; and then we all continued silent. When we arrived at Ely Place, -Hubert refused to come into the house, but detained me on the outward -steps, as if desirous to converse with me alone. Thinking I had spoken -to him in the coach in an abrupt manner which savored of ingratitude, -I said more gently, "I am very much beholden to you, Hubert, for your -well-meaning toward my father." - -"I would fain continue to help you," he answered in an agitated voice. -"Constance," he exclaimed, after a pause, "your father is in a very -dangerous plight." - -"I know it," said I, quickly; "but I know, too, he is resolved and -content to die rather than swerve an inch from his duty to God and his -Church." - -"But," quoth he then, "do you wish to save him?" - -I looked at him amazed. "Wish it! God knoweth that to see him in -safety I would have my hand cut off,--yea, and my head also." - - -"What, and rob him of his expectant crown--the martyr's palm, and all -the rest of it?" he said, with a perceptible sneer. - -"Hubert!" I passionately exclaimed, "you are investigable to me; you -chill my soul with your half-uttered sentences and uncertain meanings! -Once, I remember, you could speak nobly,--yea, and feel so too, as -much as any one. Heaven shield you be not wholly changed!" - -"Changed!" quoth he, in a low voice, "I am changed;" and then abruptly -altering his manner, and leaving me in doubt as to the change he did -intend to speak of, he pressed me to take no measures touching my -father's release till he had spoken with me again; for he said if his -real name became known, or others dealt in the matter, all hope on Sir -Francis's side should be at an end. He then asked me if I had heard of -Basil lately. I told him of the letter I had had from him at -Kenninghall some weeks back. He said a report had reached him that he -had landed at Dover and was coming to London; but he hoped it was not -true, for that Sir Henry Stafford was very urgent he should continue -abroad till the expiration of his wardship. - -I said, "If he was returned, it must surely be for some sufficient -cause, but that I had heard nothing thereof, and had no reason to -expect it." - -"But you would know it, I presume, if he was in London?" he urged. I -misliked his manner, which always put me in mind of one in the dark, -which feeleth his way as he advances, and goeth not straight to the -point. - -"_Is_ Basil in England?" I inquired, fixing mine eyes on him, and with -a flutter at my heart from the thought that it should be possible. - -"I heard he was," he answered in a careless tone; "but I think it not -to be true. If he should come whilst this matter is in hand, I do -conjure you, Constance, if you value your father's existence and -Basil's also, let him not into this secret." - -"Wherefore not?" I quickly answered. "Why should one meet to be -trusted, and by me above all other persons in the world, be kept -ignorant of what so nearly doth touch me?" - -"Because," he said, "there is a rashness in his nature which will -assuredly cause him to run headlong into danger if not forcibly -withheld from the occasions of it." - -"I have seen no tokens of such rashness as you speak of in him," I -replied; "only of a boldness such as well becomes a Christian and a -gentleman." - -"Constance Sherwood!" Hubert exclaimed, and seized hold of my hand -with a vehemency which caused me to start, "I do entreat you, yea, on -my bended knees, if needs be, I will beseech you to beware of that -indomitable and resolved spirit which sets at defiance restraint, -prudence, pity even; which leads you to brave your friends, spurn -wholesome counsel, rush headlong into perils which I forewarn you do -hang thickly about your path. If I can conjure them, I care not by -what means, I will do so; but for the sake of all you do hold dear, -curb your natural impetuosity, which may prove the undoing of those -you most desire to serve." - -There was a plausibility in this speech, and in mine own knowledge of -myself some sort of a confirmation of what he did charge me with, -which inclined me somewhat to diffide of mine own judgment in this -matter, and not to turn a wholly deaf ear to his advertisement. He had -the most persuasive tongue in the world, and a rare art at -representing things under whatever aspect he chose. He dealt so -cunningly therein with me that day, and used so many ingenious -arguments, that I said I should be very careful how I disclosed -anything to Basil or any one else touching my father's imprisonment, -who Mr. Tunstall was, and my near concern in his fate; but would give -no promise thereupon: so he was forced to content himself with as much -as he could obtain, and withdrew himself for that day, he said; -but promised to return on the morrow. - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -When at last I entered the house I sought Mistress Ward; for I desired -to hear what assistance she had procured for the escape of the -prisoners, and to inform her of my father's resolved purpose not -himself to attempt this flight, albeit commending her for moving Mr. -Watson to it and assisting him therein. Not finding her in the parlor, -nor in her bed-chamber, I opened the door of my aunt's room, who was -now very weak, and yet more so in mind than in body. She was lying -with her eyes shut, and Mistress Ward standing by her bedside. I -marked her intent gaze on the aged, placid face of the poor lady, and -one tear I saw roll down her cheek. Then she stooped to kiss her -forehead. A noise I made with the handle of the door caused her to -turn round, and hastening toward me, she took me by the hand and led -me to her chamber, where Muriel was folding some biscuits and cakes in -paper and stowing them in a basket. The thought came to me of the -first day I had arrived in London, and the comfort I had found in this -room, when all except her were strangers to me in that house. She sat -down betwixt Muriel and me, and smiling, said: "Now, mine own dear -children, for such my heart holds you both to be, and ever will whilst -I live, I am come here for to tell you that I purpose not to return to -this house to-night, nor can I foresee when, if ever, I shall be free -to do so." - -"O, what dismal news!" I exclaimed, "and more sad than I did expect." - -Muriel said nothing, but lifting her hand to her lips kissed it. - -"You both know," she continued, "that in order to save one in cruel -risk and temptation of apostasy, and others perhaps, also, whom his -possible speaking should imperil, I be about to put myself in some -kind of danger, who of all persons in the world possess the best right -to do so, as having neither parents, or husband, or children, or any -on earth who depend on my care. Yea, it is true," she added, fixing -her eyes on Muriel's composed, but oh how sorrowful, countenance, -"none dependent on my care, albeit some very dear to me, and which -hang on me, and I on them, in the way of fond affection. God knoweth -my heart, and that it is very closely and tenderly entwined about each -one in this house. Good Mr. Congleton and your dear mother, who hath -clung to me so long, though I thank God not so much of late by reason -of the weakening of her mind, which hath ceased greatly to notice -changes about her, and you, Constance, my good child, since your -coming hither a little lass commended to my keeping. . . . ." There -she stopped; and I felt she could not name Muriel, or then so much as -look on her; for if ever two souls were bound together by an -unperishable bond of affection, begun on earth to last in heaven, -theirs were so united. I ween Muriel was already acquainted with her -purpose, for she asked no questions thereon; whereas I exclaimed, "I -do very well know, good Mistress Ward, what perils you do run in this -charitable enterprise; but wherefore, I pray you, this final manner of -parting? God's providence may shield you from harm in this passage, -and, indeed, human probability should lead us to hope for your safety -if becoming precautions be observed. Then why, I say, this certain -farewell?" - -"Because," she answered, "whatever comes of this night's enterprise, I -return not to this house." - -"And wherefore not?" I cried; "this is indeed a cruel resolve, a hard -misfortune." - -"Heretofore," she answered, "I had noways offended against the laws of -the country, except in respect of recusancy, wherein all here -are alike involved; but by mine act tonight I do expose myself to so -serious a charge (conscience obliging me to prefer the law of divine -charity to that of human authority), that I may at any time and -without the least hope of mercy be exposed to detection and -apprehension; and so am resolved not to draw down sorrow and obloquy -on the gray hairs of my closest friends and on your young years such -perils as I do willingly in mine own person incur, but would not have -others to be involved in. Therefore I will lodge, leastwise for a -time, with one who feareth not any more than I do persecution, who -hath no ties and little or nothing on earth to lose, and if she had -would willingly yield it a thousand times over for to save a soul for -whom Christ died. Nor will I have you privy, my dear children, to the -place of mine abode, that if questioned on it you may with truth aver -yourselves to be ignorant thereof. And now," she said, turning to me, -"is Mr. Sherwood willing for to try to escape by the same means as Mr. -Watson? for methinks I have found a way to convey to him a cord, and, -by means of the management he knoweth of instructions how to use it." - -"Nay," I answered, "he will not himself avail himself of this means, -albeit he is much rejoiced you have it in hand for Mr. Watson's -deliverance from his tormentors; and he doth pray fervently for it to -succeed." - -"Everything promiseth well," she replied. "I dealt this day with an -honest Catholic boatman, a servant of Mr. Hodgson, who is willing to -assist in it. Two men are needed for to row the boat with so much -speed as shall be necessary to carry it quickly beyond reach of -pursuers. He knoweth none of his own craft which should be reliable or -else disposed to risk the enterprise; but he says at a house of resort -for Catholics which he doth frequent, he chanced to fall in with a -young gentleman, lately landed from France, whom he doth make sure -will lend his aid in it. As dextrous a man," he saith, "to handle an -oar, and of as courageous a spirit, as can be found in England." - -As soon as she had uttered these words, I thought of what Hubert had -said touching a report of Basil being in London and of his rashness in -plunging into dangers; a cold shiver ran through me. "Did he tell you -this gentleman's name?" I asked. - -"No," she answered, "he would not mention it; but only that he was one -who could be trusted with the lives of ten thousand persons, and so -zealous a Catholic he would any day risk his life to do some good -service to a priest." - -"And hath this boatman promised," I inquired, "to wait for Mr. Watson -and convey him away?" - -"Yea, most strictly," she answered, "at twelve o'clock of the night he -and his companion shall approach a boat to the side of some -scaffolding which lieth under the wall of the prison; and when the -clock of the tower striketh, Mr. Watson shall open his window, the -bars of which he hath found it possible to remove, and by means of the -cord, which is of the length he measured should be necessary, he will -let himself down on the planks, whence he can step into the boat, and -be carried to a place of concealment in a close part of the city till -it shall be convenient for him to cross the sea to France." - -"Must you go?" I said, seeing her rise, and feeling a dull hard -heaviness at my heart which did well-nigh impede my utterance. I was -not willing to let her know the fear I had conceived; "of what use -should it be," I inwardly argued, "to disturb her in the discharge of -her perilous task by a surmise which might prove groundless; and, -indeed, were it certainly true, could she, nay, would she, alter her -intent, or could I so much as ask her to do it?" Whilst, with Muriel's -assistance, she concluded the packing of her basket, wherein the -weighty cord was concealed in an ingenious manner, I stood by -watching the doing of it, fearing to see her depart, yet unable to -think of any means by which to delay that which I could not, even if I -had willed it, prevent. When the last contents were placed in the -basket, and Muriel was pressing down the lid, I said: "Do you, -peradventure, know the name of the inn where you said that gentleman -doth tarry which the boatman spake of?" - -"No," she replied; "nor so much as where the good boatman himself -lodgeth. I met with him at Mr. Hodgson's house, and there made this -agreement." - -"But if," I said, "it should happen by any reason that Mr. Watson -changed his mind, how should you, then, inform him of it?" - -"In that case," she answered, "he would hang a white kerchief outside -his window, by which they should be advertised to withdraw themselves. -And now," she added, "I have always been of the way of thinking that -farewells should be brief; and 'God speed you,' and 'God bless you,' -enough for those which do hope, if it shall please God, on earth, but -for a surety in heaven, to meet again." - -So, kissing us both somewhat hurriedly, she took up her basket on her -arm, and said she should send a messenger on the morrow for her -clothes; at which Muriel, for the first time, shed some tears, which -was an instance of what I have often noticed, that grief, howsoever -heavy, doth not always overflow in the eyes unless some familiar words -or homely circumstance doth substantiate the verity of a sorrow known -indeed, but not wholly apparent till its common effects be seen. Then -we two sat awhile alone in that empty chamber--empty of her which for -so long years had tenanted it to our no small comfort and benefit. -When the light waned, Muriel lit a candle, and said she must go for to -attend on her mother, for that duty did now devolve chiefly on her; -and I could see in her sad but composed face the conquering peace -which doth exceed all human consolation. - -For mine own part, I was so unhinged by doubtful suspense that I -lacked ability to employ my mind in reading or my fingers in -stitch-work; and so descended for relief into the garden, where I -wandered to and fro like an uneasy ghost, seeking rest but finding -none. The dried shaking leaves made a light noise in falling, which -caused me each time to think I heard a footstep behind me. And despite -the increasing darkness, after I had paced up and down for near unto -an hour, some one verily did come walking along the alley where I was, -seeking to overtake me. Turning round I perceived it to be mine own -dear aged friend, Mr. Roper. Oh, what great comfort I experienced in -the sight of this good man! How eager was my greeting of him! How full -my heart as I poured into his ear the narrative of the passages which -had befallen me since we had met! Of the most weighty he knew -somewhat; but nothing of the last haunting fear I had lest my dear -Basil should be in London, and this very night engaged in the perilous -attempt to carry off Mr. Watson. When I told him of it, he started and -exclaimed: - -"God defend it!" but quickly corrected himself and cried, "God's -mercy, that my first feeling should have led me to think rather of -Basil's safety than of the fine spirit he showed in all instances -where a good action had to be done, or a service rendered to those in -affliction." - -"Indeed, Mr. Roper," I said, as he led me back to the house and into -the solitary parlor (where my uncle now seldom came, but remained -sitting alone in his library, chiefly engaged in praying and reading), -"I do condemn mine own weakness in this, and pray God to give me -strength for what may come upon us; but I do promise you 'tis no easy -matter to carry always so high a heart that it shall not sink with -human fears and griefs in such passages as these." - - -"My dear," the good man answered, "God knoweth 'tis no easy matter to -attain to the courage you speak of. I have myself seen the sweetest, -the lovingest, and the most brave creature which ever did breathe give -marks of extraordinary sorrow when her father, that generous martyr of -Christ, was to die." - -"I pray you tell me," I answered, "what her behavior was like in that -trial; for to converse on such themes doth allay somewhat the torment -of suspense, and I may learn lessons from her example, who, you say, -joined to natural weakness so courageous a spirit in like straits." - -Upon which he, willing to divert and yet not violently change the -current of my thoughts, spake as followeth: - -"On the day when Sir Thomas More came from Westminster to the -Tower-ward, my wife, desirous to see her father, whom she thought she -should never see in this world after, and also to have his final -blessing, gave attendance about the wharf where she knew he should -pass before he could enter into the Tower. As soon as she saw him, -after his blessing upon her knees reverently received, hastening -toward him without care or consideration of herself, passing in -amongst the throng and company of the guard, she ran to him and took -him about the neck and kissed him; who, well liking her most natural -and dear daughterly affection toward him, gave her his fatherly -blessing and godly words of comfort beside; from whom, after she was -departed, not satisfied with the former sight of him, and like one -that had forgotten herself, being all ravished with the entire love of -her father, suddenly turned back again, ran to him as before, took him -about the neck, and divers times kissed him lovingly, till at last, -with a full and heavy heart, she was fain to depart from him; the -beholding thereof was to many that were present so lamentable, and -mostly so to me, that for very sorrow we could not forbear to weep -with her. The wife of John Harris, Sir Thomas's secretary, was moved -to such a transport of grief, that she suddenly flew to his neck and -kissed him, as he had reclined his head on his daughter's shoulder; -and he who, in the midst of the greatest straits, had ever a merry -manner of speaking, cried, 'This is kind, albeit rather unpolitely -done.'" - -"And the day he suffered," I asked, "what was this good daughter's -behavior?" - -"She went," quoth he, "to the different churches, and distributed -abundant alms to the poor. When she had given all her money away, she -withdrew to pray in a certain church, where she on a sudden did -remember she had no linen in which to wrap up her father's body. She -had heard that the remains of the Bishop of Rochester had been thrown -into the ground, without priest, cross, lights, or shroud, for the -dread of the king had prevented his relations from attempting to bury -him. But Margaret resolved her father's body should not meet with such -unchristian treatment. Her maid advised her to buy some linen in the -next shop, albeit having given away all her money to the poor, there -was no likelihood she should get credit from strangers. She ventured, -howsoever, and having agreed about the price, she put her hand in her -pocket, which she knew was empty, to show she forgot the money, and -ask credit under that pretence. But to her surprise, she found in her -purse the exact price of the linen, neither more or less; and so -buried the martyr of Christ with honor, nor was there any one so -inhuman found as to hinder her." - -"Mr. Roper," I said, when he had ended his recital, "methinks this -angelic lady's trial was most hard: but how much harder should it yet -have been if you, her husband, had been in a like peril at that time -as her father?" - - -A half kind of melancholy, half smiling look came into the good old -man's face as he answered: - -"Her father was Sir Thomas More, and he so worthy of a daughter's -passionate love, and the affection betwixt them so entire and -absolute, compounded of filial love on her part, unmitigated -reverence, and unrestrained confidence, that there was left in her -heart no great space for wifely doating. But to be moderately -affectioned by such a woman, and to stand next in her esteem to her -incomparable father, was of greater honor and worth to her unworthy -husband, than should have been the undivided, yea idolatrous, love of -one not so perfect as herself." - -After a pause, during which his thoughts, I ween, reverted to the -past, and mine investigated mine own soul, I said to Mr. Roper: - -"Think you, sir, that love to be idolatrous which is indeed so -absolute that it should be no difficulty to die for him who doth -inspire it; which would prefer a prison in his company, howsoever dark -and loathsome (yea consider it a very paradise), to the beautifullest -palace in the world, which without him would seem nothing but a vile -dungeon; which should with a good-will suffer all the torments in the -world for to see the object of its affection enjoy good men's esteem -on earth, and a noble place in heaven; but which should be, -nevertheless, founded and so wholly built up on a high estimate of his -virtues; on the quality he holdeth of God's servant; on the likeness -of Christ stamped on his soul, and each day exemplified in his manner -of living, that albeit to lose his love or his company in this world -should be like the uprooting of all happiness and turning the -brightness of noonday to the darkness of the night, it should a -thousand times rather endure this mishap than that the least shade or -approach of a stain should alter the unsullied opinion till then held -of his perfections?" - -Mr. Roper smiled, and said that was a too weighty question to answer -at once; for he should be loth to condemn or yet altogether to absolve -from some degree of overweeningness such an affection as I described, -which did seem indeed to savor somewhat of excess; but yet if noble in -its uses and held in subjection to the higher claims of the Creator, -whose perfections the creature doth at best only imperfectly mirror, -it might be commendable and a means of attaining ourselves to the like -virtues we doated on in another. - -As he did utter these words a servant came into the parlor, and -whispered in mine ear: - -"Master Basil Rookwood is outside the door, and craves--" - -I suffered him not to finish his speech, but bounded into the hall, -where Basil was indeed standing with a traveller's cloak on him, and a -slouched hat over his face. After such a greeting as may be conceived -(alas, all greetings then did seem to combine strange admixtures of -joy and pain!), I led him into the parlor, where Mr. Roper in his turn -received him with fatherly words of kindness mixed with amazement at -his return. - -"And whence," he exclaimed, "so sudden a coming, my good Basil? -Verily, you do appear to have descended from the skies!" - -Basil looked at me and replied: "I heard in Paris, Mr. Roper, that a -gentleman in whom I do take a very lively interest, one Mr. Tunstall, -was in prison at London; and I bethought me I could be of some service -to him by coming over at this time." - -"O Basil," I cried, "do you then know he is my father?" - -"Yea," he joyfully answered, "and I am right glad you do know it also, -for then there is no occasion for any feigning, which, albeit I deny -it not to be sometimes useful and necessary, doth so ill agree with my -bluntness, that it keepeth me in constant fear of stumbling in my -speech. I was in a manner forced to come over secretly; because if Sir -Henry Stafford, who willeth me to remain abroad till I have got -out of my wardship, should hear of my being in London, and gain scent -of the object of my coming, he should have dealt in all sorts of ways -to send me out of it. But, prithee, dearest love, is Mrs. Ward in this -house?" - -"Alas!" I said, "she is gone hence. Her mind is set on a very -dangerous enterprise." - -"I know it," he saith (at which word my heart began to sink); "but, -verily, I see not much danger to be in it; and methinks if we do -succeed in carrying off your good father and that other priest -to-night in the ingenious manner she hath devised, it will be the best -night's work done by good heads, good arms, and good oars which can be -thought of." - -"Oh, then," I exclaimed, "it is even as I feared, and you, Basil, have -engaged in this rash enterprise. O woe the day you came to London, and -met with that boatman!" - -"Constance," he said reproachfully, "should it be a woful day to thee -the one on which, even at some great risk, which I deny doth exist in -this instance, I should aid in thy father's rescue?" - -"Oh, but, my dear Basil," I cried, "he doth altogether refuse to stir -in this matter. I have had speech with him to-day, and he will by no -means attempt to escape again from prison. He hath done it once for -the sake of a soul in jeopardy; but only to save his life, he is -resolved not to involve others in peril of theirs. And oh, how -confirmed he would be in his purpose if he knew who it was who doth -throw himself into so great a risk! I' faith, I cannot and will not -suffer it!" I exclaimed impetuously, for the sudden joy of his -presence, the sight of his beloved countenance, lighted up with an -inexpressible look of love and kindness, more beautiful than my poor -words can describe, worked in me a rebellion against the thought of -more suffering, further parting, greater fears than I had hitherto -sustained. - -He said, "He could wish my father had been otherwise disposed, for to -have aided in his escape should have been to him the greatest joy he -could think of; but that having promised likewise to assist in Mr. -Watson's flight, he would never fail to do so, if he was to die for -it." - -"'Tis very easy," I cried, "to speak of dying, Basil, nor do I doubt -that to one of your courage and faith the doing of it should have -nothing very terrible in it. But I pray you remember that that life, -which you make so little account of, is not now yours alone to dispose -of as you list. Mine, dear Basil, is wrapped up with it; for if I lose -you, I care not to live, or what becomes of me, any more." - -Mr. Roper said he should think on it well before he made this venture; -for, as I had truly urged, I had a right over him now, and he should -not dispose of himself as one wholly free might do. - -"Dear sir," quoth he in answer, "my sweet Constance and you also might -perhaps have prevailed with me some hours ago to forego this -intention, before I had given a promise to Mr. Hodgson's boatman, and -through him to Mistress Ward and Mr. Watson; I should then have been -free to refuse my assistance if I had listed; and albeit methinks in -so doing I should have played a pitiful part, none could justly have -condemned me. But I am assured neither her great heart nor your -honorable spirit would desire me so much as to place in doubt the -fulfilment of a promise wherein the safety of a man, and he one of -God's priests, is concerned. I pray thee, sweetheart, say thou wouldst -not have me do it." - -Alas! this was the second time that day my poor heart had been called -upon to raise itself higher than nature can afford to reach. But the -present struggle was harder than the first. My father had long been to -me as a distant angel, severed from my daily life and any future hope -in this world. His was an expectant martyrdom, an exile from his true -home, a daily dying on earth, tending but to one desired end. -Nature could be more easily reconciled in the one case than in the -other to thoughts of parting. Basil was my all, my second self, my -sole treasure,--the prop on which rested youth's hopes, earth's joys, -life's sole comfort; and chance (as it seemed, and men would have -called it), not a determined seeking, had thrust on him this danger, -and I must needs see him plunged into it, and not so much as say a -word to stay him or prevent it. . . . . I was striving to constrain my -lips to utter the words my rebelling heart disavowed, and he kneeling -before me, with his dear eyes fixed on mine, awaiting my consent, when -a loud noise of laughter in the hall caused us both to start up, and -then the door was thrown open, and Kate and Polly ran into the room so -gaily attired, the one in a yellow and the other in a crimson gown -bedecked with lace and jewels, that nothing finer could be seen. - -"Lackaday!" Polly cried, when she perceived Basil; "who have we here? -I scarce can credit mine eyes! Why, Sir Lover, methought you were in -France. By what magic come you here? Mr. Roper, your humble servant. -'Tis like you did not expect so much good company to-night, Con, for -you have but one poor candle or two to light up this dingy room, and I -fear there will not be light enough for these gentlemen to see our -fine dresses, which we do wear for the first time at Mrs. Yates's -house this evening." - -"I thought you were both in the country," I said, striving to disguise -how much their coming did discompose me. - -"Methinks," answered Polly, laughing, "your wish was father to that -thought, Con, and that you desired to have the company of this fine -gentleman to yourself alone, and Mr. Roper's also, and no one else for -to disturb you. But, in good sooth, we were both at Mr. Benham's seat -in Berkshire when we heard of this good entertainment at so great a -friend's house, and so prevailed on our lords and governors for to -hire a coach and bring us to London for one night. We lie at Kate's -house, and she and I have supped on a cold capon and a veal pie we -brought with us, and Sir Ralph and Mr. Lacy do sup at a tavern in the -Strand, and shall fetch us here when it shall be convenient to them to -carry us to this grand ball, which I would not have missed, no, not -for all the world. So I pray you let us be merry till they do come, -and pass the time pleasantly." - -"Ay," said Kate, in a lamentable voice, "you would force me to dress -and go abroad, when I would sooner be at home; for John's stomach is -disordered, and baby doth cut her teeth, and he pulled at my ribbons -and said I should not leave him; and beshrew me if I would have done -so, but for your overpersuading me. But you are always so absolute! I -wonder you love not more to stay at home, Polly." - -Basil smiled with a better heart than I could do, and said he would -promise her John should sleep never the less well for her absence, and -she should find baby's tooth through on the morrow; and sitting down -by her side, talked to her of her children with a kindliness which -never did forsake him. Mr. Roper set himself to converse with Polly; I -ween for to shield me from the torrent of her words, which, as I sat -between them, seemed to buzz in mine ear without any meaning; and yet -I must needs have heard them, for to this day I remember what they -talked of;--that Polly said, "Have you seen the ingenious poesy which -the queen's saucy godson, the merry wit Harrington, left behind her -cushion on Wednesday, and now 'tis in every one's hands?" - -"Not in mine," quoth Mr. Roper; "so, if your memory doth serve you, -Lady Ingoldsby, will you rehearse it?" which she did as follows; and -albeit I only did hear those lines that once, they still remain -in my mind: - - "For ever dear, for ever dreaded prince, - You read a verse of mine a little since, - And so pronounced each word and every letter, - Your gracious reading graced my verse the better; - Sith then your highness doth by gift exceeding - Make what you read the better for your reading, - Let my poor muse your pains thus far importune, - Like as you read my verse--so read my fortune!" - -"Tis an artful and witty petition," Mr. Roper observed; "but I have -been told her majesty mislikes the poet's satirical writings, and -chiefly the metamorphosis of Ajax." - -"She signified," Polly answered, "some outward displeasure at it, but -Robert Markham affirms she likes well the marrow of the book, and is -minded to take the author to her favor, but sweareth she believes he -will make epigrams on her and all her court. Howsoever, I do allow she -conceived much disquiet on being told he had aimed a shaft at -Leicester. By the way, but you, cousin Constance, should best know the -truth thereon" (this she said turning to me), "'tis said that Lord -Arundel is exceeding sick again, and like to die very soon. Indeed his -physicians are of opinion, so report speaketh, that he will not last -many days now, for as often as he hath rallied before." - -"Yesterday," I said, "when I saw Lady Surrey, he was no worse than -usual." - -"Oh, have you heard," Polly cried, running from one theme to another, -as was her wont, "that Leicester is about to marry Lettice Knollys, my -Lady Essex?" - -"'Tis impossible," Basil exclaimed, who was now listening to her -speeches, for Kate had finished her discourse touching her Johnny's -disease in his stomach. The cause thereof, she said, both herself -thought, and all in Mr. Benham's house did judge to have been, the -taking in the morning a confection of barley sodden with water and -sugar, and made exceeding thick with bread. This breakfast lost him -both his dinner and supper, and surely the better half of his sleep; -but God be thanked, she hoped now the worst was past, and that the -dear urchin would shortly be as merry and well-disposed as afore he -left London. Basil said he hoped so too; and in a pause which ensued, -he heard Polly speak of Lord Leicester's intended marriage, which -seemed to move him to some sort of indignation, the cause of which I -only learnt many years later; for that when Lady Douglas Howard's -cause came before the Star-Chamber, in his present majesty's reign, he -told me he had been privy, through information received in France, of -her secret marriage with that lord. - -"'Tis not impossible," Polly retorted, "by the same token that the new -favorite, young Robert Devereux, maketh no concealment of it, and -calleth my Lord Leicester his father elect. But I pray you, what is -impossible in these days? Oh, I think they are the most whimsical, -entertaining days which the world hath ever known; and the merriest, -if people have a will to make them so." - -"Oh, Polly," I cried, unable to restrain myself, "I pray God you may -never find cause to change your mind thereon." - -"Yea, amen to that prayer," quoth she; "I'll promise you, my grave -little coz, that I have no mind to be sad till I grow old--and there -be yet some years to come before that shall befall me. When Mistress -Helen Ingoldsby shall reach to the height of my shoulder, then, -methinks, I may begin to take heed unto my ways. What think you the -little wench said to me yesterday? 'What times is it we do conform to, -mother? dinner-times or bed-times?'" "She should have been answered, -'The devil's times,'" Basil muttered; and Kate told Polly she should -be ashamed to speak in her father's house of the conformity she -practised when others were suffering for their religion. And, -methought, albeit I had scarcely endured the jesting which had -preceded it, I could less bear any talk of religion, least-ways of -that kind, just then. But, in sooth, the constraint I suffered almost -overpassed my strength. There appeared no hope of their going, and -they fell into an eager discourse concerning the bear-baiting they had -been to see in Berkshire, and a great sort of ban-dogs, which had been -tied in an outer court, let loose on thirteen bears that were baited -in the inner; and my dear Basil, who doth delight in all kinds of -sports, listened eagerly to the description they gave of this -diversion. Oh, how I counted the minutes! what a pressure weighted my -heart! how the sound of their voices pained mine ears! how long an -hour seemed! and yet too short for my desires, for I feared the time -must soon come when Basil should go, and lamented that these -unthinking women's tarrying should rob me of all possibility to talk -with him alone. Howsoever, when Mr. Roper rose to depart, I followed -him into the hall and waited near the door for Basil, who was bidding -farewell to Kate and Polly. I heard him beseech them to do him so much -favor as not to mention they had seen him; for that he had not -informed Sir Henry Stafford of his coming over from France, which if -he heard of it otherwise than from himself, it should peradventure -offend him. They laughed, and promised to be as silent as graves -thereon; and Polly said he had learnt French fashions she perceived, -and taken lessons in wooing from mounseer; but she hoped his stealthy -visit should in the end prove more conformable to his desires than -mounseer's had done. At last they let him go; and Mr. Roper, who had -waited for him, wrung his hand, and the manner of his doing it made my -eyes overflow. I turned my face away, but Basil caught both my hands -in his and said, "Be of good cheer, sweetheart. I have not words -wherewith to express how much I love thee, but God knoweth it is very -dearly." - -"O Basil! mine own dear Basil," I murmured, laying my forehead on his -coat-sleeve, and could not then utter another word. Ere I lifted it -again, the hall-door opened, and who, I pray you, should I then see -(with more affright, I confess, than was reasonable) but Hubert? My -voice shook as he said to Basil, whose back was turned from the door, -"Here is your brother." - -"Ah, Hubert!" he exclaimed; "I be glad to see thee!" and held out his -hand to him with a frank smile, which the other took, but in the doing -of it a deadly paleness spread over his face. - -"I have no leisure to tarry so much as one minute," Basil said; "but -this sweet lady will tell thee what weighty reasons I have for -presently remaining concealed; and so farewell, my dear love, and -farewell, my good brother. Be, I pray you, my bedes-woman this night, -Constance; and you too, Hubert,--if you do yet say your prayers like a -good Christian, which I pray God you do,--mind you say an ave for me -before you sleep." - -When the door closed on him I sunk down on a chair, and hid my face -with my hands. - -"You have not told him anything?" Hubert whispered; and I, "God help -you, Hubert! he hath come to London for this very matter, and hath -already, I fear, albeit not in any way that shall advantage my father, -yet in seeking to assist him, run himself into danger of death, or -leastways banishment." - -As I said this mine eyes raised themselves toward him; and I would -they had not, for I saw in his visage an expression I have tried these -many years to forget, but which sometimes even now comes back to me -painfully. - -"I told you so," he answered. "He hath an invariable aptness to miss -his aim, and to hurt himself by the shafts he looseth. What plan hath -he now formed, and what shall come of it?" - - -But, somewhat recovered from my surprise, I bethought myself it -should not be prudent, albeit I grieved to think so, to let him know -what sort of enterprise it was Basil had in hand; so I did evade his -question, which indeed he did not show himself very careful to have -answered. He said he was yet dealing with Sir Francis Walsingham, and -had hopes of success touching my father's liberation, and so prayed me -not to yield to despondency; but it would take time to bring matters -to a successful issue, and patience was greatly needed, and likewise -prudence toward that end. He requested me very urgently to take no -other steps for the present in his behalf, which might ruin all. And -above all things not to suffer Basil to come forward in it, for that -he had made himself obnoxious to Sir Francis by speeches which he had -used, and which some one had reported to him, touching Lady Ridley's -compliance with his (Sir Francis's) request that she should have a -minister in her house for to read Protestant prayers to her household, -albeit herself, being bedridden, did not attend; and if he should now -stir in this matter, all hope would be at an end. So he left me, and I -returned to the parlor, and Kate and Polly declared my behavior to -them not to be over and above civil; but they supposed when folks were -in love, they had a warrant to treat their friends as they pleased. -Then finding me very dull and heavy, I ween, they bethought themselves -at the last of going to visit their mother in her bed, and paying -their respects to their father, whom they found asleep in his chair, -his prayer-book, with which he was engaged most of the day, lying open -by his side. Polly kissed his forehead, and then the picture of our -Blessed Lady in the first page of this much-used volume; which sudden -acts of hers comforted me not a little. - -Muriel came out of her mother's chamber to greet them, but would not -suffer them to see her at this unexpected time, for that the least -change in her customable habits disordered her; and then whispered to -me that she had often asked for Mistress Ward, and complained of her -absence. - -At the last Sir Ralph came, but not Mr. Lacy, who he said was tired -with his long ride, and had gone home to bed. Thereupon Kate began to -weep; for she said she would not go without him to this fine ball, for -it was an unbecoming thing for a woman to be seen abroad when her -husband was at home, and a thing she had not yet done, nor did intend -to do. But that it was a very hard thing she should have been at the -pains to dress herself so handsomely, and not so much as one person to -see her in this fine suit; and she wished she had not been so foolish -as to be persuaded to it, and that Polly was very much to blame -therein. At the which, "I' faith, I think so too," Polly exclaimed; -"and I wish you had stayed in the country, my dear." - -Kate's pitiful visage and whineful complaint moved me, in my then -apprehensive humor, to an unmerry but not to be resisted fit of -laughter, which she did very much resent; but I must have laughed or -died, and yet it made me angry to hear her utter such lamentations who -had no true cause for displeasure. - -When they were gone,--she, still shedding tears, in a chair Sir Ralph -sent for to convey her to Gray's Inn Lane, and he and Polly in their -coach to Mrs. Yates's,--the relief I had from their absence proved so -great that at first it did seem to ease my heart. I went slowly up to -mine own chamber, and stood there a while at the casement looking at -the quiet sky above and the unquiet city beneath it, and chiefly in -the distant direction where I knew the prison to be, picturing to -myself my father in his bare cell. Mistress Ward regaining her obscure -lodging, Mr. Watson's dangerous descent, and mostly the boat which -Basil was to row,--that boat freighted with so perilous a burthen. -These scenes seemed to rise before mine eyes as I remained motionless, -straining their sight to pierce the darkness of the night and of -the fog which hung over the town. When the clock struck twelve, a -shiver ran through me, for I thought of the like striking at Lynn -Court, and what had followed. Upon which I betook myself to my -prayers, and thinking on Basil, said, "Speak for him, O Blessed Virgin -Mary! Entreat for him, O ye apostles! Make intercession for him, all -ye martyrs! Pray for him, all ye confessors and all ye company of -heaven, that my prayers for him may take effect before our Lord Jesus -Christ!" Then my head waxed heavy with sleep, and I sank on the -cushion of my kneeling-stool. I wot not for how many hours I slumbered -in this wise; but I know I had some terrible dreams. - -When I awoke it was daylight. A load knocking at the door of the house -had aroused me. Before I had well bethought me where I was, Muriel's -white face appeared at my door. The pursuivants, she said, were come -to seek for Mistress Ward. - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -My first thought, when Muriel had announced to me the coming of the -pursuivants in search of Mistress Ward, was to thank God she was -beyond their reach, and with so much prudence had left us in ignorance -of her abode. Then making haste to dress--for I apprehended these -officers should visit every chamber in the house--I quickly repaired -to my aunt's room, who was persuaded by Muriel that they had sent for -to take an inventory of the furniture, which she said was a very -commendable thing to do, but she wished they had waited until such -time as she had had her breakfast. By an especial mercy, it so -happened that these officers--or, leastways, two out of three of -them--were quiet, well-disposed men, who exercised their office with -as much mildness as could be hoped for, and rather diminished by their -behavior than in any way increased the hardships of this invasion of -domestic privacy. We were all in turns questioned touching Mistress -Ward's abode except my aunt, whose mental infirmity was pleaded for to -exempt her from this ordeal. The one officer who was churlish said, -"If the lady's mind be unsound, 'tis most like she will let the cat -out of the bag," and would have forced questions on her; but the -others forcibly restrained him from it, and likewise from openly -insulting us, when we denied all knowledge of the place she had -resorted to. Howsoever, he vented his displeasure in scornful looks -and cutting speeches. They carried away sundry prayer-books, and -notably the "Spiritual Combat," which Mrs. Engerfield had gifted me -with, when I slept at her house at Northampton, the loss of which -grieved me not a little, but yet not so much as it would have done at -another time, for my thoughts were then wholly set on discovering who -had betrayed Mistress Ward's intervention, and what had been Mr. -Watson's fate, and if Basil also had been implicated. I addressed -myself to the most seemly of the three men, and asked him what her -offence had been. - -"She assisted," he answered, "in the escape of a prisoner from -Bridewell." - -"In what manner?" I said, with so much of indifferency as I could -assume. - -"By the smuggling of a rope into his cell," he answered, "which was -found yet hanging unto his window, and which none other than that -pestilent woman could have furnished him with." - -Alas! this was what I feared would happen, when she first formed this -project; but she had assured us Mr. Watson would let himself down, -holding the two ends of the cord in his hands, and so would be enabled -to carry it away with him after he had got down, and so it would never -be discovered by what means he had made his escape. - -"And this prisoner hath then escaped?" I said, in a careless manner. - -"Marry, out of one cage," he answered; "but I'll warrant you he is by -this time lodged in a more safe dungeon, and with such bracelets on -his hands and feet as shall not suffer him again to cheat the -gallows." - -I dared not question him further; and finding nothing more to -their purpose, the pursuivants retired. - -When Mr. Congleton, Muriel, and I afterward met in the parlor, none of -us seemed disposed to speak. There be times when grief is loquacious, -but others when the weight of apprehension doth check speech. At last -I broke this silence by such words as "What should now be done?" and -"How can we learn what hath occurred?" - -Then Mr. Congleton turned toward me, and with much gravity and unusual -vehemency, - -"Constance," quoth he, "when Margaret Ward resolved on this bold -action, which in the eyes of some savored of rashness, I warned her to -count the cost before undertaking it, for that it was replete with -many dangers, and none should embark in it which was not prepared to -meet with a terrible death. She told me thereupon that for many past -years her chief desire had been to end her life by such a death, if it -should be for the sake of religion, and that the day she should be -sentenced to it would prove the joyfullest she had yet known. This she -said in an inflamed manner, and I question not but it was her true -thinking. I do not gainsay the merit of this pining, though I could -wish her virtue had been of a commoner sort. But such being her aim, -her choice, and desire, I am not of opinion that I should now disturb -the peace of my wife's helpless days or mine own either (who have not, -I cry God mercy for it, the same wish to suffer the pains reserved to -recusants, albeit I hope in him he would give me strength, to do so if -conscience required it), not to speak of you and Muriel and my other -daughters, for the sake of unavailing efforts in her so desperate -case, who hath made her own bed (and I deny it not to be a glorious -one) and, as she hath made it, must lie on it. So I will betake myself -to prayer for her, which she said was the whole scope of the favor she -desired from her friends, if she fell into trouble, and dreaded -nothing so much as any other dealings in her behalf; and if Mr. Roper, -or Brian Lacy, or young Rookwood, have any means by which to send her -money for her convenience in prison, I will give it; but other -measures I will not take, nor by any open show of interest in her fate -draw down suspicions on us as parties and abettors in her so-called -treason." - -Neither of us replied to this speech; and after that our short meal -was ended, Muriel went to her mother's chamber, and I set myself to -consider what I should do; for to sit and wait in this terrible -ignorance of what had happened seemed an impossible thing. So taking -my maid with me, albeit it rained a little, I walked to Kate's house, -and found she and her husband had left it an hour before for to return -to Mr. Benham's seat. Polly and Sir Ralph, who slept there also, were -yet abed, and had given orders, the servant said, not to be disturbed. -So I turned sorrowfully from the door, doubting whither to apply -myself; for Mr. Roper lived at Richmond, and Mr. and Mrs. Wells were -abroad. I thought to go to Mr. Hodgson, whose boatman had drawn Basil -into this enterprise, and was standing forecasting which way to turn, -when all of a sudden who should I see but Basil himself coming down -the lane toward me! I tried to go for to meet him, but my legs failed -me, and I was forced to lean against my maid till he came up to us and -drew my arm in his. Then I felt strong again, and bidding her to go -home, walked a little way with him. The first words he said were: - -"Mr. Watson is safe, but hath broke his leg and his arm. Know you -aught of Mistress Ward?" - -"There is a warrant out against her," I answered, and told him of the -pursuivants coming to seek for her at our house. - -"God shield," he said, "she be not apprehended! for sentence of death -would then be certainly passed upon her." - - -"Oh, Basil," I exclaimed, "why was the cord left?" - -"Ah, the devil would have it," he began; but chiding himself, lifted -off his hat, and said, "Almighty God did so permit it to happen that -this mishap occurred. But I see," he subjoined, "you are not fit to -walk or stand, sweetheart. Come into Mr. Wells's house. Albeit they -are not at home, we may go and sit in the parlor; and it may be more -prudent I should not be seen abroad to-day. I pray God Mr. Watson and -I will sail to-night for Calais." - -So we rang the bell at the door of Mr. Wells's house; and his -housekeeper, who opened it, smiled when she saw Basil, for he was a -great favorite with her, as, indeed, methinks he always was with all -kinds of people. She showed us into Mr. Wells's study, which she said -was the most comfortable room and best aired in the house, for that, -for the sake of the books, she did often light a fire in it; and -nothing would serve her but she must do so now. And then she asked if -we had breakfasted, and Basil said i' faith he had not, and should be -very glad of somewhat to eat, if she would fetch it for him. So when -the fire was kindled--and methought it never would burn, the wood was -so damp--she went away for a little while, and he then told me the -haps of the past night. - -"Tom Price (Hodgson's boatman) and I," he said, "rowed his boat close -onto the shore, near to the prison, and laid there under the cover of -some penthouses which stood betwixt the river and the prison's wall. -When the clock struck twelve, I promise you my heart began to beat as -any girl's, I was so frightened lest Mr. Watson should not have -received the cord, or that his courage should fail. Howsoever, in less -than one minute I thought I perceived something moving about one of -the windows, and then a body appeared sitting at first on the ledge, -but afterward it turned itself round, and, facing the wall, sank down -slowly, hanging on by a cord." - -"Oh, Basil!" I exclaimed, "could you keep on looking?" - -"Yea," he answered; "as if mine eyes should start out of my head. He -came down slowly, helping himself, I ween, with his feet against the -wall; but when he got to about twenty or thirty feet, I guess it to -have been, from the roof of the shed, he stopped of a sudden, and hung -motionless. 'He is out of breath,' I said to Tom. 'Or the rope proves -too short,' quoth he. We watched him for a moment. He swung to and -fro, then rested again, his feet against the wall. 'Beshrew me, but I -will climb on to that roof myself, and get nigh to him,' I whispered -to Tom, and was springing out of the boat, when we heard a noise more -loud than can be thought of. 'I'll warrant you he hath fallen on the -planks,' quoth Tom. 'Marry, but we will pick him up then,' quoth I; -and found myself soon on the edge of the roof, which was broken in at -one place, and, looking down, I thought I saw him lying on the ground. -I cried as loud as I durst, 'Mr. Watson, be you there? Hist! Are you -hurt? Speak if you can.' Methinks he was stunned by the fall, for he -did not answer; so there remained nothing left to do but to leap -myself through the opening into the shed, where I found him with his -eyes shut, and moaning. But when I spake to him he came to himself, -'and tried to rise, but could not stand, one of his legs being much -hurt. 'Climb on to my back, reverend sir,' I said 'and with God's help -we shall get out.' Howsoever, the way out did not appear manifest, and -mostly with another beside one's self to carry. But glancing round the -inside of the shed, I perceived a door, the fastening of which, when I -shook it, roughly enough I promise you, gave way; and the boat lay, -God be praised, close to it outside. I gave one look up to the prison, -and saw lights flashing in some of the windows. 'They be astir,' I -said to Tom. 'Hist! lend a hand, man, and take the reverend gentleman -from off my back and into the boat.' Mr. Watson uttered a groan. -He most have suffered cruel pain; for, as we since found, his leg and -also his arm were broken, and he looked more dead than alive. - -"We began to row as fast as we could; but now he, coming to himself, -feels in his coat, and cries out: - -"'Oh, kind sirs--the cord, the cord! Stop, I pray you; stop, turn -back.' - -"'Not for the world,' I cried, 'reverend sir.' - -"Then he, in a lamentable voice: - -"'Oh, if you turn not back and bring away the cord, the poor -gentlewoman which did give it unto me must needs fall into sore -trouble. Oh, for God's sake, turn back!' - -"I gave a hasty glance at the prison, where increasing stir of lights -was visible, and resolved that to return should be certain ruin to -ourselves and to him for whom Mistress Ward had risked her life, and -little or no hope in it for her, as it was not possible there should -be time to get the cord and then escape, which with best speed now -could with difficulty be effected. So I turned a deaf ear to Mr. -Watson's pleadings, with an assured conscience she should have wished -no otherwise herself; and by God's mercy we made such way before they -could put out a boat, landing unseen beyond the next bridge, that we -could secretly convey him to the house of a Catholic not far from the -river on the other side, where he doth lie concealed. I promise you, -sweetheart, we did row hard. Albeit I strove very much last year when -I won the boat-match at Richmond, by my troth it was but child's play -to last night's racing. Poor Mr. Watson fainted before we landed, and -neither of us dared venture to stop from pulling for to assist him. -But, God be praised, he is now in a good bed; and I fetched for him at -daybreak a leech I know in the Borough, who hath set his broken limbs; -and to-night if the weather be not foul, when it gets dark, we will -convey him in a boat to a vessel at the river's mouth, which I have -retained for to take us to Calais. But I would Mistress Ward was on -board of it also." - -"Oh, Basil," I exclaimed, "if we can discover where she doth lodge, it -would not then be impossible. If we had forecasted this yesterday, she -would be saved. Yet she had perhaps refused to tell us." - -"Most like she would," he answered; "but if you do hit by any means -upon her abode to-day, forthwith despatch a trusty messenger unto me -at Mr. Hodgson's, and I promise you, sweetheart, she shall, will she -nill she, if I have to use force for it, be carried away to France, -and stowed with a good madame I know at Calais." - -The housekeeper then came in with bread and meat and beer, which my -dear Basil did very gladly partake of, for he had eat nothing since -the day before, and was greatly in want of food. I waited on him, -forestalling housewifely duties, with so great a contentment in this -quiet hour spent in his company that nothing could surpass it. The -fire now burned brightly; and whilst he ate, we talked of the time -when we should be married and live at Euston, so retired from the busy -world without as should be most safe and peaceful in these troublesome -times, even as in that silent house we were for a short time shut out -from the noisy city, the sounds of which reached without disturbing -us. Oh how welcome was that little interval of peace which we then -enjoyed! I ween we were both very tired; and when the good housekeeper -came in for to fetch away his plate he had fallen asleep, with his -head resting on his hands; and I was likewise dozing in a high-backed -chair opposite to him. The noise she made awoke me, but not him, who -slept most soundly. She smiled, and in a motherly manner moved him to -a more comfortable position, and said she would lay a wager on it he -had not been abed at all that night. - - -"Well, I'll warrant you to be a good guesser, Mistress Mason," I -answered. "And if you did but know what a hard and a good work he hath -been engaged in, methinks you would never tarry in his praise." - -"Ah, Mistress Sherwood," she replied, "I have known Master Basil these -many years; and a more noble, kindly, generous heart never, I ween, -did beat in a man's bosom. He very often came here with his father and -his brother when both were striplings; and Master Hubert was the -sharpest and some said the most well-behaved of the twain. But beshrew -me if I liked not better Master Basil, albeit he was sometimes very -troublesome, but not techey or rude as some boys be. I remember it -well how I laughed one day when these young masters--methinks this -one was no more than five years and the other four--were at play -together in this room, and Basil had a new jerkin on, and colored hose -for the first time. Hubert wore a kirtle, which displeasured him, for -he said folks should take him to be a wench. So he comes to me, -half-crying, and says, 'Why hath Baz that fine new suit and me not the -same?' 'Because, little sir, he is the eldest,' I said. 'Ah,' quoth -the shrewd imp, 'the next time I be born methinketh I will push Baz -aside and be the eldest.' If I should live one hundred years I shall -never forget it, the little urchin looked so resolved and spiteful." - -I smiled somewhat sadly, I ween, but with better cheer when she -related how tender a heart Basil had from his infant years toward the -poor, taking off his clothes for to give them to the beggars he met, -and one day, she said, praying very hard Mrs. Wells for to harbor a -strolling man which had complained he had no lodging. - -"'Mistress,' quoth he, 'you have many chambers in your house, and he -hath not so much as a bed to lie in tonight;' and would not be -contented till she had charged a servant to get the fellow a lodging. -And me he once abused very roundly in his older years for the same -cause. There was one Jack Morris, an old man which worked sometimes in -Mr. Wells's stable, but did lie at a cottage out of the town. And one -day in winter, when it snowed, Master Basil would have me make this -fellow sleep in the house, because he was sick, he said, and he would -give him his own bed and lie himself on straw in the stable; and went -into so great a passion when I said he should not do so, for that he -was a mean person and could not lie in a gentleman's chamber, that my -young master cries out, 'Have a care. Mistress Mason, I do not come in -the night and shake you out of your own bed, for to give you a taste -of the cold floor, which yet is not, I promise you, so cold as the -street into which you would turn this poor diseased man.' And then he -fell to coaxing of me till I consented for to send a mattress and a -warm rug to the stable for this pestilent old man, who I warrant you -was not so sick as he did assume to be, but had sufficient cunning for -to cozen Master Basil out of his money. Lord bless the lad! I have -seen him run out with his dinner in his hand, if he did but see a -ragged urchin in the streets, and gift him with it; and then would -slug lustily about the house--methinks I do hear him now-- - - 'Dinner, O dinner's a rare good thing - Alike for a beggar, alike for a king.'" - -Basil opened then his eyes and stared about him. - -"Why, Mistress Mason," he cried, "beshrew me if you are not rehearsing -a rare piece of poesy!--the only one I ever did indite." At the which -speech we all laughed; but our merriment was short; for time had sped -faster than we thought, and Basil said he must needs return to the -Borough to forecast with Mr. Hodgson and Tom Price means to convey Mr. -Watson to the ship, which was out at sea nigh unto the shore, and a -boat must be had to carry them there, and withal such appliances -procured as should ease his broken limbs. - -"Is there not danger" I asked, "in moving him so soon?" - - -"Yea," he said, "but a less fearful danger than in long tarrying in -this country." - -This was too true to be gainsayed; and so thanking the good -housekeeper we left the house, which had seemed for those few hours -like onto a harbor from a stormy sea, wherein both our barks, -shattered by the waves, had refitted in peace. - -"Farewell, Basil," I mournfully said; "God knoweth for how long." - -"Not for very long," he answered. "In three months I shall have crept -out of my wardship. Then, if it please God, I will return, and so deal -with your good uncle that we shall soon after that be married." - -"Yea," I answered, "if so be that my father is then in safety." - -He said he meant not otherwise, but that he had great confidence it -should then be so. When at last we parted he went down Holborn Hill -very fast, and I slowly to Ely Place, many times stopping for to catch -one more sight of him in the crowd, which howsoever soon hid him from -me. - -When I arrived at home I found Muriel in great affliction, for news -had reached her that Mistress Ward had been apprehended and thrown -into prison. Methinks we had both looked for no other issue than this, -which she had herself most desired; but nevertheless, when the -certainty thereof was confirmed to us, it should almost have seemed as -if we were but ill-prepared for it. The hope I had conceived a short -time before that she should escape in the same vessel with Basil and -Mr. Watson, made me less resigned to this mishap than I should have -been had no means of safety been at hand, and the sword, as it were, -hanging over her head from day to day. The messenger which had brought -this evil news being warranted reliable by a letter from Mr. Hodgson, -I intrusted him with a few lines to Basil, in which I informed him not -to stay his departure on her account, who was now within the walls of -the prison which Mr. Watson had escaped from, and that her best -comfort now should be to know he was beyond reach of his pursuers. The -rest of the day was spent in great heaviness of spirit. Mr. Congleton -sent a servant to Mr. Roper for to request him to come to London, and -wrote likewise to Mr. Lacy for to return to his house in town, and -confer with some Catholics touching Mistress Ward's imprisonment. -Muriel's eyes thanked him, but I ween she had no hope therein and did -resign herself to await the worst tidings. Her mother's unceasing -asking for her, whose plight she dared not so much as hint at in her -presence, did greatly aggravate her sufferings. I have often thought -Muriel did then undergo a martyrdom of the heart as sharp in its kind -as that which Mistress Ward endured in prison, if the reports which -did reach us were true. But more of that anon. The eventful day, which -had opened with so much of fear and sorrow, had yet in store other -haps, which I must now relate. - -About four of the clock Hubert came to Ely Place, and found me alone -in the parlor, my fingers busied with some stitching, my thoughts -having wandered far away, where I pictured to myself the mouth of the -river, the receding tide, the little vessel which was to carry Basil -away once more to a foreign land, with its sails flapping in the wind; -and boats passing to and fro, plying on the fair bosom of the broad -river, and not leaving so much as a trace of their passage. And his -boat with its freight more precious than gold--the rescued life bought -at a great price--methought I saw it glide in the dark amidst those -hundred other boats unobserved (so I hoped), unstayed on its course. -Methought that so little bark should be a type of some lives which -carry with them, unwatched, undiscerned, a purpose, which doth freight -them on their way to eternity--somewhat hidden, somewhat close to -their hearts, somewhat engaging their whole strength; and all the - while they seem to be doing the like of what others do; and God -only knoweth how different shall be the end! - -"Ah, Hubert," I exclaimed when the door opened, "is it you? Methinks -in these days I see no one come into this house but a fear or a hope -doth seize me. What bringeth you? or hath nothing occurred?" - -"Something may occur this day," he answered, "if you do but will it to -be so, Constance." - -"What?" I asked eagerly; "what may occur?" - -"Your father's deliverance," he said. - -"Oh, Hubert," I cried, "it is not possible!" - -"Go to!" he said in a resolved manner. "Don your most becoming suit, -and follow my directions in all ways. Lady Ingoldsby, I thank God, -hath not left London, and will be here anon to carry you to Sir -Francis Walsingham's house, where her familiar friend, Lady Sydney, -doth now abide during Sir Philip's absence. You shall thus get speech -with Sir Francis; and if you do behave with diffidency, and beware of -the violence of your nature and exorbitancy of your tongue, checking -needless speeches, and answering his questions with as many words as -courtesy doth command, and as few as civility doth permit, I doubt not -but you may obtain your father's release in the form of a sentence of -banishment; for he is not ill-disposed thereunto, having received -notice that his health is sinking under the hardships of his -confinement, and his strength so impaired that, once beyond seas, he -is not like to adventure himself again in this country." - -"Alas!" I cried, "mine eyes had discerned in his shrunken form and -hollow cheeks tokens of such a decay as you speak of; and I pray God -Mr. Secretary may deal mercifully with him before it shall be too -late." - -"I'll warrant you," he replied, "that if you do rightly deal with him, -he win sign an order which shall release this very night your father -from prison, and send him safe beyond seas before the week is ended." - -"Think you so?" I said, my heart beating with an uncertain kind of -hope mixed with doubting. - -"I am assured of it," Hubert confidently replied. - -"I must ask my uncle's advice," doubtfully said, "before I go with -Polly." - -A contemptuous smile curled his lip. "Yea," he said, "Be directed in -these weighty matters, I do advise you, by your aunt also, and the -saintly Muriel, and twenty hundred others beside, if you list; and the -while this last chance shall escape, and your father be doomed to -death. I have done my part, God knoweth. If he perish, his blood will -not be on my head; but mark my words, if he be not presently released, -he will appear before the council in two days, and the oath be -tendered to him, which you best know if he will take, and his refusal -without fail will send him to the scaffold." - -"God defend," I exclaimed, greatly moved, "I should delay to do that -which may yet save him. I will go, Hubert. But I pray you, who are -familiar with Sir Francis, what means should be best for to move him -to compassion? Is there a soft corner in his heart which a woman's -tears can touch? I will kneel to him if needful, yea, kiss his -feet--mind him of his own fair daughter. Lady Sydney, which, if he was -in prison, and my father held his fate in his hands, would doubtless -sue to him with the like ardor, yea, the like agony of spirit, for -mercy. Oh, tell me, Hubert, what to say which shall drive the edge of -pity into his soul." - -"Silence will take effect in this case sooner than the most moving -speeches," he answered. "Steel your soul to it, whatever he may say. -Your tears, your eyes, will, I warrant you, plead more mightfully than -your words. He is as obliging to the softer but predominant parts of -the world as he is serviceable to the more severe. To him men's -faces speak as much as their tongues, and their countenances are -indexes of their hearts. Judge if yours, the liveliest piece of -eloquence which ever displayed itself in a fair visage, shall fail to -express that which passionate words, missing their aim, would of a -surety ill convey. And mind you, Mistress Constance, this man is of -extreme ability in the school of policy, and albeit inclined to -recusants with the view of winning them over by means of kindness, yet -an extreme hater of the Pope and Church of Rome, and moreover very -jealous to be considered as such; so if he do intend to show you favor -in this matter, make your reckoning that he will urge you to -conformity with many strenuous exhortations, which, if you remain -silent, no harm shall ensue to yourself or others." - -"And not to mine own soul, Hubert?" I mournfully cried. "Methinks my -father and Basil would not counsel silence in such a case." - -"God in heaven give me patience!" he exclaimed. "Is it a woman's -calling, I pray you, to preach? When the apostles were dismissed by -the judges, and charged no longer to teach the Christian faith, went -they not forth in silence, restraining their tongues then, albeit not -their actions when once at liberty? Methinks modesty alone should -forbid one of your years from dangerous retorts, which, like a -two-edged sword, wound alike friend and foe." - -I had no courage left to withstand the promptings of mine own heart -and his urgency. - -"God forgive me," I cried, "if I fail in aught wherein truth or -honesty are concerned. He knoweth I would do right, and yet save my -father's life." - -Then falling on my knees, unmindful of his presence, I prayed with an -intense vehemency, which overcame all restraint, that my tongue might -be guided aright when I should be in his presence who under God did -hold my father's life in his hands. But hearing Polly's voice in the -hall, I started up, and noticed Hubert leaning his head on his hand, -seemingly more pitifully moved than was his wont. When she came in, he -met her, and said: - -"Lady Ingoldsby, I pray you see that Mistress Constance doth so attire -herself as shall heighten her natural attractions; for, beshrew me, if -grave Mr. Secretary hath not, as well as other men, more pity for a -fair face than a plain one; and albeit hers is always fair, nature -doth nevertheless borrow additional charms from art." - -"Tut, tut," quoth Polly. "She is a perfect fright in that hat, and her -ruff hideth all her neck, than which no swan hath a whiter; and I pray -you what a farthingale is that! Methinks it savors of the fashions of -the late queen's reign. Come, Con, cheer up, and let us to thy -chamber. I'll warrant you, Master Rookwood, she will be twice as -winsome when I have exercised my skill on her attire." - -So she led me away, and I suffered her to dress mine hair herself and -choose such ornaments as she did deem most becoming. Albeit she -laughed and jested all the while, methinks the kindness of her heart -showed through this apparent gaiety; and when her task was done, and -she kissed my forehead, I threw my arms round her neck and wept. - -"Nay, nay!" she cried; "no tears, coz--they do serve but to swell the -eyelids and paint the nose of a reddish hue;" and shaping her own -visage into a counterfeit of mine, she set me laughing against my -will, and drew me by the hand down the stairs and into the parlor. - -"How now, sir?" she cried to Hubert "Think you I have indifferently -well performed the task you set me?" - -"Most excellently well," he answered, and handed us to her coach, -which was to carry us to Seething Lane. When we were seated in it, she -told me Hubert had disclosed to her the secret of my father's -plight, and that she was more concerned than she could well express at -so great a mishap, but nevertheless entertained a comfortable hope -this day should presently see the end of our troubles. Howsoever, she -did know but half of the trouble I was in, weighty as was the part she -was privy to. Hubert, she told me, had dealt with a marvellous great -zeal and ability in this matter, and proved himself so good a -negotiator that she doubted not Sir Francis himself must needs have -appreciated his ingenuity. - -"That young gentleman," she added, "will never spoil his own market by -lack of timely boldness or opportune bashfulness. My Lady Arundel -related to me last night at Mrs. Yates's what passed on Monday at the -banquet-hall at Whitehall. Hath he told you his hap on that occasion?" - -"No," I answered. "I pray you, Polly, what befel him there?' - -"Well, her majesty was at dinner, and Master Hubert comes there to see -the fashion of the court. His handsome features and well-set shape -attract the queen's notice. With a kind of an affected frown she asks -Lady Arundel what he is. She answers she knows him not. Howsoever, an -inquiry is made from one to another who the youth should be, till at -length it is told the queen he is young Rookwood of Euston, in -Suffolk, and a ward of Sir Henry Stafford's." - -"Mistaking him then for Basil?" I said. - -Then she: "I think so; but howsoever this inquisition with the eye of -her majesty fixed upon him (as she is wont to fix it, and thereby to -daunt such as she doth make the mark of her gazing), stirred the blood -of our young gentleman, Lady Arundel said, insomuch that a deep color -rose in his pale cheek and straightway left it again; which the queen -observing, she called him unto her, and gave him her hand to kiss, -encouraging him with gracious words and looks; and then diverting her -speech to the lords and ladies, said that she no sooner observed him -than she did note there was in him good blood, and she ventured to -affirm good brains also; and then said to him, 'Fail not to come to -court, sir, and I will bethink myself to do you good.' Now I warrant -you, coz, this piece of a scholar lacked not the wit to use this his -hap in the furtherance of his and your suit to Sir Francis, whom he -adores as his saint, and courts as his Maecenas." - -This recital of Polly's worked a tumultuous conflict in my soul; for -verily it strengthened hope touching my father's release; but methinks -any other channel of such hope should have been more welcome. A -jealousy, an unsubstantial fear, an uneasy misdoubt oppressed this -rising hope. I feared for Hubert the dawn of such favor as was shown -to him by her whose regal hand doth hold a magnet which hath -oftentimes caused Catholics to make shipwreck of their souls. And then -truth doth compel me to confess my weakness. Albeit God knoweth I -desired not for my true and noble sweetheart her majesty's gracious -smiles, or a higher fortune than Providence hath by inheritance -bestowed on him, a vain humane feeling worked in me some sort of -displeasure that his younger brother should stand in the queen's -presence as the supposed head of the house of Rookwood, and no more -mention made of him than if he had been outlawed or dead. Not that I -had then reason to lay this error to Hubert's door, for verily naught -in Polly's words did warrant such a suspicion; but my heart was sore, -and my spirits chafed with apprehensions. God forgive me if I then did -unjustly accuse him, and, in the retrospect of this passage in his -life, do suffer subsequent events to cast backward shadows on it, -whereby I may wrong him who did render to me (I write it with a -softened--yea, God is my witness--a truly loving, albeit sorrowing, -heart) a great service in a needful time. Oh, Hubert, Hubert! my heart -acheth for thee. Methinks God will show thee great mercy yet, -but, I fear me, by such means only as I do tremble to think of. - -CHAPTER XX. - -When we reached Seething Lane, Polly bade me be of good heart, for -that Lady Sydney was a very affable and debonnaire lady, and Sir -Francis a person of toward and gentle manners, and exceedingly polite -to women. We were conducted to a neat parlor, where my Lady Sydney was -awaiting us. A more fair and accomplished lady is not, I ween, to be -found in England or any other country, than this daughter of a great -statesman, and wife at that time of Sir Philip Sydney, as she hath -since been of my Lords Essex and St. Albans. Methinks the matchless -gentleman, noble knight, and sweet writer, her first husband, who did -marry her portionless, not like as is the fashion with so many in our -days carrying his love in his purse, must have needs drawn from the -fair model in his own house the lovely pictures of beauteous women he -did portray in his "Arcadia." She greeted us with so much heartfelt -politeness, and so tempered gay discoursing with sundry marks of -delicate feeling, indicative, albeit not expressive, of a sense of my -then trouble, that, albeit a stranger, methinks her reserved -compassion and ingenious encouragements served to tranquillize my -discomposed mind more than Polly's efforts toward the same end. She -told us Lord Arundel had died that morning; which tidings turned my -thoughts awhile to Lady Surrey, with many cogitations as to the issue -of this event in her regard. - -After a short space of time, a step neared the door, and Lady Sydney -smiled and said, "Here is my father." I had two or three times seen -Sir Francis Walsingham in public assemblies, but his features were -nevertheless not familiar to me. Now, after he had saluted Polly and -me, and made inquiry touching our relatives, while he conversed with -her on indifferent topics, I scanned his face with such careful -industry as if in it I should read the issue of my dear father's fate. -Methinks I never beheld so unreadable a countenance, or one which bore -the impress of so refined a penetration, so piercing an -inquisitiveness, so keen a research into others' thoughts, with so -close a concealment of his own. I have since heard what his son-in-law -did write of him, that he impoverished himself by the purchase of dear -intelligence; that, as if master of some invisible spring, all the -secrets of Christendom met in his closet, and he had even a key to -unlock the Pope's cabinet. His mottoes are said to be _video et -taceo_, and that knowledge can never be bought at too high a price. -And verily methinks they were writ in his face, in his quick-turning -eyes, his thin, compressed lips, and his soft but resolved accents, -minding one of steel cased in velvet. 'Tis reported he can read any -letter without breaking the seal. For mine own part, I am of opinion -he can see through parchment, yea, peradventure, through stone walls, -when bent on some discovery. After a few minutes he turned to me with -a gracious smile, and said he was very glad to hear that I was a young -gentlewoman of great prudence, and well disposed in all respects, and -that he doubted not that, if her majesty should by his means show me -any favor, I should requite it with such gratitude as should appear in -all my future conduct. - -"God knoweth," I stammered, mine eyes filling with tears, "I would be -grateful to you, sir, if it should please you to move her majesty to -grant my prayer, and to her highness for the doing of it." - -"And how would you show such gratitude, fair Mistress Constance?" he -said, smiling in an encouraging manner. - - -"By such humble duty," I answered, "as a poor obscure creature can pay -to her betters." - -"And I hope, also," he said, "that such dutifulness will involve no -unpleasing effort, no painful constraint on your inclinations; for I -am assured her majesty will never desire from you anything but what -will well accord with your advantage in this world and in the next." - -These words caused me some kind of uneasiness; but as they called for -no answer, I took refuge in silence; only methinks my face, which he -did seem carefully to study, betrayed anxiety. - -"Providence," Sir Francis then said, "doth oftentimes marvellously -dispose events. What a rare instance of its gracious workings should -be seen in your case, Mistress Constance, if what your heart doth -secretly incline to should become a part of that dutifulness which you -do intend to practice in future!" - -Before I had clearly apprehended the sense of his words, Lady Sydney -said to Polly: - -"My father hath greatly commended to Sir Philip and me a young -gentleman which I understand. Lady Ingoldsby, to be a friend of yours, -Mr. Hubert Rookwood, of Euston. He says the gracefulness of his -person, his excellent parts, his strong and subtle capacity, do -excellently fit him to learn the discipline and garb of the times and -court." - -"Ay," then quoth Sir Francis, "he hath as large a portion of gifts and -endowments as I have ever noticed in one of his age, and I'll warrant -he proves no mere vegetable of the court, springing up at night and -sinking at noon." - -Polly did warmly assent to these praises of Hubert, for whom she had -always entertained a great liking; but she merrily said he was not gay -enough for her, which abhorred melancholy as cats do water. - -"Oh, fair lady," quoth Sir Francis, "God defend we should be -melancholy; verily 'tis fitting we should be sometimes serious, for -while we laugh all things are serious round about us. The whole -creation is serious in serving God and us. The holy Scriptures bring -to our ears the most serious things in the world. All that are in -heaven and hell are serious. Then how should we be always gay?" - -Polly said--for when had she not, I pray you, somewhat to say?--that -certain things in nature had a propensity to gaiety which naught could -quell, and instanced birds and streamlets, which never cease to sing -and babble as long as they do live or flow. And to be serious, she -thought, would kill her. The while this talk was ministered between -them, my Lady Sydney, on a sign from her father, I ween, took my hand -in hers, and offered to show me the garden; for the heat of the room, -she said, was like to give me the headache. Upon which I rose, and -followed her into a court planted with trees, and then on to an alley -of planes strewed with gravel. As we entered it I perceived several -persons walking toward us. When the first thought came into my mind -who should be the tall personage in the centre, of hair and complexion -fair, and of so stately and majestic deportment, I marvel my limbs -gave not way, but my head swam and a mist obscured mine eyes. -Methinks, as one dreaming, I heard Lady Sydney say, "The queen, -Mistress Sherwood; kneel down, and kiss her majesty's hand." Oh, in -the brief moment of time when my lips pressed that thin, white, -jewelled hand, what multiplied thoughts, resentful memories, trembling -awe, and instinctive, homage to royal greatness, met in my soul, and -worked confusion in my brain! - -"Ah, mine own good Sydney," I heard her majesty exclaim; "is this the -young gentlewoman your wise father did speak of at Greenwich -yesterday? The daughter of one Sherwood now in prison for popish -contumacy?" - - -"Even so," said Lady Sydney; "and your sacred majesty hath it now in -her power to show - - "The quality of mercy is not strained--'" - - "'But droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven - Upon the place beneath,'" - -interrupted the queen, taking the words out of her mouth. "We be not -ignorant of those lines. Will Shakespeare hath it, - - 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes - The throned monarch better than his crown.' - -And i' faith we differ not from him, for verily mercy is our habit and -the propension of our soul; but, by God, the malice and ingratitude of -recusant traitors doth so increase, with manifold dangers to our -person and state, that mercy to them doth turn into treason against -ourselves, injury to religion, and an offence to God. Rise," her -majesty then said to me; and as I stood before her, the color, I ween, -deepening in my cheeks, "Thou hast a fair face, wench," she cried; -"and if I remember aright good Mr. Secretary's words, hast used it to -such purpose that a young gentleman we have of late taken into our -favor is somewhat excessive in his doting on it. Go to, go to; thou -couldst go further and fare worse. We ourselves are averse to -marriage; but if a woman must needs have a husband (and that deep -blushing betokeneth methinks thy bent thereon), she should set her -heart wisely, and govern it discreetly." - -"Alas, madam!" I cried, "'tis not of marriage I now do think; but, on -my knees" (and falling again at her feet, I clasped them, with tears), -"of my father's release; I do crave your majesty's mercy." - -"Content thee, wench; content thee. Mr. Secretary hath obtained from -us the order for that foolish man's banishment from our realm." - -"Oh, madam!" I cried, "God bless you!" - -Then my heart did smite me I should with so great vehemency bless her -who, albeit in this nearest instance pitiful to me, did so -relentlessly deal with others; and I bethought me of Mistress Ward, -and the ill-usage she was like to meet with. And her words touching -Hubert, and silence concerning Basil, weighed like lead on my soul; -yet I taxed myself with folly therein, for verily at this time the -less he was thought of the greater should be his safety. Sir Francis -had now approached the queen, and I did hear her commend to him his -garden, which she said was very neat and trim, and the pattern of it -most quaint and fanciful. Polly did also kiss her hand, and Sir Walter -Raleigh and Sir Christopher Hatton, which accompanied her majesty, -whilst she talked with Sir Francis, conversed with Lady Sydney. I ween -my Lord Leicester and many other noblemen and gentlemen were also in -her train, but mine eyes took scant note of what passed before them; -the queen herself was the only object I could contemplate, so -marvellous did it seem I should thus have approached her, and had so -much of her notice as she did bestow on me that day. And here I cannot -choose but marvel how strangely our hearts are made. How favors to -ourselves do alter the current of our feelings; how a near approach to -those which at a distance we do think of with unmitigated enmity, doth -soften even just resentments; and what a singular fascination doth lie -in royalty for to win unto itself a reverence which doth obliterate -memories which in common instances should never lose their sting. - -The queen's barge, which had moored at the river-side of Sir Francis's -garden, was soon filled again with the goodly party it had set down; -and as it went up the stream, and I stood gazing on it, methought the -whole scene had been a dream. - -Lady Sydney and Polly moved Sir Francis to repeat the assurance her -majesty had given me touching the commutation of my father's -imprisonment into an order of banishment. He satisfied me thereon, and -did promise to procure for me permission to see him once more -before his departure; which interview did take place on the next day; -and when I observed the increased paleness of his face and feebleness -of his gait, the pain of bidding that dear parent farewell equalled -not the joy I felt in the hope that liberty and the care of those good -friends to whose society he would now return, should prolong and cheer -the remaining days of his life. Methinks there was some sadness in him -that the issue he had so resolutely prepared for, and confidently -looked to, should be changed to one so different, and that only by -means of death would he have desired to leave the English mission; but -he meekly bowed his will to that of God, and said in an humble manner -he was not worthy of so exalted an end as he had hoped for, and he -refused not to live if so be he might yet serve God in obscure and -unnoticed ways. - -When I returned home after this comfortable, albeit very sad, parting, -I was too weary in body and in mind for to do aught but lie down for a -while on a settle, and revolve in my mind the changes which had taken -place around me. Hubert came for a brief time that evening; and -methinks he had heard from Polly the haps at Seething Lane. He strove -for to move me to speak of the queen, and to tell him the very words -she had uttered. The eager sparkling of his eyes, the ill-repressed -smilingness of his countenance, the manner of his questioning, worked -in me a secret anger, which caused the thanks I gave him for his -successful dealings in my father's behalf to come more coldly from -mine heart than they should otherwise have done, albeit I strove to -frame them in such kind terms as were befitting the great service he -had rendered us. But to disguise my thoughts my tongue at last -refused, and I burst forth: - -"But, for all that I do thank you, Hubert, yea, and am for ever -indebted to you, which you will never have reason, from my conduct and -exceedingly kind sisterly love, to doubt: bear with me, I pray you, -when I say (albeit you may think me a very foolish creature) that I -wish you not joy, but rather for your sake do lament, the new favor -you do stand in with the queen. O Hubert, bethink you, ere you set -your foot on the first step of that slippery ladder, court favor, that -no man can serve two masters." - -"Marry," he answered in a light manner, "by that same token or text, -papists can then not serve the queen and also the Pope!" - -There be nothing which so chilleth or else cutteth the heart as a -jesting retort to a fervent speech. - -I hid my face on my arm to hide some tears. - -"Constance," he softly said, seeing me moved, "do you weep for me?" - -"Yea," I murmured; "God knoweth what these new friendships and this -dangerous favor shall work in you contrary to conscience, truth, and -virtue. Oh! heaven shield Basil's brother should be a favorite of the -queen!" - -"Talk not of Basil," he fiercely cried, "I warrant you the day may be -at hand when his fate shall hang on my favor with those who can make -and mar a man, or ruin and mend his fortunes, as they will, by one -stroke of a pen!" - -"Yea," I replied; "I doubt not his fortune is at their mercy. His -soul, God be praised, their arts cannot reach." - -"Constance," he then said, fixedly gazing on me, "if you only love me, -there is no ambition too noble, no heights of virtue too exalted, no -sacrifices too entire, but I will aim at, aspire to, resolve on, at -your bidding." - -"Love _you_!" I said, raising mine eyes to his, somewhat scornfully I -fear, albeit not meaning it, if I judge by his sudden passion. - -"God defend," he cried, "I do not arrive at hating you with as great -fervency as I have, yea, as even yet I do love you! O Constance, if I -should one day be what I do yet abhor to think of, the guilt -thereof shall lie with you if there be justice on Earth or in heaven!" - -I shook my head, and laying my hand on his, sadly answered: - -"I choose not to bandy words with you, Hubert, or charge you with -what, if I spoke the truth, would be too keen and resentful reproaches -for your unbrotherly manner of dealing with Basil and me; for it would -ill become the close of this day, on which I do owe you, under God, my -dear father's life, to upbraid where I would fain only from my heart -yield thanks. I pray you, let us part in peace. My strength is -well-nigh spent and my head acheth sorely." - -He knelt down by my side, and whispered, "One word more before I go. -You do hold in your keeping Basil's fate and mine. I will not forsake -the hope that alone keepeth me from desperation. Hush! say not the -word which would change me from a friend to a foe, from a Catholic to -an apostate, from a man to a fiend. I have gone well-nigh into the -gate of hell; a slender thread yet holds me back; snap it not in -twain." - -I spoke not, for verily my tongue clove to the roof of my mouth, and a -fainting sensation of a sudden came over me. I felt his lips pressed -on my hand, and then he left me; and that night I felt very ill, and -for nigh unto a fortnight could by no means leave my bed. - -One morning, being somewhat easier, I sat up in a high-backed chair, -in what had once been our school-room; and when Muriel, who had been a -most diligent nurse to me in that sickness, came to visit me, I -pressed her for to tell me truly if she had heard aught of Basil or of -Mistress Ward; for every day when I had questioned her thereon she had -denied all knowledge of their haps, which now began to work in me a -suspicion she did conceal from me some misfortune, which doubt, I told -her, was more grievous to me than to be informed what had befallen -them; and so constrained her to admit that, albeit of Basil she had in -truth no tidings, which she judged to be favorable to our hopes, of -Mistress Ward she had heard, in the first instance, a report, eight or -ten days before, that she had been hung up by the hands and cruelly -scourged; which torments she was said by the jailors, which Mr. Lacy -had spoken with, to have borne with exceeding great courage, saying -they were the preludes of martyrdom, with which, by the grace of God, -she hoped she should be honored. Then Mr. Roper and Mr. Wells, who was -now returned to London, had brought tidings the evening before that on -the preceding day she had been brought to the bar, where, being asked -by the judges if she was guilty of that treachery to the queen and to -the laws of the realm of furnishing the means by which a traitor of a -priest had escaped from justice, she answered with a cheerful -countenance in the affirmative; and that she never in her life had -done anything of which she less repented than of the delivering that -innocent lamb from the wolves which should have devoured him. - -"Oh, Muriel," I cried, "cannot you see her dear resolved face and the -lighting up of her eyes, and the quick fashion of her speech, when she -said this?" - -"I do picture her to myself," Muriel answered in a low voice, "at all -hours of the day, and marvel at mine own quietness therein. But I -doubt not her prayers do win for me the grace of resignation. They -sought to oblige her to confess where Mr. Watson was, but in vain; and -therefore they proceeded to pronounce sentence upon her. But withal -telling her that the queen was merciful, and that if she would ask -pardon of her majesty, and would promise to go to church, she should -be set at liberty; otherwise that she must look for nothing but -certain death." - -I drew a deep breath then, and said, "The issue is, then, not -doubtful." - -"She answered," Muriel said, "that as to the queen, she had -never offended her majesty; that as to what she had done in favoring -Mr. Watson's escape, she believed the queen herself, if she had the -bowels of a woman, would have done as mach if she had known the -ill-treatment he underwent; and as to going to church, she had for -many years been convinced that it was not lawful for her so to do, and -that she found no reason now for to change her mind, and would not act -against her conscience; and therefore they might proceed to the -execution of the sentence pronounced against her; for that death for -such a cause would be very welcome, and that she was willing to lay -down not one life only, but many, if she had them, rather than act -against her religion." - -"And she is then condemned to death without any hope?" I said. - -Muriel remained silent. - -"Oh, Muriel!" I cried; "it is not done? it is not over?" - -She wiped one tear that trickled down her cheek, and said, "Yesterday -she suffered at Tyburn with a wonderful constancy and alacrity." - -I hid my face in my hands; for the sight of the familiar room, of the -chair in which she was sitting what time she took leave of us, of a -little picture pinned to the wall, which she had gifted me with, moved -me too much. But when I closed mine eyes, there arose remembrances of -my journeying with her; of my foolish speeches touching robbers; of -her motherly reproofs of my so great confidence, and comfort in her -guidance; and I was fain to seek comfort from her who should have -needed it rather than me, but who indeed had it straight from heaven, -and thereby could impart some share of it to others. - -"Muriel," I said, resting my tired head on her bosom, "the day you say -she suffered, I now mind me, I was most ill, and you tended me as -cheerfully as if you had no grief." - -"Oh, 'tis no common grief," she answered, "no casting-down sorrow, her -end doth cause me; rather some kind of holy jealousy, some over-eager -pining to follow her." - -A waiting-woman then came in, and I saw her give a letter to Muriel, -who I noticed did strive to hide it from me. But I detected it in her -hand, and cried, "'Tis from Basil; how hath it come?" and took it from -her; but trembling so much, my fingers could scarce untie the strings, -for I was yet very unwell from my sickness. - -"Mr. Hodgson hath sent it," quoth Muriel; "God yield it be good news!" - -Then my eyes fell on the loved writing, and read what doth follow: - -"DEAR HEART AND SWEET WIFE -soon to be--God be praised, we are now safe in port at Calais, but -have not lacked dangers in our voyage. But all is well, I ween, that -doth end well; and I do begin my letter with the tokens of that good -ending that mine own sweet love should have no fears, only much -thankfulness to God, whilst she doth read of the perils we have -escaped. We carried Mr. Watson--Tom and I and two others--into the -boat, on the evening of the day when I last saw you, and made for the -Dutch vessel out at sea near the river's mouth. The light was waning, -but not yet so far gone but that objects were discernible; and we had -not rowed a very long time before we heard a splashing of oars behind -us, and turning round what should we see but one of the Queen's -barges, and by the floating pennon at the stem discerned her majesty -to be on board! We hastily turned our boat, and I my back toward the -bank; threw a cloak over Mr. Watson, who, by reason of his broken -limbs, was lying on a mattress at the bottom of it; and Tom and the -others feigned to be fishing. When the royal barge passed by, some one -did shout, railing at us for that we did fish in the dark, and a storm -coming up the river; and verily it did of a sudden begin to blow very -strong. Sundry small craft were coming from the sea into the river for -shelter; and as they did meet as, expressed marvel we should -adventure forth, jeering us for our thinking to catch fish and a storm -menacing. None of us, albeit good rowers, were much skilled in the -mariner's art; but we commended ourselves to God and went onward all -the night; and when the morning was breaking, to our unspeakable -comfort, we discovered the Dutch vessel but a few strokes distant at -anchor, when, as we bethought ourselves nearly in safety, a huge -rolling wave (for now the weather had waxed exceedingly rough) upset -our boat." - -"O Muriel," I exclaimed, "that night I tossed about in a high fever, -and saw Basil come dripping wet at the foot of my bed: I warrant you -'twas second sight." - -"Read on, read on," Muriel said; "nor delude yourself touching -visions." - -"Tom, the other boatman, and I, being good swimmers, soon regained the -boat, the which floated keel upwards, whereon we climbed, but -well-nigh demented were we to find Mr. Watson could nowhere be seen. -In desperation I plunged again into the sea, swimming at hazard, with -difficulty buffeting the waves; when nearly spent I descried the good -priest, and seized him in a most unmannerly fashion by the collar, and -dragging him along, made shift to regain the floating keel; and Tom, -climbing to the top, waved high his kerchief, hoping to be seen by the -Dutchman, who by good hap did espy our signal. Soon had we the joy to -see a boat lowered and advance toward us. With much difficulty it -neared us, by reason of the fury of the waves; but, God be thanked, it -did at last reach us; and Mr. Watson, insensible and motionless, was -hoisted therein, and soon in safety conveyed on board the vessel. I -much feared for his life; for, I pray you, was such a cold, long bath, -succeeding to a painful exposed night, meet medicine for broken limbs, -and the fever which doth accompany such hurts? I wot not; but yet, God -be praised, he is now in the hospital of a monastery in this town, -well tended and cared for, and the leeches do assure me like to do -well. Thou mayest think, sweetheart, that after seeing him safely -stowed in that good lodgment, I waited not for to change my clothes or -break my fast, before I went to the church; and on my knees blessed -the Almighty for his protection, and hung a thank-offering on to our -Lady's image; for I warrant you, when I was fishing for Mr. Watson in -that raging sea, I missed not to put up Hail Marys as fast as I could -think them, for beshrew me if I had breath to spare for to utter. I do -now pen this letter at my good friend Mr. Wells's brother's, and Tom -will take it with him to London, and Mr. Hodgson convey it to thee. -Thy affectionate and humble obedient (albeit intending to lord it over -thee some coming day) servant and lover, BASIL ROOKWOOD. - -"Oh, how the days do creep till I be out of my wardship! Methinks I do -feel somewhat like Mrs. Helen Ingoldsby, who doth hate patience, she -saith, by reason that it doth always keep her waiting. I would not be -patient, sweet one, I fear, if impatience would carry me quicker to -thy dear side." - -"Well," said Muriel, sweetly smiling when I had finished reading this -comfortable letter, "the twain which we have accompanied this past -fortnight with our thoughts and prayers have both, God be praised, -escaped from a raging sea into a safe harbor, albeit not of the same -sort--the one earthly, the other heavenly. Oh, but I am very glad, -dear Constance, thou art spared a greater trial than hath yet touched -thee!" and so pure a joy beamed in her eyes, that methought no one -more truly fulfilled that bidding, "to rejoice with such as rejoice, -as well as to weep with such as weep." - -This letter of my dear Basil hastened my recovery; and three days -later, having received an invitation thereunto, I went to visit the -Countess of Surrey, now also of Arundel, at Arundel House. The trouble -she was in by reason of her grandfather's death, and of my Lady -Lumley's, who had preceded her father to the grave, exceeded anything -she had yet endured. The earl her husband continued the same hard -usage toward her, and never so much as came to visit her at that time -of her affliction, but remained in Norfolk, attending to his sports of -hunting and the like. Howsoever, as he had satisfied her uncles, Mr. -Francis and Mr. Leonard Dacre, Mr. James Labourn, and also Lord -Montague, and his own sister Lady Margaret Sackville, and likewise -Lord Thomas and Lord William Howard, his brothers, that he put not in -any doubt, albeit words to that effect had once escaped him, the -validity of his marriage, she, with great wisdom and patience, and -prudence very commendable in one of her years, being destitute of any -fitting place to dwell in, resolved to return to his house in London. -At the which at first he seemed not a little displeased, but yet took -no measures for to drive her from it. And in the ordering of the -household and care of his property manifested the same zeal, and -obtained the same good results, as she had procured whilst she lived -at Kenninghall. Methought she had waxed older by some years, not -weeks, since I had seen her, so staid and composed had become the -fashion of her speech and of her carriage. She conversed with me on -mine own troubles and comforts, and the various and opposite haps -which had befallen me; which I told her served to strengthen in me my -early thinking, that sorrows are oftentimes so intermixed with joys -that our lives do more resemble variable April days than the cloudless -skies of June, or the dark climate of winter. - -Whilst we did thus discourse, mine eyes fell on a quaint piece of work -in silk and silver, which was lying on a table, as if lately unfolded. -Lady Arundel smiled in a somewhat sad fashion, and said: - -"I warrant thou art curious, Constance, to examine that piece of -embroidery; and verily as regards the hands which hath worked it, and -the kind intent with which it was wrought, a more notable one should -not easily be found. Look at it, and see if thou canst read the -ingenious meaning of it." - -This was the design therein executed with exceeding great neatness and -beauty: there was a tree framed, whereon two turtle-doves sat, on -either side one, with this difference, that by that on the right hand -there were two or three green leaves remaining, by the other none at -all--the tree on that side being wholly bare. Over the top of the tree -were these words, wrought in silver: "Amoris sorte pares." At the -bottom of the tree, on the side where the first turtle-dove did sit by -the green leaves, these words were also embroidered: "Haec ademptum," -with an anchor under them. On the other side, under the other dove, -were these words, in like manner wrought: "Illa peremptum," with -pieces of broken board underneath. - -"See you what this doth mean?" the countess asked. - -"Nay," I answered; "my wit is herein at fault." - -"You will," she said, "when you know whence this gift comes to me. -Methought, save by a few near to me in blood, or by marriage -connected, and one or two friends--thou, my Constance, being the -chiefest--I was unknown to all the world; but a sad royal heart having -had notice, in the midst of its own sore griefs, how the earl my -husband doth, through evil counsel, absent and estrange himself from -me, partly to comfort, and partly to show her love to one she once -thought should be her daughter-in-law, for a token thereof she sent me -this gift, contrived by her own thinking, and wrought with her own -hands. Those two doves do represent herself and me. On my side an -anchor and a few green leaves (symbols of hope), show I may yet -flourish, because my lord is alive; though, by reason of his absence -and unkindness, I mourn as a lone turtle-dove. But the bare -boughs and broken boards on her side signify that her hopes are wholly -wrecked by the death of the duke, for whom she doth mourn without hope -of comfort or redress." - -The pathetic manner in which Lady Arundel made this speech moved me -almost to tears. - -"If Philip," she said, "doth visit me again at any time, I will hang -up this ingenious conceit where he should see it. Methinks it will -recall to him the past, and move him to show me kindness. Help me, -Constance," she said after a pause, "for to compose such an answer as -my needle can express, which shall convey to this royal prisoner both -thanks, and somewhat of hope also, albeit not of the sort she doth -disclaim.'" - -I mused for a while, and then with a pencil drew a pattern of a like -tree to that of the Scottish queen's design; and the dove which did -typify the Countess of Arundel I did represent fastened to the branch, -whereon she sat and mourned, by many strings wound round her heart, -and tied to the anchor of an earthly hope, whereas the one which was -the symbol of the forlorn royal captive did spread her wings toward -the sky, unfettered by the shattered relics strewn at her feet. Lady -Arundel put her arm round my neck, and said she liked well this -design; and bade me for to pray for her, that the invisible strings, -which verily did restrain in her heavenward motions, should not always -keep her from soaring thither where only true joys are to be found. - -During some succeeding weeks I often visited her, and we wrought -together at the same frame in the working of this design, which she -had set on hand by a cunning artificer from the rough pattern I had -drawn. Much talk the while was ministered between us touching -religion, which did more and more engage her thoughts; Mr. Bayley, a -Catholic gentleman who belonged to the earl her husband, and whom she -did at that time employ to carry relief to sick and poor persons, -helping her greatly therein, being well instructed himself, and -haunting such priests as did reside secretly in London at that time. - -About the period when Basil was expected to return, my health was -again much affected, not so sharply as before, but a weakness and -fading of strength did show the effects of such sufferings as I had -endured. Hubert's behavior did tend at that time for to keep me in -great uneasiness. When he came to the house, albeit he spake but -seldom to me, if we ever were alone he gave sundry hints of a -persistent hope and a possible desperation, mingled with vague -threats, which disturbed me more than can be thought of. Methinks -Kate, Polly, and Muriel held council touching my health; and thence -arose a very welcome proposal, from my Lady Tregony, that I should -visit her at her seat in Norfolk, close on the borders of Suffolk, -whither she had retired since Thomas Sherwood's death. Polly, who had -a good head and a good heart albeit too light a mind, forecasted the -comfort it should be to Basil and me, when he returned, to be so near -neighbors until we were married (which could not be before some months -after he came of age), that we could meet every day; Lady Tregony's -seat being only three miles distant from Euston. They wrote to him -thereon; and when his answer came, the joy he expressed was such that -nothing could be greater. And on a fair day in the spring, when the -blossoms of the pear and apple-trees were showing on the bare -branches, even as my hopes of coming joys did bud afresh after long -pangs of separation, I rode from London, by slow journeys, to Banham -Hall, and amidst the sweet silence of rural scenes, quiet fields, and -a small but convenient house, where I was greeted with maternal -kindness by one in whom age retained the warmth of heart of youth, I -did regain so much strength and good looks, that when, one day, a - horsemen, when I least thought of it, rode to the door, and I -turned white and red in turns, speechless with delight, perceiving it -to be Basil, he took me by both hands, looked into my face and cried: - -"Hang the leeches! Suffolk air was all thou didst need, for all they -did so fright me." - -"Norfolk air, I pray you," quoth my Lady Tregony, smiling. - -"Nay, nay," quoth Basil. "It -doth blow over the border from Suffolk." - -"Happiness, leastways, bloweth thence," I whispered. - -"Yea," he answered; for he was not one for to make long speeches. - -But, ah me! the sight of him was a cure to all mine ailments. - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -It is not to be credited with how great an admixture of pleasure and -pain I do set myself to my daily task of writing, for the thought of -those spring and summer months spent in Lady Tregony's house doth stir -up old feelings, the sweetness of which hath yet some bitterness in -it, which I would fain separate from the memories of that happy time. - -Basil had taken up his abode at Euston, whither I so often went and -whence he so often came, that methinks we could both have told (for -mine own part I can yet do it, even after the lapse of so many years) -the shape of each tree, the rising of each bank, the every winding of -the fair river Ouse betwixt one house and the other. Yea, when I now -sit down on the shore, gazing on the far-off sea, bethinking myself it -doth break on the coast of England, I sometimes newly draw on memory's -tablet that old large house, the biggest in all Suffolk, albeit homely -in its exterior and interior plainness, which sitteth in a green -hollow between two graceful swelling hills. Its opposite meadows -starred in the spring-tide with so many daisies and buttercups that -the grass scantily showeth amidst these gay intruders; the ascending -walk, a mile in length, with four rows of ash-trees on each side, the -tender green of which in those early April days mocked the sober tints -of the darksome tufts of fir; and the noble deer underneath the old -oaks, carrying in a stately manner their horned heads, and darting -along the glades with so swift a course that the eye could scarce -follow them. But mostly the little wooden bridge where, when Basil did -fish, I was wont to sit and watch the sport, I said, but verily him, -of whose sight I was somewhat covetous after his long absence. And I -mind me that one day when we were thus seated, he on the margin of the -stream and I leaning against the bridge, we held an argument touching -country diversions, which began in this wise: - -"Methinks," I said, "of all disports fishing hath this advantage, that -if one faileth in the success he looketh for, he hath at least a -wholesome walk, a sweet air, a fragrant savor of the mead flowers. He -seeth the young swans, herons, ducks, and many other fowls with their -broods, which is surely better than the noise of hounds, the blast of -horns, and the cries the hunters make. And if it be in part used for -the increasing of the body's health and the solace of the mind, it can -also be advantageously employed for the health of the soul, for it is -not needful in this diversion to have a great many persons with you, -and this solitude doth favor thought and the serving of God by -sometimes repeating devout prayers." - -To this Basil replied: "That as there be many men, there be also many -minds; and, for his part, when the woods and fields and skies seemed -in all one loud cry and confusion with the earning of the hounds, the -gallopping of the horses, the hallowing of the huntsmen, and the -excellent echo resounding from the hills and valleys, he did not think -there could be a more delectable pastime or a more tuneable -sound by any degree than this, and specially in that place which is -formed so meet for the purpose. And if he should wish anything, it -would be that it had been the time of year for it, and for me to ride -by his side on a sweet misty mornings to hear this goodly music and to -be recreated with this excellent diversion. And for the matter of -prayers," he added, smiling, "I warrant thee, sweet preacher, that as -wholesome cogitations touching Almighty God and his goodness, and -brief inward thanking of him for good limbs and an easy heart, have -come into my mind on a horse's back with a brave westerly wind blowing -about my head, as in the quiet sitting by a stream listing to the -fowls singing." - -"Oh, but Basil," I rejoined, "there are more virtues to be practised -by an angler than by a hunter." - -"How prove you that, sweetheart?" he asked. - -Then I: "Well, he must be of a well-settled and constant belief to -enjoy the benefit of his expectation. He must be full of love to his -neighbor, that he neither give offence in any particular, nor be -guilty of any general destruction; then he must be exceeding patient, -not chafing in losing the prey when it is almost in hand, or in -breaking his tools, but with pleased sufferance, as I have witnessed -in thyself, amend errors and think mischances instructions to better -carefulness. He must be also full of humble thoughts, not disdaining -to kneel, lie down, or wet his fingers when occasion commands. Then -must he be prudent, apprehending the reasons why the fish will not -bite; and of a thankful nature, showing a large gratefulness for the -least satisfaction." - -"Tut, tut," Basil replied, laughing; "thinkest thou no patience be -needful when the dogs do lose the scent, or your horse refuseth to -take a gate; no prudence to forecast which way to turn when the issue -be doubtful; no humility to brook a fall with twenty fellows passing -by a-jeering of you; no thankfulness your head be not broken; no love -of your neighbor for to abstain in the heat of the chase from treading -down his corn, or for to make amends when it be done? Go to, go to, -sweetheart; thou art a dextrous pleader, but hast failed to prove thy -point. Methinks there doth exist greater temptations for to swear or -to quarrel in hunting than in fishing, and, if resisted, more -excellent virtues then observed. One day last year, when I was in -Cheshire, Sir Peter Lee of Lime did invite me to hunt the stag, and -there being a great stag in chase and many gentlemen hot in the -pursuit, the stag took soil, and divers, whereof I was one, alighted -and stood with sword drawn to have a cut at him." - -"Oh, the poor stag!" I cried; "I do always sorely grieve for him." - -"Well," he continued, "the stags there be wonderfully fierce and -dangerous, which made us youths more eager to be at him. But he -escaped us all; and it was my misfortune to be hindered in my coming -near him, the way being slippery, by a fall which gave occasion to -some which did not know me to speak as if I had failed for fear; which -being told me, I followed the gentleman who first spoke it, intending -for to pick a quarrel with him, and, peradventure, measure my sword -with his, so be his denial and repentance did not appear. But, I thank -God, afore I reached him my purpose had changed, and in its stead I -turned back to pursue the stag, and happened to be the only horseman -in when the dogs set him up at bay; and approaching near him, he broke -through the dogs and ran at me, and took my horse's side with his -horns. Then I quitted my horse, and of a sudden getting behind him, -got on his back and cut his throat with my sword." - -"Alack!" I cried, "I do mislike these bloody pastimes, and love not to -think of the violent death of any living creature." - - -"Well, dear heart," he answered, "I will not make thee sad again by -the mention of the killing of so much as a rat, if it displeaseth -thee. But truly I mislike not to think of that day, for I warrant -thee, in turning back from the pursuit of that injurious gentleman, -somewhat more of virtue did exist than it hath been my hap often to -practice. For, look you, sweet one, to some it doth cause no pain to -forgive an injury which toucheth not their honor, or to plunge into -the sea to fish out a drowning man; but to be styled a coward, and yet -to act as a Christian man should do, not seeking for to be revenged, -why, methinks, there should be a little merit in it." - -"Yea," I said, "much in every way; but truly, sir, if your thinking is -just that easy virtue is little or no virtue, I shall be the least -virtuous wife in the world." - -Upon this he laughed so loud that I told him he would fright all the -fishes away. - -"I' faith, let them go if they list," he cried, and cast away his rod. -Then coming to where I was sitting, he invited me to walk with him -alongside the stream, and then asked me for to explain my last speech. - -"Why, Basil," I said, "what, I pray you, should be the duty of a -virtuous wife but to love her husband?" - -So then he, catching my meaning, smiled and replied, - -"If that duty shall prove easy to thy affectionate heart, I doubt not -but others will arise which shall call for the exercise of more -difficult virtue." - -When we came to a sweet nook, where the shade made it too dark for -grass to grow, and only moss yielded a soil carpet for the feet, we -sat down on a shelving slope of broken stones, and I exclaimed, - -"Oh, Basil, methinks we shall be too happy in this fair place; and I -do tax myself presently with hardness of heart, that in thy company, -and the forecasting of a blissful time to come, I lose the sense of -recent sorrows." - -"God doth yield thee this comfort," he answered, "for to refresh thy -body and strengthen thy soul, which have both been verily sorely -afflicted of late. I ween he doth send us breathing-times with this -merciful intent." - -By such discourses as these we entertained ourselves at sundry times; -but some of the sweetest hours we spent were occupied in planning the -future manner of our lives, the good we should strive to do amongst -our poor neighbors, and the sweet exercise of Catholic religion we -should observe. - -Foreseeing the frequent concealing of priests in his house, Basil sent -one day for a young carpenter, one Master Owen, who hath since been so -noted for the contriving of hiding-places in all the recusants' houses -in England; and verily what I noticed in him during the days he was at -work at Euston did agree with the great repute of sanctity he hath -since obtained. His so small stature, his trick of silence, his -exceeding recollected and composed manner filled me with admiration; -and Basil told me nothing would serve him, the morning he arrived, -when he found a priest was in the house, but to go to shrift and holy -communion, which was his practice, before ever he set to work at his -good business. I took much pleasure in watching his progress. He -scooped out a cell in the walls of the gallery, contriving a door such -as I remembered at Sherwood Hall, which none could see to open unless -they did know of the spring. All the time he was laboring thereat, I -could discern him to be praying; and when he wot not any to be near -him, sang hymns in a loud and exceeding sweet voice. I have never -observed in any one a more religious behavior than in this youth, who, -by his subtle and ingenious art, hath saved the lives of many priests, -and procured mass to be said in houses where none should have durst -for to say or hear it if a refuge of this kind did not exist, wherein -a man may lie ensconced for years, and none can find him, if he come -not forth himself. - - -When he was gone, other sort of workmen were called in, for to make -more habitable and convenient a portion of this large house. For in -this the entire consenting of our minds did appear, that neither of us -desired for to spend money on showy improvements, or to inhabit ten -chambers when five should suffice. What one proposed, the other always -liked well; and if in tastes we did sometimes differ, yet no -disagreement ensued. For, albeit Basil cared not as much as I did for -the good ordering of the library, his indulgent kindness did -nevertheless incline him to favor me with a promise that one hundred -fair, commendable books should be added to those his good father had -collected. He said that Hubert should aid us to choose these goodly -volumes, holy treatises, and histories in French and English, if it -liked me, and poetry also. One pleasant chamber he did laughingly -appoint for to be the scholar's room, in the which he should never so -much as show his face, but Hubert and I read and write, if we listed, -our very heads off. The ancient chapel was now a hall; and, save some -carving on the walls which could not be recovered, no traces did -remain of its old use. But at the top-most part of the house, at the -head of a narrow staircase, was a chamber wherein mass was sometimes -said; and since Basil's return, he had procured that each Saturday a -priest should come and spend the night with him, for the convenience -of all the neighboring Catholics who resorted there for to go to their -duty. Lady Tregony and her household--which were mostly Catholic, but -had not the same commodities in her house, where to conceal any one -was more hard, for that it stood almost in the village of Fakenham, -and all comers and goers proved visible to the inhabitants--did repair -on Sundays, at break of day, to Euston. How sweet were those rides in -the fair morning light, the dew bespangling every herb and tree, and -the wild flowers filling the air with their fresh fragrance! The pale -primroses, the azure harebell, the wood-anemone, and the dark-blue -hyacinth--what dainty nosegays they furnished us with for our Blessed -Lady's altar! of which the fairest image I ever beheld stood in the -little secret chapel at Euston. Basil did much affection this image of -Blessed Mary; for as far back as he could remember he had been used to -say his prayers before it; and when his mother died, he being only -seven years of age, he knelt before this so lively representation of -God's Mother, beseeching of her to be a mother to him also; which -prayer methinks verily did take effect, his life having been marked by -singular tokens of her maternal care. - -In the Holy Week, which fell that year in the second week of April, he -procured the aid of three priests, and had all the ceremonies -performed which do appertain to that sacred season. On Wednesday, -toward evening began _Tenebrae_, with the mysterious candlestick of -fifteen lights, fourteen of them representing, by the extinguishing of -them, the disciples which forsook Christ; the fifteenth on the top, -which was not put out, his dear Mother, who from the crib to the -cross, was not severed from him. On Thursday we decked the sepulchre -wherein the Blessed Sacrament reposed with flowers and all such jewels -as we possessed, and namely with a very fair diamond cross which Basil -had gifted me with, and reverently attended it day and night. "God -defend," I said to Basil, when the sepulchre was removed, "I should -retain for vain uses what was lent to our Lord yester eve!" and -straightway hung on the cross to our Lady's neck. On Friday we all -crept to the crucifix, and kissing, bathed it with our tears. On -Saturday every fire was extinguished in the house, and kindled again -with hallowed fire. Then ensued the benediction of the paschal candle, -and the rest of the divine ceremonies, till mass. At mass, as soon as -the priest pronounced "Gloria in excelsis," a cloth, contrived by Lady -Tregony and me, and which veiled the altar, made resplendent -with lights and flowers, was suddenly snatched away, and many little -bells we had prepared for that purpose rung, in imitation of what was -done in England in Catholic times, and now in foreign countries. On -Easter Sunday, after mass, a benediction was given to divers sorts of -meat, and, in remembrance of the Lamb sacrificed two days before, a -great proportion of lamb. Nigh one hundred recusants had repaired to -Euston that day for their paschal communion. Basil did invite them all -to break Lent's neck with us, in honor of Christ's joyful -resurrection; and many blessings were showered that day, I ween, on -Master Rookwood, and for his sake, I ween, on Mistress Sherwood also. -The sun did shine that Easter morning with more than usual brightness. -The common people do say it danceth for joy at this glorious tide. For -my part, methought it had a rare youthful brilliancy, more cheering -than hot, more lightsome than dazzling. All nature seemed to rejoice -that Christ was risen; and pastoral art had devised arches of flowers -and gay wreaths hanging from pole to pole and gladdening every -thicket. - -Verily, if the sun danced in the sky, my poor heart danced in my -bosom. At Basil's wishing, anticipating future duties, I went to the -kitchen for to order the tansy-cakes which were to be prizes at the -hand-ball playing on the next day. Like a foolish creature, I was -ready to smile at every jest, howsoever trifling; and when Basil put -in his head at the door and cried, "Prithee, let each one that eateth -of tansy-cake to-morrow, which signifieth bitter herbs, take also of -bacon, to show he is no Jew," the wenches and I did laugh till the -tears ran down our cheeks. Ah me! when the heart doth overflow with -joy 'tis marvellous how the least word maketh merriment. - -One day late in April I rode with Basil for to see some hawking, which -verily is a pleasure for high and mounting spirits; howsoever, I wore -not the dress which the ladies in this country do use on such -occasions, for I have always thought it an unbecoming thing for women -to array themselves in male attire, or ride in fashion like a man, and -Basil is of my thinking thereon. It was a dear, calm, sun-shiny -evening, about an hour before the sun doth usually mask himself, that -we went to the river. There we dismounted and, for the first time, I -did behold this noble pastime. For is it not rare to consider how a -wild bird should be so brought to hand and so well managed as to make -us such pleasure in the air; but most of all to forego her native -liberty and feeding, and return to her servitude and diet? And what a -lesson do they read to us when our wanton wills and thoughts take no -heed of reason and conscience's voices luring us back to duty's perch. - -When we had stood a brief time watching for a mallard, Basil perceived -one and whistled off his falcon. She flew from him as if she would -never have turned her head again, yet upon a shout came in. Then by -degrees, little by little, flying about and about, she mounted so high -as if she had made the moon the place of her flight, but presently -came down like a stone at the sound of his lure. I waxed very eager in -the noticing of these haps, and was well content to be an eye-witness -of this sport. Methought it should be a very pleasant thing to be -Basil's companion in it, and wear a dainty glove and a gentle tasel on -my fist which should never cast off but at my bidding, and when I let -it fly would return at my call. And this thought minded me of a -faithful love never diverted from its resting-place save by heavenward -aspirations alternating betwixt earthly duties and ghostly soarings. -But oh, what a tragedy was enacted in the air when Basil, having -detected by a little white feather in its tail a cock in a brake, cast -off a tasel gentle, who never ceased his circular motion till he had -recovered his place. Then suddenly upon the flushing of the cock -he came down, and missing of it in that down-come, lo what working -there was on both sides! The cock mounting as if he would have pierced -the skies; the hawk flying a contrary way until he had made the wind -his friend; what speed the cock made to save himself! What hasty -pursuit the hawk made of the fugitive! after long flying killing of -it, but alack in killing of it killing himself! - -"Ah, a fatal ending to a fatal strife!" exclaimed a known voice close -unto mine ear, a melodious one, albeit now harsh to my hearing. Mine -eyes were dazzled with gazing upward, and I confusedly discerned two -gentlemen standing near me, one of which I knew to be Hubert. I gave -him my hand, and then Basil turning round and beholding him and his -companion, came up to them with a joyful greeting: - -"Oh, Sir Henry," he exclaimed, "I be truly glad to see you; and you, -Hubert, what a welcome surprise is this!" - -Then he introduced me to Sir Henry Jemingham; for he it was who, -bowing in a courteous fashion, addressed to me such compliments as -gentlemen are wont to pay to ladies at the outset of their -acquaintanceship. - -These visitors had left their horses a few paces off, and then Sir -Henry explained that Hubert had been abiding with him at his seat for -a few days, and that certain law-business in which Basil was concerned -as well as his brother, and himself also, as having been for one year -his guardian, did necessitate a meeting wherein these matters should -be brought to a close. - -"So," quoth he then, "Master Basil, I proposed we should invade your -solitude in place of withdrawing you from it, which methought of the -two evils should be the least, seeing what attractions do detain you -at Euston at this time." - -I foolishly dared not look at Hubert when Sir Henry made this speech, -and Basil with hearty cheer thanked him for his obliging conduct and -the great honor he did him for to visit him in this amicable manner. -Then he craved his permission for to accompany me to Lady Tregony's -house, trusting, he said, to Hubert to conduct him to Euston, and to -perform there all hospitable duties during the short time he should be -absent himself. - -"Nay, nay," quoth Sir Henry, "but, with your license, Master Basil, we -will ride with you and this lady to Banham Hall. Methinks, seeing you -are such near neighbors, that Mistress Sherwood lacketh not -opportunities to enjoy your company, and that you should not deprive -me of the pleasure of a short conversation with her whilst Hubert and -you entertain yourselves for the nonce in the best way you can." - -Basil smiled, and said it contented him very much that Sir Henry -should enjoy my conversation, which he hoped in future should make -amends to his friends for his own deficiencies. So we all mounted our -horses, and Sir Henry rode alongside of me, and Basil and Hubert -behind us; for only two could hold abreast in the narrow lane which -led to Fakenham. A chill had fallen on my heart since Hubert's -arrival, which I can only liken to the sudden overcasting of a bright -sun-shiny day by a dark, cold cloud. - -At first Sir Henry entered into discourse with me touching hawking, -which he talked of in a merry fashion, drawing many similitudes -betwixt falconers and lovers, which he said were the likest people in -the world. - -"For, I pray you," said he "are not hawks to the one what his mistress -is to the other? the objects of his care, admiration, labor, and all. -They be indeed his idols. To them he consecrates his amorous ditties, -and courts each one in a peculiar dialect. Oh, believe me, Mistress -Sherwood, that lady may style herself fortunate in love who shall meet -with so much thought, affection, and solicitude from a lover or a -husband as his birds do from a good ostringen." - - -Then diverting his speech to other topics, he told me it was bruited -that the queen did intend to make a progress in the eastern counties -that summer, and that her majesty should be entertained in a very -splendid manner at Kenninghall by my Lord Arundel and also at his -house in Norwich. - -"It doth much grieve me to hear it," I answered. - -Then he: "Wherefore, Mistress Sherwood?" - -"Because," I said, "Lord Arundel hath already greatly impaired his -fortune and spent larger sums than can be thought of in the like -prodigal courtly expenses, and also lost a good part of the lands -which his grandfather and my Lady Lumley would have bequeathed to him -if he had not turned spendthrift and so greatly displeased them." - -"But and if it be so," quoth he again, "wherefore doth this young -nobleman's imprudence displeasure you, Mistress Sherwood?" - -I answered, "By reason of the pain which his follies do cause to his -sweet lady, which for many years hath been more of a friend to my poor -self, than unequal rank and, if possible, still more unequal merit -should warrant." - -"Then I marvel not," replied Sir Henry, "at your resentment of her -husband's folly, for by all I have ever seen or heard of this lady she -doth show herself to be the pattern of a wife, the model of high-born -ladies; and 'tis said that albeit so young, there doth exist in her so -much merit and dignity that some noblemen confess that when they come -into her presence they dare not swear, as at other times they are wont -to do before the best of the kingdom. But I have heard, and am verily -inclined to believe it, that he is much changed in his dispositions -toward his lady; though pride, it may be, or shame at his ill-usage of -her, or fear that it should seem that, now his favor with the queen -doth visibly decline, he should turn to her whom, when fortune smiled -upon him, he did keep aloof from, seeking her only when clouds gather -round him, do hinder him from showing these new inclinations." - -"How much he would err," I exclaimed, "and wrong his noble wife if he -misdoubted her heart in such a case! Methinks most women would be -ready to forgive one they loved when misfortune threatened them, but -she beyond all others, who never at any time allowed jealousy or -natural resentments to draw away her love from him to whom she hath -vowed it. But is Lord Arundel then indeed in less favor with her -majesty? And how doth this surmise agree with the report of her visit -to Kenninghall?" - -"Ah, Mistress Sherwood," he answered, "declines in the human body -often do call for desperate remedies, and the like are often required -when they occur in court favor. 'Tis a dangerous expedient to spend -two or three thousands of pounds in one or two days for the -entertainment of the queen and the court; but if, on the report of her -intended progress, one of such high rank as Lord Arundel had failed to -place his house at her disposal, his own disgrace and his enemies' -triumph should have speedily ensued. I pray God my Lord Burleigh do -not think on Cottessy! Egad, I would as lief pay down at once one -year's income as to be so uncertainly mulcted. I warrant you Lord -Arundel shall have need to sell an estate to pay for the honor her -majesty will do him. He hath a spirit will not stop half-way in -anything he doth pursue." - -"Then think you, sir," I said, "he will be one day as noted for his -virtues as now for his faults?" - -Sir Henry smiled as he answered, "If Philip Howard doth set himself -one day to serve God, I promise you his zeal therein will far exceed -what he hath shown in the devil's service." - -"I pray you prove a true prophet, sir," I said; and, as we now had -reached the door of Lady Tregony's house, I took leave of this -courteous gentlemen, and hastily turned toward Basil--with an -uneasy desire to set him on his guard to use some reserve in his -speeches with Hubert, but withal at a loss how to frame a brief -warning, or to speak without being overheard. Howsoever, I drew him a -little aside, and whispered, "Prithee, be silent touching Owen's work, -even to Hubert." - -He looked at me so much astonished, and methought with so great a look -of pain, that my heart smote me. We exchanged a brief farewell; and -when they had all ridden away, I felt sad. Our partings were wont to -be more protracted; for he would most times ask me to walk back with -him to the gate, and then made it an excuse that it should be -unmannerly not to see me home, and so three or four times we used to -walk to and fro, till at last I did laughingly shut the door on him, -and refused to open it again. But, ah me! that evening the chill I -spoke of had fallen on our simple joys like a blight on a fair -landscape. - -On the next day two missives came to me from Euston, sent by private -hand, but not by the same messenger. I leave the reader to judge what -I felt in reading these proofs of the dispositions of two brothers, so -alike in features, so different in soul. This was Basil's letter: - -"MINE OWN DEAR HEART-- -The business which hath brought Sir Henry and Hubert here will, I be -frightened, hold me engaged all to-morrow. But, before I sleep, I must -needs write thee (poor penman as I be) how much it misliketh me to see -in thee an ill opinion of mine only and dear brother, and such -suspicion as verily no one should entertain of a friend, but much less -of one so near in blood. I do yield thee that he is not as zealous as -I could wish in devout practices, and something too fond of worldly -pleasures; but God is my witness, I should as soon think of doubting -mine own existence as his fidelity to his religion, or his kindness to -myself. So, prithee, dear love, pain me not again by the utterance of -such injurious words to Hubert as that I should not trust him with any -secrets howsoever weighty, or should observe any manner of restraint -in communicating with him touching common dangers and interests. -Methinks he is very sad at this time, and that the sight of his -paternal home hath made him melancholy. Verily, his lot hath in it -none of the brightness which doth attend mine, and I would we could -anyways make him a partaker in the happiness we do enjoy. I pray God -he may help me to effect this, by the forwarding of any wish he hath -at heart; but he was always of a very reserved habit of mind, and not -prone to speak of his own concernments. Forgive, sweetheart, this -loving reproof, from thy most loving friend and servant," -"BASIL ROOKWOOD." - -Hubert's was as followeth: - -"MADAM-- -My presumption toward you hath doubtless been a sin calling -for severe punishment; but I pray you leave not the cause of it -unremembered. The doubtful mind you once showed in my regard, and of -which the last time I saw you some marks methought did yet appear, -should be my excuse if I have erred in a persistency of love, which -most women would less deserve indeed, but would more appreciate than -you have done. If this day no token doth reach me of your changed -mind, be it so. I depart hence as changed as you do remain unchanged. -It may be for mine own weal, albeit passion deems of it otherwise, if -you finally reject me whom once you did look upon with so great favor, -that the very thought of it works in me a revived tenderness as should -be mine own undoing if it prevailed, for this country hath laws which -are not broken in vain, and faithful loyal service is differently -requited than traitorous and obstinate malignity. I shall be the -greater for lacking your love, proud lady; but to have it I would -forego all a sovereign can bestow--all that ambition can desire. -These, then, are my last words. If we meet not to-day, God -knoweth with what sentiments we shall one day meet, when justice hath -overtaken you, and love in me hath turned to hatred!" - -"HUBERT ROOKWOOD." - -"Ay," I bitterly exclaimed, laying the two letters side by side before -me, "one endeth with love, the other with hate. The one showeth the -noble fruits of true affection, the other the bitter end of selfish -passion." Then I mused if I should send Basil, or show him later -Hubert's letter, clearing myself of any injustice toward him, but -destroying likewise for ever his virtuous confidence his brother's -honor. A short struggle with myself ensued, but I soon resolved, for -the present at least, on silence. If danger did seem to threaten -Basil, which his knowledge of his brother's baseness could avert, then -I must needs speak; but God defend I should without constraint pour a -poisoned drop into the dear fount of his undoubting soul. Passion may -die away, hatred may cease, repentance arise; but the evil done by the -revealing of another's sin worketh endless wrong to the doer and the -hearer. - -The day on which I received these two letters did seem the longest I -had ever known. On the next Basil came to Banham Hall, and told me his -guests were gone. A load seemed lifted from my heart But, albeit we -resumed our wonted manner of life, and the same mutual kindness and -accustomed duties and pleasures filled our days, I felt less secure in -my happiness, less thoughtless of the world without, more subject to -sudden sinkings of heart in the midst of greatest merriment, than -before Hubert's visit. - -In the early part of June, Mr. Congleton wrote in answer to Basil's -eager pressings that he would fix the day of our marriage, that he was -of opinion a better one could not be found than that of our Lady's -Visitation, on the 2d of July, and that, if it pleased God, he should -then take the first journey he had made for five-and-twenty years; for -nothing would serve Lady Tregony but that the wedding should take -place in her house, where a priest would marry us in secret at break -of day, and then we should ride to the parish church at Euston for the -public ceremony. He should, he added, carry Muriel with him, howsoever -reluctant she should be to leave London; but he promised us this -should be a welcome piece of constraint, for that she longed to see me -again more than can be told. - -Verily, pleasant letters reached me that week; for my father wrote he -was in better health, and in great peace and contentment of mind at -Rheims, albeit somewhat sad, when he saw younger and more fortunate -men (for so he styled them) depart for the English mission; and by a -cypher we had agreed on he gave me to understand Edmund Genings was of -that number. And Lady Arundel, to whom I had reported the conversation -I had with Sir Henry Jemingham, sent me an answer which I will here -transcribe: - -"MY WELL-BELOVED CONSTANCE ---You do rightly read my heart, and the hope you express in my regard, -with so tender a friendship and solicitous desire for my happiness, -hath indeed a better foundation than idle surmises. It hath truly -pleased God that Philip's disposition toward me should change; and -albeit this change is not as yet openly manifested, he nevertheless -doth oftentimes visit me, and testifies much regret for his past -neglect of one whom he doth now confess to be his truest friend, his -greatest lover, and best comfort. O mine own dear friend! my life has -known many strange accidents, but none greater or more strange than -this, that my so long indifferent husband should turn into a secret -lover who doth haunt me by stealth, and looking on me with new eyes, -appears to conceive so much admiration for my worthless beauty, and to -find such pleasure in my poor company, that it would seem as if a new -face and person had been given to me wherewith to inspire him -with this love for her to whom he doth owe it. Oh, I promise thee this -husbandly wooing liketh me well, and methinks I would not at once -disclose to the world this new kindness he doth show me and revival of -conjugal affection, but rather hug it and cherish it like a secret -treasure until it doth take such deep root that nothing can again -separate his heart from me. His fears touching the queen's -ill-conception of him increase, and his enemies do wax more powerful -each day. The world hath become full of uneasiness to him. Methinks he -would gladly break with it; but like to one who walketh on a narrow -plank, with a precipice on each side of him, his safety lieth only in -advancing. The report is true--I would it were false--of the queen's -progress, and her intended visit to Kenninghall. I fear another fair -estate in the north must needs pay the cost thereof; but avoidance is -impossible. I am about to remove from London to Arundel Castle, where -my lord doth will me for the present to reside. The sea-breezes on -that coast, and the mild air of Sussex, he thinks should improve my -health, which doth at this time require care. Touching religion, I -have two or three times let fall words which implied an increased -inclination to Catholic religion. Each time his countenance did very -much alter, and assumed a painful expression. I fear he is as greatly -opposed to it as heretofore. But if once resolved on what conscience -doth prescribe, with God's help, I hope that neither new-found joys -nor future fears shall stay me from obeying its voice. - -"And so thou art to be married come the early days of July! I' faith -thy Basil and thou have, like a pair of doves, cooed long enough, I -ween, amidst the tall trees of Euston; which, if you are to be -believed, should be the most delectable place in the whole world. And -yet some have told me it is but a huge plain building, and the country -about it, except for its luxuriant trees, of no notable beauty. The -sunshine of thine own heart sheddeth, I ween, a radiancy on the plain -walls and the unadorned gardens greater than nature or art can bestow. -I cry thee mercy for this malicious surmise, and give thee license, -when I shall write in the same strain touching my lord's castle at -Arundel to flout me in a like manner. Some do disdainfully style it a -huge old fortress; others a very grand and noble pile. If that good -befalleth me that he doth visit me there, then I doubt not but it will -be to me the cheerfullest place in existence. Thy loving servant to -command, - - "ANN ARUNDEL AND SURREY." - -This letter came to my hand at Whitsuntide, when the village folks -were enacting a pastoral, the only merit of which did lie in the -innocent glee of the performers. The sheep-shearing feast, a very -pretty festival, ensued a few days later. A fat lamb was provided, and -the maidens of the town permitted to run after it, and she which took -hold of it declared the lady of the lamb. 'Tis then the custom to kill -and carry it on a long pole before the lady and her companions to the -green, attended with music and morisco dances. But this year I -ransomed the lamb, and had it crowned with blue corn-flowers and -poppies, and led to a small paddock, where for some time I visited and -fed it every day. Poor little lamb! like me, it had one short happy -time that summer. - -In the evening I went with the lasses to the banks of the Ouse, and -scattered on the dimpling stream, as is their wont at the lamb-ale, a -thousand odorous flowers--new-born roses, the fleur-de-luce, -sweet-williams, and yellow coxcombs, the small-flowered -lady's-slipper, the prince's-feather and the clustered bell-flower, -the sweet-basil (the saucy wenches smiled when they furnished me with -a bunch thereof), and a great store of midsummer daisies. When, with -due observance, I threw on the water a handful of these golden-tufted -and silver-crowned flowerets, I thought of Master Chaucer's -lines: - - "Above all the flowers in the mead - These love I most--these flowers white and red. - And in French called _la belle Marguerite_. - O commendable flower, and most in mind! - O flower and gracious excellence! - O amiable Marguerite." - -The great store of winsome and graciously-named flowers used that day -set me to plan a fair garden, wherein each month should yield in its -turn to the altar of our secret chapel a pure incense of nature's own -furnishing. Basil was helping me thereto, and my Lady Tregony smiling -at my quaint devices, when Mr. Cobham, a cousin of her ladyship, -arrived, bringing with him news of the queen's progress, which quickly -diverted us from other thoughts, and caused my pencil to stand idle in -mine hand. - -CHAPTER XXII. - -"Ah, ladies," exclaimed Mr. Cobham--pleased, I ween, to see how -eagerly we looked for his news--"I promise you the eastern counties do -exhibit their loyalty in a very commendable fashion, and so report -saith her majesty doth think. The gallant appearance and brave array -of the Suffolk esquires hath drawn from her highness sundry marks of -her approval. What think you, my Lady Tregony, of two hundred -bachelors, all gaily clad in white-velvet coats, and those of graver -years in black-velvet coats and fair gold chains, with fifteen hundred -men all mounted on horseback, and Sir William le Spring of Lavenham at -their head. I warrant you a more comely troop and a nobler sight -should not often be seen. Then, in Norfolk, what great sums of money -have been spent! Notably at Kenninghall, where for divers days not -only the queen herself was lodged and feasted, with all her household, -council, courtiers, and all their company, but all the gentlemen also, -and people of the country who came thither upon the occasion, in such -plentiful, bountiful, and splendid manner, as the like had never been -seen before in these counties. Every night she hath slept at some -gentleman's seat. At Holdstead Hall I had the honor to be presented to -her highness, and to see her dance a minuet. But an unlucky accident -did occur that evening." - -"No lives were lost, I hope?" Lady Tregony said. - -"No lives," Master Cobham answered; "but a very precious fan which her -majesty let drop into the moat--one of white and red feathers, which -Sir Francis Drake had gifted her with on New Year's day. It was -enamelled with a half-moon of mother-o'-pearl and had her majesty's -picture within it." - -"And at Norwich, sir?" I asked. "Methinks, by some reports we heard, -the pageants there must have proved exceeding grand." - -"Rare indeed," he replied. "On the 16th she did enter the town at -Harford Bridge. The mayor received her with a long Latin oration, very -tedious; and, moreover, presented her with a fair cup of silver, -saying, 'Here is one hundred pounds pure gold.' To my thinking, the -cup was to her liking more than the speech, and the gold most of all; -for when one of her footmen advanced for to take the cup, she said -sharply, 'Look to it: there is one hundred pounds.' Lord! what a -number of pageants were enacted that day and those which followed! -Deborah, Judith, Esther at one gate; Queen Martia at another; on the -heights near Blanche-flower Castle, King Gurgunt and his men. Then all -the heathen deities in turn: Mercury driving full speed through the -city in a fantastic car; Jupiter presenting her with a riding-rod, and -Venus with a white dove. But the rarest of all had been designed -by Master Churchyard. Where her majesty was to take her barge, at the -back-door of my Lord Arundel's town-house, he had prepared a goodly -masque of water-nymphs concealed in a deep hole, and covered with -green canvas, which suddenly opening as if the ground gaped, first one -nymph was intended to pop up and make a speech to the queen, and then -another; and a very complete concert to sound secretly and strangely -out of the earth. But when the queen passed in her coach, a -thunder-shower came down like a water-spout, and great claps of -thunder silenced the concert; which some did presage to be an evil -omen of the young lord's fortunes." - -"I' faith," cried Basil, "I be sorry for the young nobleman, and yet -more for the poor artificer of this ingenious pageant, to whom his -nymphs turned into drowned rats must needs have been a distressing -sight." - -"He was heard to lament over it," Master Cobham said, "in very -pathetic terms: 'What shall I say' (were his words) 'of the loss of -velvets, silks, and cloths of gold? Well, nothing but the old -adage--Man doth purpose, but God dispose.' Well, the mayor hath been -knighted; and her majesty said she should never forget his city. On -her journey she looked back, and, with water in her eyes, shaked her -riding whip, and cried, 'Farewell Norwich!' Yesterday she was to sleep -at Sir Henry Jerningham's at Cottessy, and hunt in his park to-day." - -"Oh, poor Sir Henry!" I said laughing. "Then he hath not escaped this -dear honor?" - -"Notice of it was sent to him but two days before, from Norwich," -Master Cobham rejoined; "and I ween he should have been glad for to be -excused." - -Lady Tregony then reminded us that supper was ready, and we removed to -the dining-hall; but neither did this good gentleman weary of relating -nor we of listening to the various haps of the royal progress, which -he continued to describe whilst we sat at meat. - -He was yet talking when the sound of a horse gallopping under the -windows surprised us, and we had scarce time to turn our heads before -Basil's steward came tumbling into the room head foremost, like one -demented. - -"Sir, sir!" he cried, almost beside himself; "in God's name, what do -you here, and the queen coming for to sleep at your house to-morrow?" - -Methinks a thunder-clap in the midst of the stilly clear evening -should not have startled us so much. Basil's face flushed very deeply; -Lady Tregony looked ready to faint; my heart beat as if it should -burst; Master Cobham threw his hat into the air, and cried, "Long live -Queen Elizabeth, and the old house of Rookwood!" - -"Who hath brought these tidings?" Basil asked of the steward. - -"Marry," replied the man, "one of her majesty's gentlemen and two -footmen have arrived from Cottessy, and brought this letter from Lord -Burleigh for your honor." - -Basil broke the seal, read the missive, and then quietly looking up, -said, "It is true; and I must lose no time to prepare my poor house -for her majesty's abode in it." - -He looked not now red, but somewhat pale. Methinks he was thinking of -the chapel, and what it held; and the queen's servants now in the -house. I would not stay him; but, taking my hand whilst he spoke, he -said to Lady Tregony, - -"Dear lady, I shall lack yours and Constance's aid to-morrow. Will you -do me so much good as to come with her to Euston as early before -dinner as you can?" - -"Yea, we will be with you, my good Basil," she answered, "before ten -of the clock." - -"'Tis not," he said, "that I intend to cast about for fine silks and -cloths of gold, or contrive pageants--God defend it!--or ransack -the country for rare and costly meats; but such honorable cheer and so -much of comfort as a plain gentleman's house can afford, I be bound to -provide for my sovereign when she deigneth to use mine house." - -"Master Cobham, I do crave the honor of your company also," he added, -turning to that gentleman, who, with many acknowledgments of his -courtesy, excused himself on the plea that he must needs be at his own -seat the next day. - -Then Basil, mounting his horse which the steward had brought with him, -rode away so fast that the old man could scarce keep up with him. - -Not once that night did mine eyes close themselves. Either I sat bolt -upright in my bed counting each time the clock struck the number of -chimes, or else, unable to lie still, paced up and down my chamber. -The hours seemed to pass so slowly, more than in times of deep grief. -It seemed so strange a hap that the queen should come to Euston, I -almost fancied at moments the whole thing to be a dream, so fantastic -did it appear. Then a fear would seize me lest the chapel should have -been discovered before Basil could arrive. Minor cares likewise -troubled me; such as the scantiness and bad state of the furniture, -the lack of household conveniences, the difficulty that might arise to -procure sufficient food at a brief notice for so great a number of -persons. Oh, how my head did work all night with these various -thinkings! and it seemed as if the morning would never come, and when -it did that Lady Tregony would never ring her bell. Then I bethought -myself of the want of proper dresses for her and myself to appear in -before her majesty, if so be we were admitted to her presence. -Howsoever, I found she was indifferently well provided in that -respect, for her old good gowns stood in a closet where dust could not -reach them, and she bethought herself I could wear my wedding-dress, -which had come from the seamstress a few days before; and so we should -not be ashamed to be seen. I must needs confess that, though many -doubts and apprehensions filled me touching this day, I did feel some -contentment in the thought of the honor conferred on Basil. If there -was pride in this, I do cry God mercy for it. As we rode to Euston, -the fresh air, the eager looks of the people on the road--for now the -report had spread of the queen's coming--the stir which it caused, the -puttings up of flags, and buildings of green arches, strengthened this -gladness. Basil was awaiting us with much impatience, and immediately -drew me aside. - -"I have locked," he said, "all the books and church furniture, and our -Blessed Lady's image, in Owen's hiding place; so methinks we be quite -secure. Beds and food I have sent for, and they keep coming in. -Prithee, dear love, look well thyself to her majesty's chamber, for to -make it as handsome and befitting as is possible with such poor means -thereunto. I pray God the lodging may be to her contentation for one -night." - -So I hasted to the state-chamber--for so it was called, albeit except -for size it had but small signs of state about it. Howsoever, with the -maids' help, I gathered into it whatsoever furniture in the house was -most handsome, and the wenches made wreaths of ivy and laurel, which -we hung round the bare walls. Thence I went to the kitchen, and found -her majesty's cook was arrived, with as many scullions as should have -served a whole army; so, except speaking to him civilly, and inquiring -what provisions he wanted, I had not much to do there. Then we went -round the house with Mr. Bowyer, the gentleman-usher, for to assign -the chambers to the queen's ladies, and the lords and gentlemen and -the waiting-women. There was no lack of room, but much of proper -furniture; albeit chairs and tables were borrowed on all sides from -the neighboring cottages, and Lady Tregony sent for a store from -her house. Mr. Bowyer held in his hand a list of the persons of the -court now journeying with the queen; Lord Burleigh, Sir Francis -Walsingham, Sir Christopher Hatton, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many other -famous courtiers were foremost in it. When their lodgings were fixed, -he glanced down the paper, and, mine eyes following his, I perceived -among the minor gentlemen there set down Hubert's name, which moved me -very much; for we did not of a surety know at that time he did belong -to the court, and I would fain he had not been present on this -occasion, and new uneasy thoughts touching what had passed at Sir -Francis Walsingham's house, and the words the queen had let fall -concerning him and me, crossed my mind in consequence. But in that -same list I soon saw another name which caused me so vehement an -emotion that Basil, noticing it, pulled me by the hand into another -room for to ask me the cause of that sudden passion. - -"Basil," I whispered, "mine heart will break if that murthering -Richard Topcliffe must sleep under your roof." - -"God defend it!" he exclaimed. But pausing in his speech leant his arm -against the chimney and his head on it for a brief space. Then raising -it, said, in an altered tone, "Mine own love, be patient. We must -needs drink this chalice to the dregs" (which showed me his thoughts -touching this visit had been from the first less hopeful than mine). -Taking my pencil out of mine hand, he walked straight to the door -before which Mr. Bowyer was standing, awaiting us, and wrote thereon -Master Topcliffe's name. Methought his hand shook a little in the -doing of it. I then whispered again in his ear: - -"Know you that Hubert is in the queen's retinue?" - -"No, indeed!" he exclaimed; and then with his bright winning smile, -"Prithee now, show him kindness for my sake. He had best sleep in my -chamber to-night. It will make room, and mind us of our boyish days." - -The day was waning and long shadows falling on the grass when tidings -came that her majesty had been hunting that morning, and would not -arrive till late. About dusk warning was given of her approach. She -rode up on horseback to the house amidst the loud cheering of the -crowd, with all her train very richly attired. But it had waxed so -dark their countenances could not be seen. Her master of the horse -lifted her from the saddle, and she went straight to her own -apartments, being exceeding tired, it was said, with her day's sport -and long riding. Notice was given that her highness would admit none -to her presence that evening. Howsoever, she sent for Basil, and, -giving him her hand to kiss, thanked him in the customary manner for -the use of his house. It had not been intended that Lady Tregony and I -should sleep at Euston, where the room did scarcely suffice for the -queen's suite. So when it was signified her majesty should not leave -her chamber that night, but, after a slight refection, immediately -retire to rest, and her ladies likewise, who were almost dead with -fatigue, she ordered our horses to be brought to the back-door. Basil -stole away from the hall where the lords and gentlemen were assembled -for to bid us good-night. After he had lifted me on the saddle, he -threw his arm round the horse's neck as if for to detain him, and -addressing me very fondly, called me his own love, his sole comfort, -his best treasure, with many other endearing expressions. - -Then I, loth to leave him alone amidst false friends and secret -enemies, felt tenderness overcome me, and I gave him in return some -very tender and passionate assurances of affection; upon which he -kissed mine hands over and over again, and our hearts, overcharged -with various emotions, found relief in this interchange of loving -looks and words. But, alas! this brief interview had an unthought - of witness more than good Lady Tregony, who said once or twice, -"Come, children, bestir yourselves," or "Tut, tut, we should be off;'" -but still lingered herself for to pleasure us. I chanced to look up, -whilst Basil was fastening my horse's bit, and by the light of a lamp -projecting from the wall, I saw Hubert at an open window right over -above our heads. I doubt not but that he had seen the manner of our -parting, and heard the significant expressions therein used; for a -livid hue, and the old terrible look which I had noticed in him -before, disfigured his countenance. I am of opinion that until that -time he had not believed with certainty that my natural, unbiassed -inclination did prompt me to marry Basil, or that I loved him with -other than a convenient and moderate regard, which, if circumstances -reversed their positions, should not be a hindrance to his own suit. -Basil having finished his management with my bridle stepped back with -a smile and last good-night, all unconscious of that menacing visage -which my terrified eyes were now averted from, but which I still -seemed pursued by. It made me weep to think that these two brothers -should lie in the same chamber that coming night; the one so confiding -and guileless of heart, the other so full of envy and enmity. - -I was so tired when I reached home that I fell heavily asleep for some -hours. But, awaking between five and six of the clock, and not able to -rest in my chamber, dressed myself and went into the garden. Not far -from the house there was an arbor, with a seat in it. Passing -alongside of it, I perceived, with no small terror, a man lying asleep -on this bench. And then, with increased affright, but not believing -mine own eyes, but rather thinking it to be a vision, saw Basil, as it -seemed to me, in the same dress he wore the day before, but with his -face much paler. A cry burst from me, for methought perhaps he should -be dead. But he awoke at my scream, looked somewhat wildly about him -for a minute, rubbed his eyes, and then with a kind of smile, albeit -an exceeding sad one, said, - -"Is it you, my good angel?" - -"O Basil," I cried, sitting down by his side, and taking hold of his -chilled hand, "what hath happened? Why are you here?" - -He covered his face with his hands. Methinks he was praying. Then he -raised his pale, noble visage and said: - -"About one hour after your departure, supper being just ended, I was -talking with Sir Walter Raleigh and some other gentlemen, when a -message was brought unto me from Lord Burleigh, who had retired to his -chamber, desiring for to speak with me. I thought it should be -somewhat anent the queen's pleasure for the ordering of the next day, -and waited at once on his lordship. When I came in, he looked at me -with a very severe and harsh countenance. 'Sir,' he said in an abrupt -manner, 'I am informed that you are excommunicated for papistry. How -durst you then attempt the royal presence, and to kiss her majesty's -hand? You--unfit to company with any Christian person--you are fitter -for a pair of stocks, and are forthwith commanded not to appear again -in her sight, but to hold yourself ready to attend her council's -pleasure.' Constance, God only knoweth what I felt; and oh, may he -forgive me that for one moment I did yield to a burning resentment, -and forgot the prayers I have so often put up, that when persecution -fell on me I might meet it, as the early Christians did, with -blessings, not with curses. But look you, love, a judicial sentence, -torture, death methinks, should be easier to bear than this insulting, -crushing, brutal tone, which is now used toward Catholics. Yet if -Christ was for us struck by a slave and bore it, we should also be -able for to endure their insolent scorn. Bitter words escaped me, I -think, albeit I know not very well what I said; but his lordship -turned his back on the man he had insulted, and left the room without -listening to me. I be glad of it now. What doth it avail to -remonstrate against injuries done under pretence of law, or bandy -words with a judge which can compel you to silence?" - -"Basil," I cried, "you may forgive that man; I cannot'.' - -"Yea, but if you love me, you shall forgive him," he cried. "God -defend mine injuries should work in thee an unchristian resentment! -Nay, nay, love, weep not; think for what cause I am ill-used, and thou -wilt presently rejoice thereat rather than grieve." - -"But what happened when that lord had left you?" I asked, not yet able -to speak composedly. - -Then he: "I stood stock-still for a while in a kind of bewilderment, -hearing loud laughter in the hall below, and seeing, as it did happen, -a man the worse for liquor staggering about the court. To my heated -brain it did seem as if hell had been turned loose in my house, where -some hours before--" Then he stopped, and again sinking his head on -his hands, paused a little, and then continued without looking up: -"Well, I came down the stairs and walked straight out at the front -door. As I passed the hall I heard some one ask, 'Which is the master -of this huge house?' and another, whom by his voice I knew to be -Topcliffe, answered, 'Rookwood, a papist, newly crept out of his -wardship. As to his house, 'tis most fit for the blackguard, but not -for her gracious majesty to lodge in. But I hope she will serve God -with great and comfortable examples, and have all such notorious -papists presently committed to prison.' This man's speech seemed to -restore me to myself, and a firmer spirit came over me. I resolved not -to sleep under mine own roof, where, in the queen's name, such -ignominious treatment had been awarded me,' and went out of my house, -reciting those verses of the Psalms, 'O God, save me in thy name, and -in thy strength judge me. Because strangers have risen up against me, -and the strong have sought my soul.' I came here almost unwittingly, -and not choosing to disturb any one in the midst of the night, lay -down in this place, and, I thank God, soon fell asleep." - -"You did not see Hubert?" I timidly inquired. - -"No," he said, "neither before nor after my interview with Lord -Burleigh. I hope no one hath accused him of papistry, and so this time -he may escape." - -"And who did accuse you?" I asked. - -"I know not," he answered; "we are never safe for one hour. A -discontented groom or covetous neighbor may ruin us when they list." - -"But are you not in danger of being called before the council?" I -said. - -"Yea, more than in danger," he answered. "But I should hope a heavy -fine shall this time satisfy the judges; which, albeit we can ill -afford it, may yet be endured." - -Then I drew him into the house, and we continued to converse till good -Lady Tregony joined us. When I briefly related to her what Basil had -told me, the color rose in her pale, aged cheek; but she only clasped -her hands and said, - -"God's holy will be done." - -"Constance," Basil exclaimed, whilst he was eating some breakfast we -had set before him, "prithee get me paper and ink for to write to -Hubert." - -I looked at him inquiringly as I gave him what he asked for. - -"I am banished from mine own house," he said; "but as long as it is -mine the queen should not lack anything I can supply for her comfort. -She is my guest, albeit I am deemed unworthy to come into her -presence; I must needs charge Hubert to act the host in my place, and -see to all hospitable duties." - -My heart swelled at this speech. Methought, though I dared not utter - my thinking for more reasons than one, that Hubert had most like -not waited for his brother's licence to assume the mastership of his -house. The messenger was despatched, and then a long silence ensued, -Basil walking to and fro before the house, and I embroidering, with -mine eyes often raised from my work to look toward him. When nine -o'clock struck I joined him, and we strolled outside the gate, and -without forecasting to do so walked along the well-known path leading -to Euston. When we reached a turn of the road whence the house is to -be seen, we stopped and sat down on a bank under a sycamore tree. We -could discern from thence persons going in and out of the doors, and -the country-folk crowding about the windows for to catch a glimpse of -the queen, the guard ever and anon pushing them back with their -halberds. The numbers of them continually increased, and deputations -began to arrive with processions and flags. It was passing strange for -to be sitting there gazing as strangers on this turmoil, and folks -crowding about that house the master of which was banished from it. At -last we noticed an increased agitation amongst the people which seemed -to presage the queen's coming out. Sounds of shouting proceeded from -inside the building, and then a number of men issued from the front -door, and pushing back the crowd advanced to the centre of the green -plot in front and made a circle there with ropes. - -"What sport are they making ready for?" I said, turning to Basil. - -"God knoweth," he answered in a despondent tone. Then came others -carrying a great armed-chair, which they placed on one side of the -circle and other chairs beside it, and some country people brought in -their arms loads of fagots, which they piled up in the midst of the -green space. A painful suspicion crossed my mind, and I stole a glance -at Basil for to see if the same thought had come to him. He was -looking another way. I cast about if it should be possible on some -pretence to draw him off from that spot, whence it misgave me a -sorrowful sight should meet his eyes. But at that moment both of us -were aroused by loud cries of "God save the queen!" "Long live Queen -Elizabeth!" and we beheld her issue from the house bowing to the -crowd, which filled the air with their cries and vociferous cheering. -She seated herself in the armed-chair, her ladies and the chief -persons of her train on each side of her. On the edge of this -half-circle I discerned Hubert. The straining of mine eyes was very -painful; they seemed to burn in their sockets. Basil had been watching -the forth-coming of the queen, but his sight was not so quick as mine, -and as yet no fear such as I entertained had struck him. - -"What be they about?" he said to me with a good-natured smile. Before -I could answer--"Good God!" he exclaimed in an altered voice; "what -sound is that?" for suddenly yells and hooting noises arose, such as a -mob do salute criminals with, and a kind of procession issued from the -front door. "What, what is it?" cried Basil, seizing my hand with a -convulsive grasp; "what do they carry?--not Blessed Mary's image?" - -"Yea," I said, "I see Topcliffe walking in front of them. They will -burn it. There, there--they do lift it in the air in mockery. Oh, some -people do avoid and turn away; now they lay it down and light the -fagots." Then I put my hand over his eyes for that he should not see a -sort of dance which was performed around the fire, mixed with yells -and insulting gestures, and the queen sitting and looking on. He -forced my hand away; and when I said, "Oh, prithee, Basil, stay not -here--come with me," he exclaimed. - -"Let me go, Constance! let me go! Shall I stand aloof when at mine own -door the Blessed Mother of God is outraged? Am I a Jew or a heretic -that I should endure this sight and not smite this queen of earth, -which dareth to insult the Queen of Saints? Yea, if I should be -torn to pieces, I will not suffer them to proceed." - -I clung to him affrighted, and cried out, "Basil, you shall not go. -Our Blessed Lady forbids it; your passion doth blind you. You will -offend God and lose your soul if you do. Basil, dearest Basil, 'tis -human anger, not godly sorrow only, moves you now." Then he cast -himself down with his face on the ground and wept bitterly; which did -comfort me, for his inflamed countenance had been terrible, and these -tears came as a relief. - -Meantime this disgusting scene ended, and the queen withdrew; after -which the crowd slowly dispersed, smouldering ashes alone remaining in -the midst of the burnt-up grass. Then Basil rose, folded his arms, and -gazed on the scene in silence. At last he said: - -"Constance, this house shall no longer be mine. God knoweth I have -loved it well since my infancy. More dearly still since we forecasted -together to serve God in it. But this scene would never pass away from -my mind. This outrage hath stained the home of my fathers. This -people, whose yells do yet ring in mine ears, can no longer be to me -neighbors as heretofore, or this queen my queen. God forgive me if I -do err in this. I do not curse her. No, God defend it! I pray that on -her sad deathbed--for surely a sad one it must be--she shall cry for -mercy and obtain it; but her subject I will not remain. I will -compound my estate for a sum of money, and will go beyond seas, where -God is served in a Catholic manner and his Holy Mother not dishonored. -Wilt thou follow me there, Constance?" - -I leant my head on his shoulder, weeping. "O, Basil," I cried, "I can -answer only in the words of Ruth: 'Whithersoever thou shalt go, I will -go; and where thou shalt dwell, I also will dwell. Thy people shall be -my people, and thy God my God.'" - -He drew my arm in his, and we walked slowly away toward Fakenham. -Wishing to prepare his mind for a possible misfortune, I said: "We be -a thousand times happier than those which shall possess thy lands." - -"What say you?" he quickly answered; "who shall possess them?" - -"God knoweth," I replied, afraid to speak further. - -"Good heavens!" he exclaimed: "a dreadful thought cometh to me; where -was Hubert this morning?" - -I remained silent. - -"Speak, speak! O Constance, God defend he was there!" - -His grief and horror were so great I durst not reveal the truth, but -made some kind of evasive answer. To this day methinks he is ignorant -on that point. - -The queen and the court departed from Euston soon after two of the -clock; not before, as I since heard, the church furniture and books -had been all destroyed, and a malicious report set about that a piece -of her majesty's plate was missing, as an excuse for to misuse the -poor servants which had showed grief at the destruction carried on -before their eyes. When notice of their departure reached Banham Hall, -whither we had returned, Basil immediately went back to Euston. I much -lamented he should be alone that evening, in the midst of so many sad -sights and thoughts as his house now should afford him, little -forecasting the event which, by a greater mishap, surmounted minor -subjects of grief. - -About six of the clock, Sir Francis Walsingham, attended by an esquire -and two grooms, arrived at Lady Tregony's seat, and was received by -her with the courtesy she was wont to observe with every one. After -some brief discoursing with her on indifferent matters, he said his -business was with young Mistress Sherwood, and he desired to see her -alone. Thereupon I was fetched to him, and straightway he began to -speak of the queen's good opinion of me, and that her highness had -been well contented with my behavior when I had been admitted -into her presence at his house; and that it should well please her -majesty I should marry a faithful subject of her majesty's, whom she -had taken into her favor, and then she would do us both good. - -I looked in a doubtful manner at Sir Francis, feigning to misapprehend -his meaning, albeit too clear did it appear to me. Seeing I did not -speak, he went on: - -"It is her majesty's gracious desire, Mistress Sherwood, that you -should marry young Rookwood, her newly appointed servant, and from -this time possessor of Euston House, and all lands appertaining unto -it, which have devolved upon him in virtue of his brother's recusancy -and his own recent conformity." - -"Sir," I answered, "my troth is plighted to his brother, a good man -and an honorable gentleman, up to this time master of Euston and its -lands; and whatever shall betide him or his possessions, none but him -shall be my husband, if ten thousand queens as great as this one -should proffer me another." - -"Madam," said Sir Francis, "be not too rash in your pledges. I should -be loth to think one so well trained in virtue and loyalty should -persist in maintaining a troth-plight with a convicted recusant, an -exceeding malignant papist, who is at this moment in the hands of the -pursuivants, and by order of her majesty's council committed to -Norwich gaol. If he should (which is doubtful) escape such a sentence -as should ordain him to a lasting imprisonment or perpetual banishment -from this realm, his poverty must needs constrain him to relinquish -all pretensions to your hand: for his brother, a most learned, -well-disposed, commendable young gentleman, with such good parts as -fit him to aspire to some high advancement in the state and at court, -having conformed some days ago to the established religion and given -many proofs of his zeal and sincerity therein, his brother's estates, -as is most just, have devolved on him, and a more worthy and, I may -add, from long and constant devotion and fervent humble passion long -since entertained for yourself, more desirable candidate for your hand -could not easily be found." - -I looked fixedly at Sir Francis, and then said, subduing my voice as -much as possible, and restraining all gestures: - -"Sir, you have, I ween, a more deep knowledge of men's hearts and a -more piercing insight into their thoughts than any other person in the -world. You are wiser than any other statesman, and your wit and -sagacity are spoken of all over Christendom. But methinketh, sir, -there are two things which, wise and learned as you are, you are yet -ignorant of, and these are a woman's heart and a Catholic's faith. I -would as soon wed the meanest clown which yelled this day at Blessed -Mary's image, as the future possessor of Euston, the apostate Hubert -Rookwood. Now, sir, I pray you, send for the pursuivants, and let me -be committed to gaol for the same crime as my betrothed husband, God -knoweth I will bless you for it." - -"Madam," Sir Francis coldly answered, "the law taketh no heed of -persons out of their senses. A frantic passion and an immoderate -fanaticism have distracted your reason. Time and reflection will, I -doubt not, recall you to better and more comfortable sentiments; in -which case I pray you to have recourse to my good offices, which shall -ever be at your service." - -Then bowing, he left me; and when he was gone, and the tumult of my -soul had subsided, I lamented my vehemency, for methought if I had -been more cunning in my speech, I could have done Basil some good; but -now it was too late, and verily, if again exposed to the same -temptation, I doubt if I could have dissembled the indignant feelings -which Sir Francis's advocacy of Hubert's suit worked in me. - -Lady Tregony, pitying my unhappy plight, proposed to travel with me to - London, where I was now desirous to return, for there I thought -some steps might be taken to procure Basil's release, with more hope -of success than if I tarried in the scene of our late happiness. She -did me also the good to go with me in the first place to Norwich, -where, by means of that same governor to whom Sir Hammond l'Estrange -had once written in my father's behalf, we obtained for to see Basil -for a few minutes. His brother's apostasy, and the painful suspicion -that it was by his means the secret of Owen's cell at Euston had been -betrayed, gave him infinite concern; but his own imprisonment and -losses he bore with very great cheerfulness; and we entertained -ourselves with the thought of a small cottage beyond seas, which -henceforward became the theme of such imaginings as lovers must needs -cherish to keep alive the flame of hope. Two days afterward I reached -London, having travelled very fast, and only slept one night on the -road. - -It sometimes happens that certain misfortunes do overtake us which, -had we foreseen, we should well-nigh have despaired, and misdoubted -with what strength we should meet them; but God is very merciful, and -fitteth the back to the burthen. If at the time that Basil left me at -four of the clock to return to Euston, without any doubt on our minds -to meet the next day, I should have known how long a parting was at -hand, methinks all courage would have failed me. But hope worketh -patience, and patience in return breedeth hope, and the while the soul -is learning lessons of resignation, which at first would have seemed -too hard. At the outset of this trouble, I expected he should have -soon been set at liberty on the payment of a fine; but I had forgot he -was now a poor man, well-nigh beggared by the loss of his inheritance. -Mr. Swithin Wells, one of the best friends he and myself had--for, -alas! good Mr. Roper had died during my absence--told me that, when -Hubert heard of his brother's arrest, he fell into a great anguish of -mind, and dealt earnestly with his new patrons to procure his release, -but with no effect. Then, in a letter which he sent him, he offered to -remit unto him whatever moneys he desired out of his estates; but -Basil steadfastly refused to receive from him so much as one penny, -and to this day has persisted in this resolve. I have since seen the -letter which he wrote to him on this occasion, in which this -resolution was expressed, but in no angry or contumelious terms, -freely yielding him his entire forgiveness for his offence against -him, if indeed any did exist, but such as was next to nothing in -comparison of the offence toward God committed in the abandonment of -his faith; and with all earnestness beseeching him to think seriously -upon his present state, and to consider if the course he had taken, -contrary to the breeding and education he had received, should tend to -his true honor, reputation, contentment of mind, and eternal -salvation. This he said he did plainly, for the discharge of his own -conscience, and the declaration of an abiding love for him. - -For the space of a year and two months he remained in prison at -Norwich, Mr. Wells and Mr. Lacy furnishing him with assistance, -without which he should have lacked the necessaries of life; leastways -such conveniences as made his sufferings tolerable. At the end of that -time, it may be by Hubert's or some other friend's efforts, a sentence -of banishment was passed upon him, and he went beyond seas. I would -fain have then joined him, but it pleased not God it should be at that -time possible. Some moneys which were owing to him by a well-disposed -debtor he looked for to recover, but till that happened he had not -means for his own subsistence, much less wherewith to support a wife -in howsoever humble a fashion. Dr. Allen (now cardinal) invited him to -Rheims, and received him there with open arms. My father, during the -last years of his life, found in him a most dutiful and affectionate -son, who closed his eyes with a true filial reverence. Our love -waxed not for this long separation less ardent or less tender; only -more patient, more exalted, more inwardly binding, now so much the -more outwardly impeded. The greatest excellency I found in myself was -the power of apprehending and the virtue of loving his. If his name -appear not so frequently in this my writing as it hath hitherto done, -even as his visible presence was lacking in that portion of my life -which followed his departure, the thought of him never leaves me. If I -speak of virtue in any one else, my mind turns to him, the most -perfect exemplar I have met with of self-forgetting goodness; if of -love, my heart recalls the perfect exchange of affection which doth -link his soul with mine; if of joy, the memory of that pure happiness -I found in his society; if of sorrow, of the perpetual grief his -absence did cause me; if of hope, the abiding anchor whereon I rested -mine during the weary years of separation. Yea, when I do write the -words faith, honor, nobility, firmness, tenderness, then I think I am -writing my dear Basil's name. - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -The year which followed Basil's arrest, and during which he was in the -prison at Norwich, I wholly spent in London; not with any success -touching the procuring of his release, as I had expected, but with a -constant hope thereof which had its fulfilment later, albeit not by -any of the means I had looked to. I shared the while with Muriel the -care of her now aged and very infirm parents, taking her place at home -when she went abroad on her charitable errands, or employed by her in -the like good works when my ability would serve. A time cometh in most -persons' lives, when maturity doth supplant youthfulness. I say most -persons, because I have noticed that there are some who never do seem -to attain unto any maturity of mind, and do live and die with the same -childish spirit they had in youth. To others this change, albeit real, -is scarcely perceptible, so gradual are its effects; but some again, -either from a natural thoughtfulness, or by the influence of -circumstances tending to sober in them the exuberance of spirits which -appertaineth to early age, do wax mature in disposition before they -grow old in years; and this befel me at that time. The eager temper, -the intent desire and pursuit of enjoyment (of a good and innocent -sort, I thank God) which had belonged to me till then, did so much and -visibly abate, that it caused me some astonishment to see myself so -changed. Joyful hours I have since known, happy days wherein mine -heart hath been raised in adoring thankfulness to the Giver of all -good; but the color of my mind hath no more resembled that of former -years, than the hues of the evening sky can be likened to the roseate -flush of early morning. The joys have been tasted, the happiness -relished, but not with the same keenness as heretofore. Mine own -troubles, the crowning one of Basil's misfortune, and what I continued -then to witness in others of mine own faith, wrought in me these -effects. The life of a Catholic in England in these days must needs, I -think, produce one of two frames of mind. Either he will harbor angry -passions, which religion reproves, which change a natural indignation -into an unchristian temper of hatred, and lead him into plots and -treasons; or else he becomes detached from the world, very quiet, -given to prayer, ready to take at God's hands, and as from him at -men's also, sufferings of all kinds; and even those as yet removed -from so great perfection learn to be still, and to bethink themselves -rather of the next world than of the present one, more than even good -people did in old tunes. - -The only friends I haunted at that time were Mr. and Mrs. Swithin -Wells. In the summer of that year I heard one day, when in their -company, that Father Edmund Campion was soon to arrive in London. -Father Parsons was then lodging at Master George Gilbert's house, and -much talk was ministered touching this other priest's landing, and how -he should be conducted thither in safety. Bryan Lacy, Thomas James, -and many others, took it by turns to watch at the landing-place where -he was expected to disembark. Each evening Mr. Wells's friends came -for to hear news thereof. One day, when no tidings of it had yet -transpired, and the company was leaving, Mr. James comes in, and -having shut the door, and glanced round the room before speaking, -says, with a smile, - -"What think you, sirs and ladies?" - -"Master Campion is arrived," cries Mistress Wells. - -"God be praised!" cries her husband, and all giving signs of joy do -gather round Mr. James for to hear the manner of his landing. - -"Well," quoth he, "I had been pacing up and down the quay for -well-nigh five hours, when I discerned a boat, which (God only knoweth -wherefore) I straightway apprehended to be the one should bring Master -Campion. And when it reached the landing-place, beshrew me if I did -not at once see a man dressed in some kind of a merchant suit, which, -from the marks I had of his features from Master Parsons, I made sure -was the reverend father. So when he steps out of the boat I stand -close to him, and in an audible voice, 'Good morrow, Edmund,' says I, -which he hearing, turns round and looks me in the face. We both smile -and shake hands, and I lead him at once to Master Gilbert's house. Oh, -I promise you, it was with no small comfort to myself I brought that -work to a safe ending. But now, sir," he continued, turning to Mr. -Wells, "what think you of this? Nothing will serve Master Campion but -a place must be immediately hired, and a spacious one also, for him to -begin at once to preach, for he saith he is here but for that purpose, -and that he would not the pursuivants should catch him before he hath -opened his lips in England; albeit, if God will grant him for the -space of one year to exercise his ministry in this realm, he is most -content to lay down his life afterward. And methinks he considers -Almighty God doth accept this bargain, and is in haste for to begin." - -"Hath Master Gilbert called his friends together for to consider of -it?" asked Mr. Wells. - -"Yea," answered Mr. James. "Tomorrow, at ten of the clock, a meeting -will be held, not at his house, for greater security, but at Master -Brown's shop in Southwark, for this purpose, and he prayeth you to -attend it, sir, and you, and you, and you," he continued, turning to -Bryan Lacy, William Gresham, Godfrey Fuljambe, Gervase Pierpoint, and -Philip and Charles Bassett, which were all present. - -The next day I heard from Mrs. Wells that my Lord Paget, at the -instigation of his friends which met at Mr. Brown's, had hired, in his -own name, Noel House, in the which one very large chamber should serve -as a chapel, and that on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, which -fell on the coming Sunday, Father Campion would say mass there, and -for the first time preach. She said the chief Catholics in London had -combined for to send there, in the night, some vestments, some -ornaments for the altar, books, and all that should be needful for -divine worship. And the young noblemen and gentlemen which had been at -her house the night before, and many others also, such as Lord Vaux, -William and Richard Griffith, Arthur Cresswell, Charles Tilvey, -Stephen Berkeley, James Hill, Thomas de Salisbury, Thomas Fitzherbert, -Jerom Bellamy, Thomas Pound, Richard Stanyhurst, Thomas Abington, and -Charles Arundel (this was one of the Queen's pages, but withal a -zealous Catholic), had joined themselves in a company, for to -act, some as sacristans of this secret chapel, some as messengers, to -go round and give notice of the preachments, and some as porters, -which would be a very weighty office, for one unreliable person -admitted into that oratory should be the ruin of all concerned. - -Muriel and I, with Mr. Wells, went at an early hour on the Sunday to -Noel House. Master Philip Bassett was at the door. He smiled when he -saw us, and said he supposed he needed not to ask us for the password. -The chamber into which we went was so large, and the altar so richly -adorned, that the like, I ween, had not been seen since the queen had -changed the religion of the country. - -Mass was said by Father Campion, and that noble company of devout -gentlemen aforementioned almost all communicated thereat, and many -others beside, an ladies not a few. When mass was ended, and Father -Campion stood up for to begin his sermon, so deep a silence reigned in -that crowded assembly--for the chamber was more full than it could -well hold--that a pin should have been heard to drop. Some thirsting -for to hear Catholic preaching, so rare in these days, some eager to -listen to the words of a man famous for his learning and parts, both -before and after his conversion, beyond any other in this country. For -mine own part, methought his very countenance was a preachment. When -his eyes addressed themselves to heaven, it seemed as if they did -verily see God, so piercing, so awed, so reverent was their gaze. He -took for his text the words, "Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will -build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." -My whole soul was fastened on his words; and albeit I have had but -scant occasion to compare one preacher with another, I do not think it -should be possible for a more pathetic and stirring eloquence to flow -from human lips than his who that day gave God's message to a -suffering and persecuted people. I had not taken mine eyes off his -pale and glowing face not for so much as one instant, until, near the -close of his discourse, I chanced to turn them to a place almost -hidden by the curtain of an altar, where some gentlemen were standing, -concealing themselves from sight. Alas! in one instant the fervent -glowing of my heart, the staid, rapt intentness with which I had -listened, the heavenward lifting up of my soul, vanished as if a -vision of death had risen before me. I had seen Hubert Rookwood's -face, that face so like--oh, what anguish was that likeness to me -then!--to my Basil's. No one but me could perceive him, he was so hid -by the curtain; but where I sat it opened a little, and disclosed the -stern, melancholy, beautiful visage of the apostate, the betrayer of -his own brother, the author of our ruin, the destroyer of our -happiness. I thank God that I first beheld him again in that holy -place, by the side of the altar whereon Jesus had lately descended, -whilst the words of his servant were in mine ears, speaking of love -and patience. It was not hatred, God knoweth it, I then felt for -Basil's brother, but only terror for all present, and for him also, if -peradventure he was there with an evil intent. Mine eyes were fixed as -by a spell on his pale face, the while Father Campion's closing words -were uttered, which spoke of St. Peter, of his crime and of his -penance, of his bitter tears and his burning love. "If," he cried, -"there be one here present on whose soul doth lie the guilt of a like -sin; one peradventure yet more guilty than Peter; one like Judas in -his crime; one like Judas in his despair--to him I say, There is mercy -for thee; there is hope for thee, there is heaven for thee, if thou -wilt have it. Doom not thyself, and God will never doom thee." These -or the like words (for memory doth ill serve me to recall the fervent -adjurations of that apostolical man) he used; and, lo, I beheld tears -running down like rain from Hubert's eyes--an unchecked, -vehement torrent which seemed to defy all restraint. How I blessed -those tears! what a yearning pity seized me for him who did shed them! -How I longed to clasp his hand and to weep with him! I lost sight of -him when the sermon was finished; but in the street, when we -departed--which was done slowly and by degrees, for to avoid notice, -four or five only going out at a time--I saw him on the other side of -the pavement. Our eyes met; he stopped in a hesitating manner, and I -also doubted what to do, for I thought Mistress Wells and Muriel would -be averse to speak to him. Then he rapidly crossed over, and said, in -a whisper: - -"Will you see me, Constance, if I come to you this evening?" - -I pondered; I feared to quench, it might be, a good resolve, or -precipitate an evil one by a refusal; and building hopes of the former -on the tears I had seen him shed, I said: - -"Yea, if you come as Basil's brother and mine." - -He turned and walked hastily away. - -Mistress Wells and Muriel asked me with some affright if it was Hubert -who had spoken to me, for they had scarce seen his face, although from -his figure they had judged it was him; and when I told them he had -been at Noel House, "Then we are undone!" the one exclaimed; and -Muriel said, "We must straightway apprise Mr. Wells thereof; but there -should be hopes, I think, he came there in some good disposition." - -"I think so too," I answered, and told them of the emotion which I had -noticed in him at the close of the sermon, which comforted them not a -little. But he came not that evening; and Mr. Wells discovered the -next day that it was Thomas Fitzherbert, who had lately arrived in -London, and was not privy to his late conformity, which had invited -him to come to Noel House. Father Campion continued to preach once a -day at the least, often twice, and sometimes thrice, and very -marvellous effects ensued. Each day greater crowds did seek admittance -for to hear him, and Noel House was as openly frequented as if it had -been a public church. Numbers of well-disposed Protestants came for to -hear him, and it was bruited at the time that Lord Arundel had been -amongst them. He converted many of the best sort, beside young -gentlemen students, and others of all conditions, which by day, and -some by night, sought to confer with him. I went to the preachments as -often as possible. We could scarce credit our eyes and ears, so -singular did it appear that one should dare to preach, and so many to -listen to Catholic doctrine, and to seek to be reconciled in the midst -of so great dangers, and under the pressure of tyrannic laws. Every -day some newcomer was to be seen at Noel House, sometimes their faces -concealed under great hats, sometimes stationed behind curtains or -open doors for to escape observation. - -After some weeks had thus passed, when I ceased to expect Hubert -should come, he one day asked to see me, and having sent for Kate, who -was then in the house, I did receive him. Her presence appeared -greatly to displease him, but he began to speak to me in Italian; and -first he complained of Basil's pride, which would not suffer him to -receive any assistance from him who should be so willing to give it. - -"Would you--" I said, and was about to add some cutting speech, but I -resolved to restrain myself and by no indiscreet words to harden his -soul against remorse, or perhaps endanger others. Then, after some -other talking, he told me in a cunning manner, making his meaning -clear, but not couching it in direct terms, that if I would conform to -the Protestant religion and marry him, Basil should be, he could -warrant it, set at liberty, and he would make over to him more than -one-half of the income of his estates yearly, which, being done in -secret, the law could not then touch him. I made no answer thereunto, -but fixing mine eyes on him, said, in English: - - -"Hubert, what should be your opinion of the sermon on St. Peter and -St. Paul's Day?" He changed color. "Was it not," I said, "a moving -one?" Biting his lip, he replied: - -"I deny not the preacher's talent." - -"O Hubert," I exclaimed, "fence not yourself with evasive answers. I -know you believe as a Catholic." - -"The devils believe," he answered. - -"Hubert," I then said, with all the energy of my soul, "if you would -not miserably perish--if you would not lose your soul--promise me this -night to retrace your steps; to seek Father Campion and be -reconciled." His lip quivered; methought I could almost see his good -angel on one side of him and a tempting fiend on the other. But the -last prevailed, for with a bitter sneer he said: - -"Yea, willingly, fair saint, if you will marry me." - -Kate, who till then had not much understood what had passed, cried -out, "Fie, Hubert, fie on thee to tempt her to abandon Basil, and he a -prisoner." - -"Madam," he said, turning to her, "recusants should not be so bold in -their language. The laws of the land are transgressed in a very daring -manner now-a-days, and those who obey them taunted for the performance -of their duty to the queen and the country." - -Oh, what a hard struggle it proved to be patient; to repress the -vehement reproaches which hovered on my lips. Kate looked at me -affrighted. I trembled from head to foot. Father Campion's life and -the fate of many others, it might be, were in the hands of this man, -this traitor, this spy. To upbraid him I dared not, but wringing my -hands, exclaimed: - -"O Hubert, Hubert! for thy mother's sake, who looks down on us from -heaven, listen to me. There be no crimes which may not be forgiven; -but some there be which if one doth commit them he forgiveth not -himself, and is likely to perish miserably." - -"Think you I know this not?" he fiercely cried; "think you not that I -suffer even now the torment you speak of, and envy the beggar in the -street his stupid apathy?" He drew a paper from his bosom and unfolded -it. A terrible gleam shot through his eyes. "I could compel you to be -my wife." - -"No," I said, looking him in the face, "neither man nor fiends can -give you that power. God alone can do it, and he will not." - -"Do you see this paper?" he asked. "Here are the names of all the -recusants who have been reconciled by the Pope's champion. I have but -to speak the word, and to-morrow they are lodged in the Marshalsea or -the Tower, and the priest first and foremost." - -"But you will not do it," I said, with a singular calmness. "No, -Hubert; as God Almighty liveth, you will not. You cannot commit this -crime, this foul murther." - -"If it should come to that," he fiercely cried, "if blood should be -shed, on your head it will fall. You can save them if you list." - -"Would you compel me by a bloody threat to utter a false vow?" I said. -"O Hubert, Hubert! that you, you should threaten to betray a priest, -to denounce Catholics! There was a day--have you forgot it?--when at -the chapel at Euston, your father at your side, you knelt, an innocent -child, at the altar's rail, and a priest came to you and said, -'_Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam tuam ad vitam -aeternam_.' If any one had then told you"-- - -"Oh, for God's sake speak not of it!" he wildly cried; "that way -madness doth lie." - -"No, no," I cried; "not madness, but hope and return." - -A change came over his face; he thrust the paper in my hand. "Destroy -it," he cried; "destroy it, Constance!" And then bursting into tears, -"God knoweth I never meant to do it." - -"O Hubert, you have been mad, dear brother, more mad than guilty. -Pray, and God will bless you." - -"Call me not brother, Constance Would to God I had been _only_ mad! -But it is too late now to think on it." - - -"Nay, nay," I cried, "it never is too late." - -"Pray for me then," he said, and went to the door: but, turning -suddenly, whispered in a scarce audible manner, "Ask Father Campion to -pray for me," and then rushed out. - -Kate had now half-fainted, and would have it we were all going to be -killed. I pacified and sent her home, lest she should fright her -parents with her rambling speeches. - -Albeit Hubert's last words had seemed to be sincere, I could not but -call to mind how, after he had been apparently cut to the heart and -moved even to tears by Father Campion's preaching, he had soon uttered -threats which, howsoever recalled, left me in doubt if it should be -safe to rely on his silence; so I privately informed Mr. Wells, and he -Master George Gilbert and Father Parsons, of what had passed between -us. At the same time, I have never known whether by Hubert's means, or -in any other way, her majesty's council got wind of the matter, and -gave out that great confederacies were made by the Pope and foreign -princes for the invasion of this country, and that Jesuits and -seminary priests were sent to prepare their ways. Exquisite diligence -was used for the apprehension of all such, but more particularly the -Pope's champion, as Master Campion was called. So in the certainty -that Hubert was privy to the existence of the chapel at Noel House, -and that many Protestants were also acquainted with it, and likewise -with his lodging at Master Elliot's, where not a few resorted to him -in the night, he was constrained by Father Parsons to leave London, to -the no small regret of Catholics and others also which greatly admired -his learning and eloquence, the like of which was not to be found in -any other person at that time. None of those which had attended the -preachments at Noel House were accused, nor the place wherein they had -met disclosed, which inclineth me to think Hubert did not reveal to -her majesty's government his knowledge thereof. - -About two months afterward Basil's release and banishment happened. I -would fain have seen him on his way to the coast; but the order for -his departure was so sudden and peremptory, the queen's officers not -losing sight of him until he was embarked on a vessel going to France, -that I was deprived of that happiness. That he was no longer a -prisoner I rejoiced; but it seemed as if a second and more grievous -separation had ensued, now that the sea did divide me from the dear -object of my love. - -Lady Arundel, whose affectionate heart resented with the most tender -pity the abrupt interruption of our happiness, had often written to me -during this year to urge my coming to Arundel Castle; "for," said she, -"methinks, my dear Constance, a third turtle-dove might now be added -to the two on the Queen of Scotland's design; and on thy tree, sweet -one, the leaves are, I warrant thee, very green yet, and future joys -shall blossom on its wholesome branches, which are pruned but not -destroyed, injured but not withered." She spoke with no small -contentment of her then residence, that noble castle, her husband's -worthiest possession (as she styled it), and the grandest jewel of his -earldom. For albeit (thus she wrote) "Kenninghall is larger in the -extent it doth cover and embrace, and far more rich in its decorations -and adornments, I hold it not to be comparable in true dignity to this -castle, which, for the strength of its walls, the massive grandeur of -its keep, the vast forests which do encircle it, the river which -bathes its feet, the sea in its vicinity and to be seen from its -tower, the stately trees about it, and the clinging ivy which softens -with abundant verdure the stern, frowning walls, hath not its like in -all England." But a letter I had from this dear lady a few months -after this one contained the most joyful news I could receive, as will -be seen by those who read it: - -"My good Constance" (her ladyship wrote), "I would I had you a -prisoner in this fortress, to hold and detain at my pleasure. -Methinks I will present thee as a recusant, and sue for the privilege -of thy custody. Verily, I should keep good watch over thee. There be -dungeons enough, I warrant you, in the keep, wherein to imprison -runaway friends. Master Bayley doth take great pains to explain to me -the names and old uses of the towers, chapels, and buildings within -and without the castle, which do testify to the zeal and piety of past -generations: the Chapel of St. Martin, in the keep, which was the -oratory of the garrison; the old collegiate buildings of the College -of the Holy Trinity; the b Maison-Dieu, designed by Richard, Earl of -Arundel, and built by his son on the right bank of the river, for the -harboring of twenty aged and poor men, either unmarried or widowers, -which, from infirmity, were unable to provide for their own support; -the Priory of the Friars Preachers, with the rising gardens behind it; -the Chapel of Blessed Mary, over the gate; that of St. James ad -Leprosos, which was attached to the Leper's Hospital; and St. -Lawrence's, which standeth on the hill above the tower; and in the -valley below, the Priory of St. Bartholomew, built by Queen Adeliza -for the monks of St. Austin. Verily the poor were well cared for when -all these monasteries and hospitals did exist; and it doth grieve me -to think that the moneys which were designed by so many pious men of -past ages for the good of religion should now be paid to my lord, and -spent in worldly and profane uses. Howsoever, I have better hopes than -heretofore that he will one day serve God in a Christian manner. And -now, methinks, after much doubting if I should dare for to commit so -weighty a secret unto paper, that I must needs tell thee, as this time -I send my letter by a trusty messenger, what, if I judge rightly, will -prove so great a comfort to thee, my dear Constance, that thine own -griefs shall seem the lighter for it. Thou dost well know how long I -have been well-affected to Catholic religion, increasing therein daily -more and more, but yet not wholly resolved to embrace and profess it. -But by reading a book treating of the danger of schism, soon after my -coming here, I was so efficaciously moved, that I made a firm purpose -to become a member of the Catholic and only true Church of God. I -charged Mr. Bayley to seek out a grave and ancient priest, and to -bring him here privately; for I desired very much that my -reconciliation, and meeting with this priest to that intent, should be -kept as secret as was possible, for the times are more troublesome -than ever, and I would fain have none to know of it until I can -disclose it myself to my lord in a prudent manner. I have, as thou -knoweth, no Catholic women about me, nor any one whom I durst acquaint -with this business; so I was forced to go alone at an unseasonable -hour from mine own lodging in the castle, by certain dark ways and -obscure passages, to the chamber where this priest (whose name, for -greater prudence, I mention not here) was lodged, there to make my -confession--it being thought, both by Mr. Bayley and myself, that -otherwise it could not possibly be done without discovery, or at least -great danger thereof. Oh, mine own dear Constance, when I returned by -the same way I had gone, lightened of a burthen so many years endured, -cheered by the thought of a reconcilement so long desired, -strengthened and raised, leasts ways for a while, above all worldly -fears, darkness appeared light, rough paths smooth; the moon, shining -through the chinks of the secret passage, which I thought had shed -before a ghastly light on the uneven walls, now seemed to yield a mild -and pleasant brightness, like unto that of God's grace in a heart at -peace. And this exceeding contentment and steadfastness of spirit have -not--praise him for it--since left me; albeit I have much cause for -apprehension in more ways than one; for what in these days is so -secret it becometh not known? But whatever now shall befal me--public -dangers or private sorrows--my feet do rest on a rock, not on -the shifting sands of human thinkings, and I am not afraid of what man -can do unto me. Yea, Philip's displeasure I can now endure, which of -all things in the world I have heretofore most apprehended." - -The infinite contentment this letter gave me distracted me somewhat -from the anxious thoughts that filled my mind at the time it reached -me, which was soon after Hubert's visit. A few days afterward Lady -Arundel wrote again: - -"My lord has been here, but stayed only a brief time. I found him very -affectionate in his behavior, but his spirits so much depressed that I -feared something had disordered him. Conversation seemed a burthen to -him, and he often shut himself up in his own chamber or walked into -the park with only his dog. When I spoke to him he would smile with -much kindness, uttering such words as 'sweet wife,' or 'dearest Nan,' -and then fall to musing again, as if his mind had been too oppressed -with thinking to allow of speech. The day before he left I was sorting -flowers at one end of the gallery in a place which the wall projecting -doth partly conceal. I saw him come from the hall up the stairs into -it, and walk to and fro in an agitated manner, his countenance very -much troubled, and his gestures like unto those of a person in great -perplexity of mind. I did not dare so much as to stir from where I -stood, but watched him for a long space of time with incredible -anxiety. Sometimes he stopped and raised his hand to his forehead. -Another while he went to the window and looked intently, now at the -tower and the valley beyond it, now up to the sky, on which the last -rays of the setting sun were throwing a deep red hue, as if the world -had been on fire. Then turning back, he joined his hands together and -anon sundered them again, pacing up and down the while more rapidly -than before, as if an inward conflict urged this unwitting speed. At -last I saw him stand still, lift up his hands and eyes to heaven, and -move his lips as if in prayer. What passed in his mind then, God only -knowcth. He is the most reluctant person in the world to disclose his -thoughts. - -"When an hour afterward we met in the library his spirits seemed -somewhat improved. He spoke of his dear sister Meg with much -affection, and asked me if I had heard from Bess. Lord William, he -said, was the best brother a man ever had; and that it should like him -well to spend his life in any corner of the world God should appoint -for him, so that he had to keep him company Will and Meg and his dear -Nan, 'which I have so long ill-treated,' he added, 'that as long as I -live I shall not cease to repent of it; and God he knoweth I deserve -not so good a wife;' with many other like speeches which I wish he -would not use, for it grieveth me he should disquiet himself for what -is past, when his present kindness doth so amply recompense former -neglect. Mine own Constance, I pray you keep your courage alive in -your afflictions. There be no lane so long but it hath a turning, the -proverb saith. My sorrows seemed at one time without an issue. Now -light breaketh through the yet darksome clouds which do environ us. So -will it be with thee. Burn this letter, seeing it doth contain what -may endanger the lives of more persons than one.--Thy loving, faithful -friend, - "ANN, ARUNDEL AND SURREY." - -A more agitated letter followed this one, written at different times, -and detained for some days for lack of a safe messenger to convey it. - -"What I much fear," so it began, "is the displeasure of my lord when -he comes to know of my reconcilement, for it cannot, I think, be long -concealed from him. This my fear, dear Constance, hath been much -increased by the coming down from London of one of his chaplains, who -affirms he was sent on purpose by the earl to read prayers and to -preach to me and my family; and on last Sunday he came into the -great chamber of the castle, expecting and desiring to know my -pleasure therein. I thought best for to send for him to my chamber, -and I desired him not to trouble himself nor me in that matter, for I -would satisfy the earl therein. But oh, albeit I spoke very -composedly, my apprehensions are very great. For see, my dear friend, -Philip hath been but lately reconciled to me, and his fortunes are in -a very desperate condition, so that he may think I have given the last -blow to them by this act, which his enemies will surely brave at. -Think not I do repent of it. God knoweth I should as soon repent of my -baptism as of my return to his true Church; but though the spirit is -steadfast, the flesh is weak, and the heart also. What will he say to -me when he cometh? He did once repulse me, but hath never upbraided -me. How shall I bear new frowns after recent caresses?--peradventure -an eternal parting after a late reunion? O Constance, pray for me. But -I remember I have no means for to send this letter. But God be -praised, I have now friends in heaven which I may adjure to pray for -me who have at hand no earthly ones." - -Four or live days later, her ladyship thus finished her letter: - -"God is very merciful; oh, let his holy name be praised and magnified -for ever! Now the weight of a mountain is off my heart. Now I care not -for what man may do unto me. Phil has been here, and I promise thee, -dear Constance, when his horse stopped at the castle-door, my heart -almost stopped its beating, so great was my apprehension of his anger. -But, to my great joy and admiration, he kissed me very tenderly, and -did not speak the least word of the chaplain's errand. And when we did -walk out in the evening, and, mounting to the top of the keep, stood -there looking on the fine trees and the sun sinking into the sea, my -dear lord, who had been some time silent, turned to me and said, 'Meg -has become Catholic.' Joy and surprise almost robbed me of my breath; -for next to his reconcilement his sister's was what I most desired in -the world, and also I knew what a particular love he had ever shown -for her, as being his only sister, by reason whereof he would not seem -to be displeased with her change, and consequently he could not in -reason be much offended with myself for being what she was; so when he -said, 'Meg has become Catholic,' I leant my face against his shoulder, -and whispered, 'So hath Nan.' He spoke not nor moved for some minutes. -Methinks he could have heard the beatings of my heart. I was comforted -that, albeit he uttered not so much as one word, he made no motion for -to withdraw himself from me, whose head still rested against his -bosom. Suddenly he threw his arms about me, and strained me to his -breast. So tender an embrace I had never before had from him, and I -felt his tears falling on my head. But speech there was none touching -my change. Howsoever, before he left me I said to him 'My dear Phil, -Holy Scripture doth advise those who enter into the service of -Almighty God to prepare themselves for temptation. As soon as I -resolved to become Catholic, I did deeply imprint this in my mind; for -the times are such that I must expect to suffer for that cause.' 'Yea, -dearest Nan,' he answered, with great kindness, 'I doubt not thou hast -taken the course which will save thy soul from the danger of -shipwreck, although it doth subject thy body to the peril of -misfortune.' Then waxing bolder, I said, 'And thou, Phil--' and there -stopped short, looking what I would speak. He seemed to struggle for a -while with some inward difficulty of speaking his mind, but at last he -began, 'Nan, I will not become Catholic before I can resolve to live -as a Catholic, and I defer the former until I have an intent and -resolute purpose to perform the latter. O Nan, when I think of -my vile usage of thee, whom I should have so much loved and esteemed -for thy virtue and discretion; of my wholly neglecting, in a manner, -my duty to the earl my grandfather, and my aunt Lady Lumley; of my -wasting, by profuse expenses, of great sums of money in the following -of the courts, the estate which was left me, and a good quantity of -thine own lands also; but far more than all, my total forgetting of my -duty to Almighty God--for, carried away with company, youthful -entertainments, pleasures, and delights, my mind being wholly -possessed with them, I did scarce so much as think of God, or of -anything concerning religion or the salvation of my soul--I do feel -myself unworthy of pardon, and utterly to be contemned.' - -"So much goodness, humility, and virtuous intent was apparent in this -speech, and such comfortable hopes of future excellence, that I could -not forbear from exclaiming, 'My dear Phil, I ween thou wilt be one of -those who shall love God much, forasmuch as he will have forgiven thee -much.' And then I asked him how long it was since this change in his -thinking, albeit not yet acted upon, had come to him? He said, it so -happened that he was present, the year before, at a disputation held -in the Tower of London, between Mr. Sherwin and some other priests on -the one part, Charles Fulk, Whittakers, and some other Protestant -ministers on the other; and, by what he heard and saw there, he had -perceived, he thought, on which side the truth and true religion was, -though at the time he neither did intend to embrace or follow it. But, -he added, what had moved him of late most powerfully thereunto was a -sermon of Father Campion's, which he had heard at Noel House, whither -Charles Arundel had carried him, some days before his last visit to -me. 'The whole of those days,' he said, 'my mind was so oppressed with -remorse and doubt, that I knew no peace, until one evening, by a -special grace of God, when I was walking alone in the gallery, I -firmly resolved--albeit I knew not how or when to accomplish this -purpose--to become a member of his Church, and to frame my life -according to it; but I would not acquaint thee, or any other person -living, with this intention, until I had conferred thereof with my -brother William. Thou knowest, Nan, the very special love I bear him, -and which he hath ever shown to me. Well, a few days after I returned -to London, I met him accidentally in the street, he having come from -Cumberland touching some matter of Bess's lands; and taking him home -with me, I discovered to him my determination, somewhat covertly at -first; and after I lent him a book to read, which was written not long -ago by Dr. Allen, and have dealt with him so efficaciously that he has -also resolved to become Catholic. He is to meet me again next week, -for further conference touching the means of putting this intent into -execution, which verily I see not how to effect, being so watched by -servants and so-called friends, which besiege my doors and haunt mine -house in London on all occasions.' - -"This difficulty, dear Constance, I sought to remedy by acquainting my -lord that his secretary, Mr. Mumford, was Catholic, and he could, -therefore, disclose his thought with safety to him. And I also advised -him to seek occasion to know Mr. Wells and some other zealous persons, -which would confirm him in his present resolution and aid him in the -execution thereof. It may be, therefore, you will soon see him, and -fervently do I commend him to thy prayers and whatever service in the -one thing needful should be in thy power to procure for him. My heart -is so transported with joy that I never remember the like emotions to -have filled it. My most hope for this present time at least had been -he should show no dislike to my being Catholic; and lo, I find him to -be one in heart, and soon to be so in effect; and the great gap -between us, which so long hath been a yawing chasm of despair, now -filled up with a renewed love, and yet more by a parity of thinking -touching what it most behoveth us to be united in. _Deo gratias!_" - -Here this portion of my lady's manuscript ended, but these few hasty -lines were written below, visibly by a trembling hand, and the whole -closed, I ween, abruptly. Methinks it was left for me at Mr. Wells's, -where I found it, by Mr. Mumford, or some other Catholic in the earl's -household: - -"The inhabitants of Arundel have presented me for a recusant, and Mr. -Bayley has been committed and accused before the Bishop of Chichester -as a seminary priest. He hath, of course, easily cleared himself of -this; but because he will not take the oath of supremacy, he is forced -to quit the country. He hath passed into Flanders." - -And then for many weeks I had no tidings of the dear writer, until one -day it was told us that when the queen had notice of her reconcilement -she disliked of it to such a degree that presently she ordered her, -being then with child, to be taken from her own house and carried to -Wiston, Sir Thomas Shirley's dwelling-place, there to be kept prisoner -till further orders. Alas! all the time she remained there I received -not so much as one line from her ladyship, nor did her husband either, -as I afterward found. So straitly was she confined and watched that -none could serve or have access to her but the knight and his lady, -and such as were approved by them. Truly, as she since told me, they -courteously used her; but special care was taken that none that was -suspected for a priest should come within sight of the house, which -was no small addition to her sufferings. Lady Margaret Sackville was -at that time also thrown into prison. - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -During the whole year of Lady Arundel's imprisonment, neither her -husband, nor her sister, nor her most close friends, such as my poor -unworthy self, had tidings from her, in the shape of any letter or -even message, so sharply was she watched and hindered from -communicating with any one. Only Sir Thomas Shirley wrote to the earl -her husband to inform him of his lady's safe delivery, and the birth -of a daughter, which, much against her will, was baptized according to -the Protestant manner. My Lord Arundel, mindful of her words in the -last interview he had with her before her arrest, began to haunt Mr. -Wells's house in a private way, and there I did often meet with him, -who being resolved, I ween, to follow his lady's example in all -things, began to honor me with so much of his confidence that I had -occasion to discern how true had been Sir Henry Jerningham's -forecasting, that this young nobleman, when once turned to the ways of -virtue and piety, should prove himself by so much the more eminent in -goodness as he had heretofore been distinguished for his reckless -conduct. One day that he came to Holborn, none others being present -but Mr. and Mrs. Wells and myself, he told us that he and his brother -Lord William, having determined to become Catholics, and apprehending -great danger in declaring themselves as such within the kingdom, had -resolved secretly to leave the land, to pass into Flanders, and there -to remain till more quiet times. - -"What steps," Mr. Wells asked, "hath your lordship disposed for to -effect this departure?" - -"In all my present doings," quoth the earl, "the mind of my dear wife -doth seem to guide me. The last time I was with her she informed me -that my secretary, John Mumford, is a Catholic, and I have since -greatly benefited by this knowledge. He is gone to Hull, in Yorkshire, -for to take order for our passage to Flanders, and I do wait -tidings from him before I leave London." - -Then, turning to me, he inquired in a very earnest manner if my -thinking agreed with his, that his sweet lady should be contented he -should forsake the realm, for the sake of the religious interests -which moved him thereunto, joined with the hope that when he should be -abroad and his lands confiscated, which he doubted not would follow, -she would be presently set at liberty, and with her little wench join -him in Flanders. I assented thereunto, and made a promise to him that -as soon as her ladyship should be released I would hasten to her, and -feast her ears with the many assurances of tender affection he had -uttered in her regard, and aid her departure; which did also Mr. -Wells. Then, drawing me aside, he spoke for some time, with tears in -his eyes, of his own good wife, as he called her. - -"Mistress Sherwood," he said, "I do trust in God that she shall find -me henceforward as good a husband, to my poor ability, by his grace, -as she has found me bad heretofore. No sin grieves me anything so much -as my offences against her. What is past is a nail in my conscience. -My will is to make satisfaction; but though I should live never so -long, I can never do so further than by a good desire to do it, which, -while I have any spark of breath, shall never be wanting." - -And many words like these, which he uttered in so heartfelt a manner -that I could scarce refrain from weeping at the hearing of them. And -so we parted that day; he with a confident hope soon to leave the -realm; I with some misgivings thereon, which were soon justified by -the event. For a few days afterward Mr. Lacy brought us tidings he had -met Mr. Mumford in the street, who had told him--when he expressed -surprise at his return--that before he could reach Hull he had been -apprehended and carried before the Earl of Huntingdon, president of -York, and examined by him, without any evil result at that time, -having no papers or auspicious things about him; but being now -watched, he ventured not to proceed to the coast, but straightway came -to London, greatly fearing Lord Arundel should have left it. - -"He hath not done so?" I anxiously inquired. - -"Nay," answered Mr. Lacy, "so far from it, that I pray you to guess -how the noble earl--much against his will, I ween--is presently -employed." - -"He is not in prison?" I cried. - -"God defend it!" he replied. "No; he is preparing for to receive the -queen at Arundel House; upon notice given him that her majesty doth -intend on Thursday next to come hither for her recreation." - -"Alack!" I cried, "her visits to such as be of his way of thinking -bode no good to them. She visited him and his wife at the Charterhouse -at the time when his father was doomed to death, and now when she is a -prisoner her highness doth come to Arundel House. When she set her -foot in Euston, the whole fabric of my happiness fell to the ground. -Heaven shield the like doth not happen in this instance; but I do -greatly apprehend the issue of this sudden honor conferred on him." - -On the day fixed for the great and sumptuous banquet which was -prepared for the queen at Arundel House, I went thither, having been -invited by Mrs. Fawcett to spend the day with her on this occasion, -which minded me of the time when I went with my cousins and mine own -good Mistress Ward for to see her majesty's entertainment at the -Charterhouse, wherein had been sowed the seeds of a bitter harvest, -since reaped by his sweet lady and himself. Then pageants had charms -in mine eyes; now, none--but rather the contrary. Howsoever, I was -glad to be near at hand on that day, so as to hear such reports as -reached us from time to time of her majesty's behavior to the earl. -From all I could find, she seemed very well contented; and Mr. -Mumford, with whom I was acquainted, came to Mrs. Fawcett's chamber, -hearing I was there, and reported that her highness had given his -lordship many thanks for her entertainment, and showed herself -exceeding merry all the time she was at table, asking him many -questions, and relating anecdotes which she had learnt from Sir Fulke -Greville, whom the maids-of-honor were wont to say brought her all the -tales she heard; at which Mrs. Fawcett said that gentleman had once -declared that he was like Robin Goodfellow; for that when the -dairy-maids upset the milk-pans, or made a romping and racket, they -laid it all on Robin, and so, whatever gossip-tales the queen's ladies -told her, they laid it all upon him, if he was ever so innocent of it. - -"Sir," I said to Mr. Mumford, "think you her majesty hath said aught -to my lord touching his lady or his lately-born little daughter?" - -"Once," he answered, "when she told of the noble trick she hath played -Sir John Spencer touching his grandson, whom he would not see because -his daughter did decamp from his house in a baker's basket for to -marry Sir Henry Compton, and her majesty invited him to be her gossip -at the christening of a fair boy to whom she did intend to stand -godmother, for that he was the first-born child of a young couple who -had married for love and lived happily; and so the old knight said, as -he had no heir, he should adopt this boy, for he had disinherited his -daughter. So then, at the font, the queen names him Spencer, and when -she leaves the church, straightway reveals to Sir John that his godson -is his grandson, and deals so cunningly with him that a reconciliation -doth ensue. Well, when she related this event, my lord said in a low -voice, 'Oh madame, would it might please your majesty for to place -another child, now at its mother's breast, a first-born one also, in -its father's arms! and as by your gracious dealing your highness -wrought a reconciliation between a father and a daughter, so likewise -now to reunite a parted husband from a wife which hath too long -languished under your royal displeasure.'" - -"What answered her grace?" I asked. - -"A few words, the sense of which I could not catch," Mr. Mumford -answered; "being placed so as to hear my lord's speaking more -conveniently than her replies. He said again, 'The displeasure of a -prince is a heavy burden to bear.' And then, methinks, some other talk -was ministered of a lighter sort. But be of good heart. Mistress -Sherwood; I cannot but think our dear lady shall soon be set at -liberty." - -Mr. Mumford's words were justified in a few days; for, to my -unspeakable joy, I heard Lady Arundel had been released by order of -the queen, and had returned to Arundel Castle. It was her lord himself -who brought me the good tidings, and said he should travel thither in -three days, when his absence from court should be less noted, as then -her majesty would be at Richmond. He showed me a letter he had -received from his lady, the first she had been able to write to him -for a whole year. She did therein express her contentment, greater, -she said, than her pen could describe, at the sight of the gray ivied -walls, the noble keep, her own chamber and its familiar furniture, and -mostly at the thought of his soon coming; and that little Bess had so -much sense already, that when she heard his name, nothing would serve -her but to be carried to the window, "whence, methinks," the sweet -lady said, "she doth see me always looking toward the entrance-gate, -through which all my joy will speedily come to me. When, for to cheat -myself and her, I cry, 'Hark to my lord's horse crossing the bridge,' -she coos, so much as to say she is glad also, and stretcheth her arms -out, the pretty fool, as if to welcome her unseen father, who, -methinks, when he doth come, will be no stranger to her, so -often doth she kiss the picture which hangeth about her mother's -neck." - -But, alas! before the queen went to Richmond, she sent a command that -my Lord Arundel should not go anywhither out of his house (so Mr. -Mumford informed me), but remain there a prisoner; and my Lord -Hunsdon, who had been in former times his father's page, and now was -his great enemy, was given commission to examine him about his -religion, and also touching Dr. Allen and the Queen of Scots. Now was -all the joy of Lady Arundel's release at an end. Now the sweet cooings -of her babe moved her to bitter tears. "In vain," she wrote to me -then, "do we now look for him to come! in vain listen for the sound of -his horse's tread, or watch the gateway which shall not open to admit -him! I sigh for to be once more a prisoner, and he, my sweet life, at -liberty. Alas! what kind of a destiny does this prove, if one is free -only when the other is shut up, and the word 'parting' is written on -each page of our lives?" - -About a month afterward, Mr. Mumford was sent for by Sir Christopher -Hatton, who asked him divers dangerous questions concerning the earl, -the countess, and Lord William Howard, and also himself--such as, if -he was a priest or no; which indeed I did not wonder at, so staid and -reverend was his appearance. But he answered he never knew or ever -heard any harm of these honorable persons, and that he himself was not -a priest, nor worthy of so great a dignity. He hath since told me that -on the third day of his examination the queen, the Earl of Leicester, -and divers others of the council came into the house for to understand -what he had confessed. Sir Christopher told them what answers he had -made; but they, not resting satisfied therewith, caused him, after -many threats of racking and other tortures, to be sent prisoner to the -Gate-house, where he was kept for some months so close that none might -speak or come to him. But by the steadfastness of his answers he at -last so cleared himself, and declared the innocency of the earl, and -his wife and brother, that they were set at liberty. - -Soon after her lord's release, I received this brief letter from Lady -Arundel: - -"MINE OWN GOOD CONSTANCE,--I have seen my lord, who came here the day -after he was set free. He very earnestly desires to put into execution -his reconciliation to the Church now that his troubles are a little -overpast. I have bethought myself that, since Father Campion hath left -London, diligence might be used for to procure him a meeting with -Father Edmonds, whom I have heard commended for a very virtuous and -religious priest, much esteemed both in this and other countries. -Prithee, ask Mr. Wells if in his thinking this should be possible, and -let my lord know of the means and opportunities thereunto. I shall -never be so much indebted, nor he either, to any one in this world, my -dear Constance, as to thee and thy good friends, if this interview -shall be brought to pass, and the desired effect ensue. - -"My Bess doth begin to walk alone, and hath learned to make the sign -of the cross; but I warrant thee I am sometimes frightened that I did -teach her to bless herself, until such time as she can understand not -to display her piety so openly as she now doeth. For when many lords -and gentlemen were here last week for to consider the course her -majesty's progress should take through Kent and Sussex, and she, -sitting on my knee, was noticed by some of them for her pretty ways, -the clock did strike twelve; upon which, what doth she do but -straightway makes the sign of the cross before I could catch her -little hand? Lord Cobham frowned, and my Lord Burleigh shook his head; -but the Bishop of Chichester stroked her head, and said, with a -smile, _'Honi soit qui mal y pense;'_ for which I pray God to bless -him. Oh, but what fears we do daily live in! I would sometimes we were -beyond seas. But if my lord is once reconciled, methinks I can endure -all that may befal us. Thy true and loving friend, - "ANN, ARUNDEL AND SURREY." - -I straightway repaired to Mr. Wells, and found him to be privy to -Father Edmonds's abode. At my request, he acquainted Lord Arundel with -this secret, who speedily availed himself thereof, and after a few -visits to this good man's garret, wherein he was concealed, was by him -reconciled, as I soon learnt by a letter from his lady. She wrote in -such perfect contentment and joy thereunto, that nothing could exceed -it. She said her dear lord had received so much comfort in his soul as -he had never felt before in all his life, and such directions from -Father Edmonds for the amending and ordering of it as did greatly help -and further him therein. Ever after that time, from mine own hearing -and observation, his lady's letters, and the report of such as haunted -him, I learnt that he lived in such a manner that he seemed to be -changed into another man, having great care and vigilance over all his -actions, and addicting himself much to piety and devotion. He procured -to have a priest ever with him in his own house, by whom he might -frequently receive the holy sacrament, and daily have the comfort to -be present at the holy sacrifice, whereto, with great humility and -reverence, he himself in person many times would serve. His visits to -his wife were, during the next years, as frequent as he could make -them and as his duties at the court and the queen's emergencies would -allow of; who, albeit she looked not on him with favor as heretofore, -did nevertheless exact an unremitting attendance on his part on all -public occasions, and jealously noted every absence he made from -London. Each interview between this now loving husband and wife was a -brief space of perfect contentment to both, and a respite from the -many cares and troubles which did continually increase upon him; for -the great change in his manner of life had bred suspicion in the minds -of some courtiers and potent men, who therefore began to think him -what he was indeed, but of which no proof could be alleged. - -During the year which followed these haps mine aunt died, and Mr. -Congleton sold his house in Ely Place, and took a small one in Gray's -Inn Lane, near to Mr. Wells's and Mr. Lacy's. It had no garden, nor -the many conveniences the other did afford; but neither Muriel nor -myself did lament the change, for the vicinity of these good friends -did supply the place of other advantages; and it also liked me more, -whilst Basil lived in poverty abroad, to inhabit a less sumptuous -abode than heretofore, and dispense with accustomed luxuries. Of -Hubert I could hear but scanty tidings at that time--only that he had -either lost or resigned his place at court? Mr. Hodgson was told by -one who had been his servant that he had been reconciled; others said -he did lead a very disordered life, and haunted bad persons. The truth -or falsity of these statements I could not then discern; but methinks, -from what I have since learnt, both might be partly true; for he -became subject to fits of gloom, and so discomfortable a remorse as -almost unsettled his reason; and then, at other times, plunged into -worldly excesses for to drown thoughts of the past. He was frightened, -I ween, or leastways distrustful of the society of good men, but -consorted with Catholics of somewhat desperate character and fortunes, -and such as dealt in plots and treasonable schemes. - -Father Campion's arrest for a very different cause--albeit his enemies -did seek to attach to him the name traitor--occurred this year at -Mrs. Yates's house in Worcestershire, and consternated the -hearts of all recusants; but when he came to London, and speech was -had of him by many amongst them which gained access to him in prison, -and reported to others his great courage and joyfulness in the midst -of suffering, then, methinks, a contagious spirit spread amongst -Catholics, and conversions followed which changed despondency into -rejoicing. But I will not here set down the manner of his trial, nor -the wonderful marks of patience and constancy which he showed under -torments and rackings, nor his interview with her majesty at my lord -Leicester's house, nor the heroic patience of his death; for others -with better knowledge thereof, and pens more able for to do it, have -written this martyr's life and glorious end. But I will rather relate -such events as took place, as it were, under mine own eye, and which -are not, I ween, so extensively known. And first, I will speak of a -conversation I held at that time with a person then a stranger, and -therefore of no great significancy when it occurred, but which later -did assume a sudden importance, when it became linked with succeeding -events. - -One day that I was visiting at Lady Ingoldsby's, where Polly and her -husband had come for to spend a few weeks, and much company was going -in and out, the faces and names of which were new to me, some -gentlemen came there whose dress attracted notice from the French -fashion thereof. One of them was a young man of very comely appearance -and pleasant manners, albeit critical persons might have judged -somewhat of' the bravado belonged to his attitudes and speeches, but -withal tempered with so much gentleness and courtesy, that no sooner -had the eye and mind taken note of the defect than the judgment was -repented of. What in one of less attractive face and behavior should -have displeased, in this youth did not offend. It was my hap to sit -beside him at supper, which lasted a long time; and as his behavior -was very polite, I freely conversed with him, and found him to be -English, though from long residence abroad his tongue had acquired a -foreign trick. When I told him I had thought he was a Frenchman, he -laughed, and said if the French did ever try to land in England, they -should find him to be a very Englishman for to fight against them; but -in the matter of dinners and beds, and the liking of a dear sunny sky -over above a dim cloudy one, he did confess himself to be so much of a -traitor as to prefer France to England, and he could not abide the -smoke of coal fires which are used in this country. - -"And what say you, sir," I answered, "to the new form of smoke which -Sir Walter Raleigh hath introduced since his return from the late -discovered land of Virginia?" - -He said he had learnt the use of it in France, and must needs confess -he found it to be very pleasant. Monsieur Nicot had brought some seeds -of tobacco into France, and so much liking did her majesty Queen -Catharine conceive for this practice of smoking, that the new plant -went by the name of the queen's herb. "It is not gentlemen alone who -do use a pipe in France," he said, "but ladies also. What doth the -fair sex in England think on it?" - -"I have heard," I answered, "that her majesty herself did try for to -smoke, but presently gave it up, for that it made her sick. Her -highness is also reported to have lost a wager concerning that same -smoking of tobacco." - -"What did her grace bet?" the gentleman asked. - -"Why, she was one day," I replied, "inquiring very exactly of the -various virtues of this herb, and Sir Walter did assure her that no -one understood them better than himself, for he was so well acquainted -with all its qualities, that he could even tell her majesty the weight -of the smoke of every pipeful he consumed. Her highness upon this -said, 'Monsieur Traveller, you do go too far in putting on me -the license which is allowed to such as return from foreign parts;' -and she laid a wager of many pieces of gold he should not be able to -prove his words. So he weighed in her presence the tobacco before he -put it into his pipe, and the ashes after he had consumed it, and -convinced her majesty that the deficiency did proceed from the -evaporation thereof. So then she paid the bet, and merrily told him -'that she knew of many persons who had turned their gold into smoke, -but he was the first who had turned smoke into gold.'" - -The young gentleman being amused at this story, I likewise told him of -Sir Walter's hap when he first returned to England, and was staying in -a friend's house: how a servant coming into his chamber with a tankard -of ale and nutmeg toast, and seeing him for the first time with a -lighted pipe in his mouth puffing forth clouds of smoke, flung the ale -in his face for to extinguish the internal conflagration, and then -running down the stairs alarmed the family with dismal cries that the -good knight was on fire, and would be burnt into ashes before they -could come to his aid. - -My unknown companion laughed, and said he had once on his travels been -taken for a sorcerer, so readily doth ignorance imagine wonders. "Near -unto Metz, in France," quoth he, "I fell among thieves. My money I had -quilted within my doublet, which they took from me, howsoever leaving -me the rest of my apparel, wherein I do acknowledge their courtesy, -since thieves give all they take not; but twenty-five French crowns, -for the worst event, I had lapped in cloth, and whereupon did wind -divers-colored threads, wherein I sticked needles, as if I had been so -good a husband as to mend mine own clothes. Messieurs the thieves were -not so frugal to take my ball to mend their hose, but did tread it -under their feet. I picked it up with some spark of joy, and I and my -guide (he very sad, because he despaired of my ability to pay him his -hire) went forward to Chalons, where he brought me to a poor -ale-house, and when I expostulated, he replied that stately inns were -not for men who had never a penny in their purses; but I told him that -I looked for comfort in that case more from gentlemen than clowns; -whereupon he, sighing, obeyed me, and with a dejected and fearful -countenance brought me to the chief inn, where he ceased not to bewail -my misery as if it had been the burning of Troy; till the host, -despairing of my ability to pay him, began to look disdainfully on me. -The next morning, when, he being to return home, I paid him his hire, -which he neither asked nor expected, and likewise mine host for -lodgings and supper, he began to talk like one mad for joy, and -professed I could not have had one penny except I were an alchemist or -had a familiar spirit." - -I thanked the young gentleman for this entertaining anecdote, and -asked him if France was not a very disquieted country, and nothing in -it but wars and fighting. - -"Yea," he answered; "but men fight there so merrily, that it appears -more a pastime than aught else. Not always so, howsoever. When -Frenchman meets Frenchman in the fair fields of Provence, and those of -the League and those of the Religion--God confound the first and bless -the last!--engage in battle, such encounters ensue as have not their -match for fierceness in the world. By my troth, the sight of dead -bodies doth not ordinarily move me; but the valley of Allemagne on the -day of the great Huguenot victory was a sight the like of which I -would not choose to look on again, an I could help it." - -"Were you, then, present at that combat, sir?" I asked. - -"Yea," he replied; "I was at that time with Lesdiguières, the -Protestant general, whom I had known at La Rochelle, and beshrew me if -a more valiant soldier doth live, or a worthier soul in a -stalwart frame. I was standing by his side when Tourves the butcher -came for to urge him, with his three hundred men, to ride over the -field and slay the wounded papists. 'No, sir,' quoth the general, 'I -fight men, but hunt them not down.' The dead were heaped many feet -thick on the plain, and the horses of the Huguenots waded to their -haunches in blood. Those of the Religion were mad at the death of the -Baron of Allemagne, the general of their southern churches, brave -castellane, who, when the fight was done, took off his helmet for to -cool his burning forehead; and lo, a shot sent him straight into -eternity." - -"The Catholics were then wholly routed?" I asked. - -"Yea," he answered; "mowed down like grass in the hay-harvest. De -Vins, however, escaped. He thought to have had a cheap victory over -those of the Religion; but the saints in heaven, to whom he trusted, -never told him that Lesdiguières on the one side and d'Allemagne on -the other were hastening to the rescue, nor that his Italian horsemen -should fail him in his need. So, albeit the papists fought like -devils, as they are, his pride got a fall, which well-nigh killed him. -He was riding frantically back into the fray for to get himself slain, -when St. Cannat seized his bridle, and called him a coward, so I have -heard, to dare for to die when his scattered troops had need of him; -and so carried him off the field. D'Oraison, Janson, Pontmez, hotly -pursued them, but in vain; and all the Protestant leaders, except -Lesdiguières, returned that night to the castle of Allemagne for to -bury the baron." - -A sort of shiver passed through the young gentleman's frame as he -uttered these last words. - -"A sad burial you then witnessed?" I said. - -"I pray God," he answered, "never to witness another such." - -"What was the horror of it?" I asked. - -"Would you hear it?" he inquired. - -"Yea," I said, "most willingly; for methinks I see what you describe." - -Then he: "If it be so, peradventure you may not thank me for this -describing; for I warrant you it was a fearful sight. I had lost mine -horse, and so was forced to spend the night at the castle. When it -grew dark I followed the officers, which, with a great store of the -men, also descended into the vault, which was garnished all round with -white and warlike sculptured forms on tombstones, most grim in their -aspect; and amidst those stone imager, grim and motionless, the -soldiers ranged themselves, still covered with blood and dust, and -leaning on their halberds. In the midst was the uncovered coffin of -the baron, his livid visage exposed to view--menacing even in death. -Torches threw a fitful, red-colored light over the scene. A minister -which accompanied the army stood and preached at the coffin's head, -and when he had ended his sermon, sang in a loud voice, in French -verse, the psalm which doth begin, - - 'Du fond de ma pensée, - Du fond de tous enuuis, - A tol s'est adressé - Ma clamear jour et nult.' - -When this singing began two soldiers led up to the tomb a man with -bound hands and ghastly pale face, and, when the verse ended, shot him -through the head. The corpse fell upon the ground, and the singing -began anew. Twelve times this did happen, till my head waxed giddy and -I became faint. I was led out of that vault with the horrible singing -pursuing me, as if I should never cease to hear it." - -"Oh, 'tis fearful," I exclaimed, "that men can do such deeds, and the -while have God's name on their lips." - -"The massacre of St. Bartholomew," he answered, "hath driven those of -the Religion mad against the papists." - -"But, sir," I asked, "is it not true that six thousand Catholics in -Languedoc had been murthered in cold blood, and a store of them -in other places, before that massacre?" - -"May I be so," he answered in a careless tone. "The shedding of blood, -except in a battle or lawful duel, I abhor; but verily I do hate -papists with as great a hate as any Huguenot in France, and most of -all those in this country--a set of knavish traitors, which would -dethrone the queen and sell the realm to the Spaniards." - -I could not but sigh at these words, for in this young man's -countenance a quality of goodness did appear which made me grieve that -he should utter these unkind words touching Catholics. But I dared not -for to utter my thinking or disprove his accusations, for, being -ignorant of his name, I had a reasonable fear of being ensnared into -some talk which should show me to be a papist, and he should prove to -be a spy. But patience failed me when, after speaking of the clear -light of the gospel which England enjoyed, and to lament that in -Ireland none are found of the natives to have cast off the Roman -religion, he said: - -"I ween this doth not proceed from their constancy in religion, but -rather from the lenity of Protestants, which think that the conscience -must not be forced, and seek rather to touch and persuade than to -oblige by fire and sword, like those of the south, who persecute their -own subjects differing from them in religion." - -"Sir," I exclaimed, "this is a strange thing indeed, that Protestants -do lay a claim to so great mildness in their dealings with recusants, -and yet such strenuous laws against such are framed that they do live -in fear of their lives, and are daily fined and tormented for their -profession." - -"How so?" he said, quickly. "No papist hath been burnt in this -country." - -"No, sir," I answered; "but a store of them have been hanged and cut -to pieces whilst yet alive." - -"Nay, nay," he cried, "not for their religion, but for their many -treason." - -"Sir," I answered, "their religion is made treason by unjust laws, and -then punished with the penalties of treason; and they die for no other -cause than their faith, by the same token that each of those which -have perished on the scaffold had his life offered to him if so he -would torn Protestant." - -In the heat of this argument I had forgot prudence; and some unkindly -ears and eyes were attending to my speech, which this young stranger -perceiving, he changed the subject of discourse--I ween with a -charitable intent--and merrily exclaimed, "Now I have this day -transgressed a wise resolve." - -"What resolve?" I said, glad also to retreat from dangerous subjects. - -'"This," he answered: "that after my return I would sparingly, and not -without entreaty, relate my journeys and observations." - -"Then, sir," I replied, "methinks you have contrariwise observed it, -for your observations have been short and pithy, and withal uttered at -mine entreaty." - -"Nothing," he said, "I so much fear as to resemble men--and many such -I have myself known--who have scarce seen the lions of the Tower and -the bears of Parish Garden, but they must engross all a table in -talking of their adventures, as if they had passed the Pillars of -Hercules. Nothing could be asked which they could not resolve of their -own knowledge." - -"Find you, sir," I said, "much variety in the manners of French people -and those you see in this country?" - -He smiled, and answered, "We must not be too nice observers of men and -manners, and too easily praise foreign customs and despise our own ---not so much that we may not offend others, as that we may not be -ourselves offended by others. I will yield you an example. A -Frenchman, being a curious observer of ceremonious compliments, when -he hath saluted one, and began to entertain him with speech, if he -chance to espy another man, with whom he hath very great -business, yet will he not leave the first man without a solemn excuse. -But an Englishman discoursing with any man--I mean in a house or -chamber of presence, not merely in the street--if he spy another man -with whom he hath occasion to speak, will suddenly, without any -excuse, turn from the first man and go and converse with the other, -and with like negligence will leave and take new men for discourse; -which a Frenchman would take in ill part, as an argument of -disrespect. This fashion, and many other like niceties and curiosities -in use in one country, we must forget when we do pass into another. -For lack of this prudence I have seen men on their return home tied to -these foreign manners themselves, and finding that others observe not -the like toward them, take everything for an injury, as if they were -disrespected, and so are often enraged." - -"What think you of the dress our ladies do wear?" I inquired of this -young traveller. - -He smiled, and answered: - -"I like our young gentlewomen's gowns, and their aprons of fine linen, -and their little hats of beaver; but why have they left wearing the -French sleeves, borne out with hoops of whalebone, and the French hood -of velvet, set with a border of gold buttons and pearls? Methinks -English ladies are too fond of jewels and diamond rings. They scorn -plain gold rings, I find, and chains of gold." - -"Yea," I said, "ladies of rank wear only rich chains of pearl, and all -their jewels must needs be oriental and precious. If any one doth -choose to use a simple chain or a plain-set brooch, she is marked for -wearing old-fashioned gear." - -"This remindeth me," he said, "of a pleasant fable, that Jupiter sent -a shower, wherein whosoever was wet became a fool, and that all the -people were wet in this shower, excepting one philosopher, who kept -his study; but in the evening coming forth into the market-place, and -finding that all the people marked him as a fool, who was only wise, -he was forced to pray for another shower, that he might become a fool, -and so live quietly among fools rather than bear the envy of his -wisdom." - -With this pleasant story our conversation ended, for supper was over, -and the young gentleman soon went away. I asked of many persons who he -should be, but none could tell me. Polly, the next day, said he was a -youth lately returned from France (which was only what I knew before), -and that Sir Nicholas Throckmorton had written a letter to Lady -Ingoldsby concerning him, but his name she had forgot. O what strange -haps, more strange than any in books, do at times form the thread of a -true history! what presentiments in some cases, what ignorance in -others, beset us touching coming events! - -The next pages will show the ground of these reflections. - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -One day that Mrs. Wells was somewhat disordered, and keeping her room, -and I was sitting with her, her husband came to fetch me into the -parlor to an old acquaintance, he said, who was very desirous for to -see me. "Who is it?" I asked; but he would not tell me, only smiled; -my foolish thinking supposed for one instant that it might be Basil he -spoke of, but the first glance showed me a slight figure and pale -countenance, very different to his whom my witless hopes had expected -for to see, albeit without the least shadow of reason. I stood looking -at this stranger in a hesitating manner, who perceiving I did not know -him, held out his hand, and said, - -"Has Mistress Constance forgotten her old playfellow?" - -"Edmund Genings!" I exclaimed, suddenly guessing it to be him. - - -"Yea," he said, "your old friend Edmund." - -"Mr. Ironmonger is this reverend gentleman's name now-a-days," Mr. -Wells said; and then we all three sat down, and by degrees in Edmund's -present face I discerned the one I remembered in former years. The -same kind and reflective aspect, the pallid hue, the upward-raised -eye, now with less of searching in its gaze, but more, I ween, of -yearning for an unearthly home. - -"O dear and reverend sir," I said, "strange it doth seem indeed thus -to address you, but God knoweth I thank him for the honor he hath done -my old playmate in the calling of him unto his service in these -perilous times." - -"Yea," he answered, with emotion, "I do owe him much, which life -itself should not be sufficient to repay." - -"My good father," I said, "some time before his death gave me a token -in a letter that you were in England. Where have you been all this -time?" - -"Tell us the manner of your landing," quoth Mr. Wells; "for this is -the great ordeal which, once overpassed, lets you into the vineyard, -for to work for one hour only sometimes, or else to bear many years -the noontide heat and nipping frosts which laborers like unto yourself -have to endure." - -"Well," said Edmund, "ten months ago we took shipping at Honfleur, -and, wind and weather being propitious, sailed along the coast of -England, meaning to have landed in Essex; but for our sakes the master -of the bark lingered, when we came in sight of land, until two hours -within night, and being come near unto Scarborough, what should happen -but that a boat with pirates or rovers in it comes out to surprise us, -and shoots at us divers times with muskets! But we came by no harm; -for the wind being then contrary, the master turned his ship and -sailed back into the main sea, where in very foul weather we remained -three days, and verily I thought to have then died of sea-sickness; -which ailment should teach a man humility, if anything in this world -can do it, stripping him as it does of all boastfulness of his own -courage and strength, so that he would cry mercy if any should offer -only to move him." - -"Ah!" cried Mr. Wells, laughing, "Topcliffe should bethink himself of -this new torment for papists, for to leave a man in this plight until -he acknowledged the queen's supremacy should be an artful device of -the devil." - -"At last," quoth Mr. Genings, "we landed, with great peril to our -lives, on the side of a high cliff near Whitby, in Yorkshire, and -reached that town in the evening. Going into an inn to refresh -ourselves, which I promise you we sorely needed, who should we meet -with there but one Radcliff?" - -"Ah! a noted pursuivant," cried Mr. Wells, "albeit not so topping a -one as his chief." - -"Ah!" I cried, "good Mr. Wells, that is but a poor pun, I promise you. -A better one you must frame before night, or you will lose your -reputation. The queen's last effort hath more merit in it than yours, -who, when she was angry with her envoy to Spain, said, 'If her royal -brother had sent her a goose-man, [Footnote 4] she had sent him in -return a man-goose.'" - - [Footnote 4: Guzman.] - -Mr. Genings smiled, and said: - -"Well, this same Radcliff took an exact survey of us all, questioned -us about our arrival in that place, whence we came, and whither we -were going. We told him we were driven thither by the tempest, and at -last, by evasive answers, satisfied him. Then we all went to the house -of a Catholic gentleman in the neighborhood, which was within two or -three miles of Whitby, and by him were directed some to one place, -some to another, according to our own desires. Mr. Plasden and I kept -together; but, for fear of suspicion, we determined at last to -separate also, and singly to commit ourselves to the protection of God -and his good angels. Soon after we had thus resolved, we came to -two fair beaten was, the one leading north-east, the other south-east, -and even then and there, it being in the night, we stopped and both -fell down on our knees and made a short prayer together that God of -his infinite mercy would vouchsafe to direct us, and send us both a -peaceable passage into the thickest of his vineyard." - -Here Mr. Genings paused, a little moved by the remembrance of that -parting, but in a few minutes exclaimed: - -"I have not seen that dear friend since, rising from our knees, we -embraced each other with tears trickling down our cheeks; but the -words he said to me then I shall never, methinks, forget. 'Seeing,' -quoth, he, 'we must now part through fear of our enemies, and for -greater security, farewell, sweet brother in Christ and most loving -companion. God grant that, as we have been friends in one college and -companions in one wearisome and dangerous journey, so we may have one -merry meeting once again in this world, to our great comfort, if it -shall please him, even amongst our greatest adversaries; and that as -we undertake, for his love and holy name's sake, this course of life -together, so he will of his infinite goodness and clemency make us -partakers of one hope, one sentence, one death, and one reward. And -also as we began, so may we end together in Christ Jesus.' So he; and -then not being able to speak one word more for grief and tears, we -departed in mutual silence; he directing his journey to London, where -he was born, and I northward." - -"Then you have not been into Staffordshire?" I said. - -"Yea," he answered, "later I went to Lichfield, in order to try if I -should peradventure find there any of mine old friends and kinsfolks." - -"And did you succeed therein?" I inquired. - -"The only friends I found," he answered, with a melancholy smile, -"were the gray cloisters, the old cathedral walls, the trees of the -close; the only familiar voices which did greet me were the chimes of -the tower, the cawing of the rooks over mine head as I sat in the -shade of the tall elms near unto the wall where our garden once -stood." - -"Oh, doth that house and that garden no more exist?" I cried. - -"No, it hath been pulled down, and the lawn thereof thrown into the -close." - -"Then," I said, "the poor bees and butterflies must needs fare badly. -The bold rooks, I ween, are too exalted to suffer from these changes. -Of Sherwood Hall did you hear aught, Mr. Genings?" - -"Mr. Ironmonger," Mr. Wells said, correcting me. - -"Alas!" Edmund replied, "I dared not so much as to approach unto it, -albeit I passed along the high road not very far from the gate -thereof. But the present inhabitants are famed for their hatred unto -recusants, and like to deal rigorously with any which should come in -their way." - -I sighed, and then asked him how long he had been in London. - -"About one month," he replied. "As I have told you. Mistress -Constance, all my kinsfolk that I wot of are now dead, except my young -brother John, whom I doubt not you yet do bear in mind--that fair, -winsome, mischievous urchin, who was carried to La Rochelle about one -year before your sweet mother died." - -"Yea," I said, "I can see him yet gallopping on a stick round the -parlor at Lichfield." - -"'Tis to look for him," Edmund said, "I am come to London. Albeit I -fear much inquiry on my part touching this youth should breed -suspicion, I cannot refrain, brotherly love soliciting me thereunto, -from seeking him whom report saith careth but little for his soul, and -who hath no other relative in the world than myself. I have warrant -for to suppose he should be in London; but these four weeks, -with useless diligence, I have made search for him, leaving no place -unsought where I could suspect him to abide; and as I see no hopes of -success, I am resolved to leave the city for a season." - -Then Mr. Wells proposed to carry Edmund to Kate's house, where some -friends were awaiting him; and for some days I saw him not again. But -on the next Sunday evening he came to our house, and I noticed a -paleness in him I had not before perceived. I asked him if anything -had disordered him. - -"Nothing," he answered; "only methinks my old shaking malady doth -again threaten me; for this morning, walking forth of mine inn to -visit a friend on the other side of the city, and passing by St. -Paul's church, when I was on the east side thereof, I felt suddenly a -strange sensation in my body, so much that my face glowed, and it -seemed to me as if mine hair stood on end; all my joints trembled, and -my whole body was bathed in a cold sweat. I feared some evil was -threatening me, or danger of being taken up, and I looked back to see -if I could perceive any one to be pursuing me; but I saw nobody near, -only a youth in a brown-colored cloak; and so, concluding that some -affection of my head or liver had seized me, I thought no more on it, -but went forward to my intended place to say mass." - -A strange thinking came into mine head at that moment, and I doubted -if I should impart to him my sudden fancy. - -"Mr. Edmund," I said, unable to refrain myself, "suppose that youth in -the brown cloak should have been your brother!" - -He started, but shaking of his head said: - -"Nay, nay, why should it have been him rather than a thousand others I -do see every day?" - -"Might not that strange effect in yourself betoken the presence of a -kinsman?" - -"Tut, tut, Mistress Constance," he cried, half kindly, half -reprovingly; "this should be a wild fancy lacking ground in reason." - -Thus checked, I held my peace, but could not wholly discard this -thought. Not long after--on the very morning before Mr. Genings -proposed to depart out of town--I chanced to be walking homeward with -him and some others from a house whither we had gone to hear his mass. -As we were returning along Ludgate Hill, what should he feel but the -same sensations he had done before, and which were indeed visible in -him, for his limbs trembled and his face turned as white as ashes! - -"You are sick," I said, for I was walking alongside of him. - -"Only affected as that other day," he answered, leaning against a post -for to recover himself. - -I had hastily looked back, and, lo and behold I a youth in a brown -cloak was walking some paces behind us. I whispered in Mr. Genings's -ear: - -"Look, Edmund; is this the youth you saw before?" - -"O my good Lord!" he cried, turning yet more pale, "this is strange -indeed! After all, it may be my brother. Go on," he said quickly; "I -must get speech with him alone to discover if it should be so." - -We all walked on, and he tarried behind. Looking back, I saw him -accost the stranger in the brown cloak. And in the afternoon he came -to tell us that this was verily John Genings, as I had with so little -show of reason guessed. - -"What passed between you?" I asked. - -He said: - -"I courteously saluted the young man, and inquired what countryman he -was; and hearing that he was a Staffordshireman, I began to conceive -hopes it should be my brother; so I civilly demanded his name. -Methought I should have betrayed myself at once when he answered -Genings; but as quietly as I could, I told him I was his -kinsman, and was called Ironmonger, and asked him what had become of -his brother Edmund. He then, not suspecting aught, told me he had -heard that he was gone to Rome to the Pope, and was become a notable -papist and a traitor both to God and his country, and that if he did -return he should infallibly be hanged. I smiled, and told him I knew -his brother, and that he was an honest man, and loved both the queen -and his country, and God above all. 'But tell me,' I added, 'good -cousin John, should you not know him if you saw him?' He then looked -hard at me, and led the way into a tavern not far off, and when we -were seated at a table, with no one nigh enough to overhear us, he -said: 'I greatly fear I have a brother that is a priest, and that you -are the man,' and then began to swear that if it was so, I should -discredit myself and all my friends, and protested that in this he -would never follow me; albeit in other matters he might respect me. I -promise you that whilst these harsh words passed his lips I longed to -throw my arms round his neck. I saw my mother's face in his, and his -once childish loveliness only changed into manly beauty. His young -years and mine rose before me, and I could have wept over this -new-found brother as Joseph over his dear Benjamin. I could no longer -conceal myself, but told him truly I was his brother indeed, and for -his love had taken great pains to seek him, and begged of him to keep -secret the knowledge of my arrival; to which he answered: 'He would -not for the world disclose my return, but that he desired me to come -no more unto him, for that he feared greatly the danger of the law, -and to incur the penalty of the statute for concealing of it.' I saw -this was no place or time convenient to talk of religion; but we had -much conversation about divers things, by which I perceived him to be -far from any good affection toward Catholic religion, and persistent -in Protestantism, without any hope of a present recovery. Therefore I -declared unto him my intended departure out of town, and took my -leave, assuring him that within a month or little more I should return -and see him again, and confer with him more at large touching some -necessary affairs which concerned him very much. I inquired of him -where a letter should find him. He showed some reluctance for to give -me any address, but at last said if one was left for him at Lady -Ingoldsby's, in Queen street, Holborn, he should be like to get it." - -After Mr. Genings had left, I considered of this direction his brother -had given him, which showed him to be acquainted with Polly's -mother-in-law, and then remembering the young gentleman I had met at -her house, I suspected him to be no other than John Genings. And -called back to mind all his speeches for to compare them with this -suspicion, wherein they did all tally; and some days afterward, when I -was walking on the Mall with Sir Ralph and Polly, who should accost -them but this youth, which they presently introduced to me, and Polly -added, she believed we had played at hide-and-seek together when we -were young. He looked somewhat surprised, and as if casting about for -to call to mind old recollections; then spoke of our meeting at Lady -Ingoldsby's; and she cried out, - -"Oh, then, you do know one another?" - -"By sight," I said, "not by name." - -Some other company joining us, he came alongside of me, and began for -to pay me compliments in the French manner. - -"Mr. John Genings," I said, "do you remember Lichfield and the close, -and a little; girl, Constance Sherwood, who used to play with you, -before you went to La Rochelle?" - -"Like in a dream," he answered, his comely face lighting up with a -smile. - -"But your brother," I said, "was my chiefest companion then; for at -that age we do always aspire to the notice of such as be older than - condescend to such as be younger than ourselves." - -When I named his brother a cloud darkened his face, and he abruptly -turned away. He talked to Polly and some other ladies in a gay, -jesting manner, but I could see that ever and anon he glanced toward -me, as if to scan my features, and, I ween, compare them with what -memory depicted; but he kept aloof from me, as if fearing I should -speak again of one he would fain forget. - -On the 7th of November, Edmund returned to London, and came in the -evening to Kate's house. He had been laboring in the country, -exhorting, instructing, and exercising his priestly functions amongst -Catholics with all diligence. It so happened that his friend, Mr. -Plasden, a very virtuous priest, which had landed with him at Whitby, -and parted with him soon afterward, was there also; and several other -persons likewise which did usually meet at Mr. Wells's house; but, -owing to that gentleman's absence, who had gone into the country for -some business, and his wife's indisposition, had agreed for to spend -the evening at Mr. Lacy's. Before the company there assembled parted, -the two priests treated with him where they should say mass the -following day, which was the Octave of All Saints. They agreed to say -their matins together, and, by Bryan's advice, to celebrate it at the -house of Mr. Wells, notwithstanding his absence; for that Mistress -Wells, who could not conveniently go abroad, would be exceeding glad -for to hear mass in her own lodging. I told Edmund of my meeting with -his brother on the Mall, and the long talk ministered between us some -weeks ago, when neither did know the other's name. Methought in his -countenance and conversation that night there appeared an unwonted -consolation, a sober joy, which filled me almost with awe. When he -wished me good-night, he added, "I pray you, my dear child, to lift -up your soul to heaven ere yon sleep and when you wake, and recommend -to heaven our good purpose, and then come and attend at the holy -sacrifice with the crowd of angels and saints which do always assist -thereat." When the light faintly dawned in the dull sky, Muriel and I -stole from our beds, quietly dressed ourselves, and slipping out -unseen, repaired as fast as we could, for the ground was wet and -slippery, to Mr. Wells's house. We found assembled in one room Mr. -Genings, Mr. Plasden, another priest, Mr. White, Mr. Lacy, Mistress -Wells, Sydney Hodgson, Mr. Mason, and many others. Edmund Genings -proceeded to say mass. There was so great a stillness in the room a -pin should have been heard to drop. Albeit he said the prayers in a -very low voice, each word was audible. Mine ears, which are very quick -were stretched to the utmost. Each sound in the street caused me an -inward flutter. Methought, when he was reading the gospel I discerned -a sound as of the hall-door opening, and of steps. Then nothing more -for a little while; but just at the moment of the consecration there -was a loud rush up the stairs, and the door of the chamber burst open. -The gentlemen present rose from their knees. Mistress Wells and I -contrariwise sunk on the ground. I dared not for to look, or move, or -breathe, but kept inwardly calling on God, then present, for to save -us. I heard the words behind me: "Topcliffe! keep him back!" "Hurl him -down the stairs!" and then a sound of scuffling, falling, and rolling, -followed by a moment's silence. - -The while the mass went forward, ever and anon noises rose without; -but the gentlemen held the door shut by main force all the time. They -kept the foe at bay, these brave men, each word uttered at the altar -resounding, I ween, in their breasts. O my God, what a store of -suffering was heaped into a brief space of time! What a viaticum was -that communion then received by thy doomed priest! "_Domine, non -sum dignus_," he thrice said, and then his Lord rested in his soul. -"_Deo gratias_" None could now profane the sacred mysteries; none -could snatch his Lord from him. "_Ite missa est_." The mass was said, -the hour come, death at hand. All resistance then ceased. I saw -Topcliffe hastening in with a broken head, and threatening to raise -the whole street. Mr. Plasden told him that, now the mass was ended, -we would all yield ourselves prisoners, which we did; upon which he -took Mr. Genings as he was, in his vestments, and all of us, men and -women, in coaches he called for, to Newgate. Muriel and I kept close -together, and, with Mistress Wells, were thrust into one cell. -Methinks we should all have borne with courage this misfortune but for -the thinking of those without--Muriel of her aged and infirm father; -Mistress Wells of her husband's return that day to his sacked house, -robbed of all its church furniture, books, and her the partner of his -whole life. And I thought of Basil, and what he should feel if he knew -of me in this fearful Newgate, near to so many thieves and wicked -persons; and a trembling came over me lest I should be parted from my -companions. I had much to do to recall the courageous spirit I had -heretofore nurtured in foreseeing such a hap as this. If I had had to -die at once, I think I should have been more brave; but terrible -forebodings of examinations--perchance tortures, long solitary hours -in a loathsome place--caused me inward shudderings; and albeit I said -with my lips over and over again, "Thy will be done, my God," I -passionately prayed this chalice might pass from me which often before -in my presumption--I cry mercy for it--I had almost desired to drink. -Oh, often have I thought since of what is said in David's Psalms, "It -is good for me that thou hast humbled me." From my young years a hot -glowing feeling had inflamed my breast at the mention of suffering for -conscience sake, and the words "to die" had been very familiar ones -to my lips; "rather to die," "gladly to die," "proudly to die;" alas, -how often had I uttered them! O my God, when the foul smells, the -faint light of that dreadful place, struck on my senses, I waxed very -weak. The coarse looks of the jailers, the disgusting food set before -us, the filthy pallets, awoke in me a loathing I could not repress. -And then a fear also, which the sense of my former presumption did -awaken. "Let he that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall," -kept running in mine head. I had said, like St. Peter, that I was -ready for to go to prison and to death; and now, peradventure, I -should betray my Lord if too great pain overtook me. Muriel saw me -wringing mine hands; and, sitting down by my side on the rude -mattress, she tried for to comfort me. Then, in that hour of bitter -anguish, I learnt that creature's full worth. Who should have thought, -who did not then hear her, what stores of superhuman strength, of -heavenly knowledge, of divine comfort, should have flowed from her -lips? Then I perceived the value of a wholly detached heart, -surrendered to God alone. Young as she was, her soul was as calm in -this trial as that of the aged resigned woman which shared it with us. -Mine was tempest-tossed for a while. I could but lie mine head on -Muriel's knee and murmur, "Basil, O Basil!" or else, "If, after all, I -should prove an apostate, which hath so despised others for it!" - -"'Tis good to fear," she whispered, "but withal to trust. Is it not -written, mine own Constance, 'My strength is sufficient for thee?' and -who saith this but the Author of all strength--he on whom the whole -world doth rest? He permitteth this fear in thee for humility's sake, -which lesson thou hast need to learn. When that of courage is needed, -be not affrighted; he will give it thee. He bestoweth not graces -before they be needed." - - -Then she minded me of little St. Agnes, and related passages of her -life; but mostly spoke of the cross and the passion of Christ, in such -piercing and moving tones, as if visibly beholding the scene on -Calvary, that the storm seemed to subside in my breast as she went on. - -"Pray," she gently said, "that, if it be God's will, the extremity of -human suffering should fall on thee, so that thy love for him should -increase. Pray that no human joy may visit thee again, so that heaven -may open its gates to thee and thy loved ones. Pray for Hubert, for -the queen, for Topcliffe, for every human soul which thou hast ever -been tempted to hate; and I promise thee that a great peace shall -steal over thy soul, and a great strength shall lift thee up." - -I did what she desired, and her words were prophetic. Peace came -before long, and joy too, of a strange unearthly sort. A brief -foretaste of heaven was showed forth in the consolations then poured -into mine heart. When since I have desired for to rekindle fervor and -awaken devotion, I recall the hours which followed that great anguish -in the cell at Newgate. - -Late in the evening an order came for to release Muriel and me, but -not Mrs. Wells. When this dear friend understood what had occurred, -she raised her hands in fervent gratitude to God, and dismissed us -with many blessings. - -The events which, followed I will briefly relate. When we reached home -Mr. Congleton was very sick; and then began the illness which ended -his life. Kate was almost wild with grief at her husband's danger, and -we fetched her and her children to her father's house for to watch -over them. On the next day all the prisoners which had been taken at -Mr. Wells's house (we only having been released by the dealings of -friends with the chief secretary) were examined by Justice Young, and -returned to prison to take their trials the next session. Mr. Wells, -at his return finding his house ransacked and his wife carried away to -prison, had been forthwith to Mr. Justice Young for to expostulate -with him, and to demand his wife and the key of his lodgings; but the -justice sent him to bear the rest company, with a pair of iron bolts -on his legs. The next day he examined him in Newgate; and upon Mr. -Wells saying he was not privy to the mass being said that day in his -house, but wished he had been present, thinking his name highly -honored by having so divine a sacrifice offered in it, the justice -told him "that though he was not at the feast, he should taste of the -same." - -The evening I returned home from the prison a great lassitude overcame -me, and for a few days increased so much, joined with pains in the -head and in the limbs, that I could scarcely think, or so much as -stand. At last it was discerned that I was sickening with the -small-pox, caught, methinks, in the prison; and this was no small -increase to Muriel's trouble, who had to go to and fro from my chamber -to her father's, and was forced to send Kate and her children to the -country to Sir Ralph Ingoldsby's house; but methinks in the end this -proved for the best, for when Mr. Lacy was, with the other prisoners, -found guilty, and condemned to death on the 4th of December, some for -having said, and the others for having heard, mass at Mr. Wells's -house, Kate came to London but for a few hours, to take leave of him, -and Polly's care of her afterward cheered the one sister in her great -but not very lasting affliction, and sobered the other's spirits in a -beneficial manner, for since she hath been a stayer at home, and very -careful of her children and Kate's also, and, albeit very secretly, -doth I hear practise her religion. Mr. Congleton never heard of his -son-in-law and his friend Mr. Wells's danger, the palsy which affected -him having numbed his senses so that he slowly sunk in his grave -without suffering of body or mind. From Muriel I heard the course of -the trial. How many bitter words and scoffs were used by the -judges and others upon the bench, particularly to Edmund Genings, -because of his youth, and that he angered them with his arguments! The -more to make him a scoff to the people, they vested him in a -ridiculous fool's coat which they had found in Mr. Wells's house, and -would have it to be a vestment. It was appointed they should all die -at Tyburn, except Mr. Genings and Mr. Wells, who were to be executed -before Mr. Wells's own door in Gray's Inn Fields, within three doors -of our own lodging. The judges, we were told, after pronouncing -sentence, began to persuade them to conform to the Protestant -religion, assuring them that by so doing they should obtain mercy, but -otherwise they must certainly expect to die. But they all answered -"that they would live and die in the true Roman and Catholic faith, -which they and all antiquity had ever professed, and that they would -by no means go to the Protestant churches, or for one moment think -that the queen could be head of the Church in spirituals." They dealt -most urgently with Edmund Genings in this matter of conformity, giving -him hopes not only of his life, but also of a good living, it he would -renounce his faith; but he remained, God be praised, constant and -resolute; upon which he was thrust into a dark hole within the prison, -where he remained in prayer, without food or sustenance, till the hour -of his death. Some letters we received from him and Mr. Wells, which -have become revered treasures and almost relics in our eyes. One did -write (this was Edmund): "The comforts which captivity bringeth are so -manifold that I have rather cause to thank God highly for his fatherly -dealings with me than to complain of any worldly misery whatsoever. -Custom hath caused that it is no grief to me to be debarred from -company, desiring nothing more than solitude. When I pray, I talk with -God--when I read, he talketh with me; so that I am never alone." And -much more in that strain. Mr. Wells ended his letter thus: "I am bound -with gyves, yet I am unbound toward God, and far better I account it -to have the body bound than the soul to be in bondage. I am threatened -hard with danger of death; but if it be no worse, I will not wish it -to be better. God send me his grace, and then I weigh not what flesh -and blood can do unto me. I have answered to many curious and -dangerous questions, but I trust with good advisements, not offending -my conscience. What will come of it God only knoweth. Through prison -and chains to glory. Thine till death." This letter was addressed to -Basil, with a desire expressed we should read it before it was sent to -him. - -On the day before the one of the execution, Kate came to take leave of -her husband. She could not speak for her tears; but he, with his usual -composure, bade her be of good comfort, and that death was no more to -him than to drink off the caudle which stood there ready on his table. -And methinks this indifferency was a joint effect of nature and of -grace, for none had ever seen him hurried or agitated in his life with -any matter whatsoever. And when he rolled Topcliffe down the stairs -and fell with him--for it was he which did this desperate action--his -face was as composed when he rose up again, one of the servants who -had seen the scuffle said, as if he had never so much as stirred from -his study; and in his last speeches before his death it was noticed -that his utterance was as slow and deliberate, and his words as -carefully picked, as at any other time of his life. Ah me! what days -were those when, hardly recovered from my sickness, only enough for to -sit up in an armed-chair and be carried from one chamber to another, -all the talk ministered about me was of the danger and coming death of -these dear friends. I had a trouble of mine own, which I be truly -ashamed to speak of; but in this narrative I have resolved above all -things to be truthful; and if I have ever had occasion, on the -one hand, to relate what should seem to be to mine own credit, on the -other also I desire to acknowledge my weaknesses and imperfections, of -which what I am about to relate is a notable instance. The small-pox -made me at that time the most deformed person that could be seen, even -after I was recovered; and the first time I beheld my face in a glass, -the horror which it gave me was so great that I resolved Basil should -never be the husband of one whom every person which saw her must needs -be affrighted to look on; but, forecasting he would never give me up -for this reason, howsoever his inclination should rebel against the -kindness of his heart and his true affection for me, I hastily sent -him a letter, in which I said I could give him no cause for the change -which had happened in me, but that I was resolved not to marry him, -acting in my old hasty manner, without thought or prudence. No sooner -had I done so than I grew very uneasy thereat, too late reflecting on -what his suspicions should be of my inconstancy, and what should to -him appear faithless breach of promise. - -It grieved me, in the midst of such grave events and noble sufferings, -to be so concerned for mine own trouble; and on the day before the -execution I was sitting musing painfully on the tragedy which was to -be enacted at our own doors as it were, weeping for the dear friends -which were to suffer, and ever and anon chewing the cud of my wilful -undoing of mine own, and it might prove of Basil's, future peace by my -rash letter to him, and yet more rash concealment of my motives. -Whilst I was thus plunged in grief and uneasiness, the door of my -chamber of a sudden opened, and the servant announced Mr. Hubert -Rookwood. I hid my face hastily with a veil, which I now did generally -use, except when alone with Muriel. He came in, and methought a change -had happened in his appearance. He looked somewhat wild and -disordered, and his face flushed as one used to drinking. - -"Constance," he said abruptly, "tidings have reached me which would -not suffer me to put off this visit. A man coming from France hath -brought me a letter from Basil, and one directed to you, which he -charged me to deliver into your hands. If it tallies with that which -he doth write to me--and I doubt not it must be so, for his dealings -are always open and honorable, albeit often rash--I must needs hope -for so much happiness from it as I can scarce credit to be possible -after so much suffering." - -I stretched out mine hand for Basil's letter. Oh, how the tears gushed -from mine eyes on the reading of it! He had received mine, and having -heard some time before from a friend he did not name of his brother's -passion for me, he never misdoubted but that I had at last yielded to -his solicitations, and given him the love which I withdrew from him. - -Never was the nobleness of his nature more evinced than in this -letter; never grief more heartfelt, combined with a more patient -endurance of the overthrow of his sole earthly happiness; never a -greater or more forgiving kindness toward a faithless creature, as he -deemed her, with a lingering care for her weal, whom he must needs -have thought so ill deserving of his love. So much sorrow without -repining, such strict charges not to marry Hubert if he was not a good -Catholic and truly reconciled to the Church. But if he was indeed -changed in this respect, an assent given to this marriage which had -cost him, he said, many tears and many prayers for to write, more than -if with his own heart's blood he had traced the words; but which, -nevertheless, he freely gave, and prayed God to bless us both, if with -a good conscience we could be wedded; and God forbid he should hinder -it, if I had ceased for to love him, and had given to Hubert--who had -already got his birthright--also a more precious treasure, the heart -once his own. - - -"What doth your brother write to you?" I coldly said; and then Hubert -gave me his letter to read. - -Methinks he imagined I concealed my face from some sort of shame; and -God knoweth, had I acted the part he supposed, I might well have -blushed deeper than can be thought of. - -This letter was like unto the other--the most touching proof of love -a man could give for a woman. Forgetting himself, my dearest Basil's -only care was my happiness; and firm remonstrances were blended with -touching injunctions to his brother to treasure every hair of the head -of one who was dearer to him than all the world beside, and to do his -duty to God and to her, which if he observed, he should, mindless of -all else, for ever bless him. - -When I returned the missive to him, Hubert said, in a faltering voice, -"Now you are free--free to be mine--free before God and man." - -"Yea," I answered; "free as the dead, for I am henceforward dead to -all earthly things." - -"What!" he cried, startled; "your thinking is not, God shield it, to -be a nun abroad?" - -"Nay," I answered; and then, laying my hand on Basil's letter, I said, -"If I had thought to marry you, Hubert; if at this hour I should say I -could love you, I ween you would leave the house affrighted, and never -return to it again." - -"Is your brain turned?" he impatiently cried. - -"No," I answered quietly, lifting my veil, "my face only is changed." - -I had a sort of bitter pleasure in the sight of his surprise. He -turned as pale as any smock. - -"Oh, fear not," I said; "my heart hath not changed with my face. I am -not in so merry a mood, God knoweth, as to torment you with any such -apprehensions. My love for Basil is the same; yea, rather at this -hour, after these noble proofs of his love, more great than ever. Now -you can discern why I should write to him I would never marry him." - -Hiding his face in his hands, Hubert said, "Would I had not come here -to embitter your pain?" - -"You have not added to my sorrow," I answered; "the chalice is indeed -full, but these letters have rather lightened than increased my -sufferings." - -Then concealing again my face, I went on, "O Hubert, will you come -here to-morrow morning? Know you the sight which from that window -shall be seen? Hark to that noise! Look out, I pray you, and tell me -what it is." - -He did as I bade him, and I marked the shudder he gave. His face, pale -before, had now turned of an ashy hue. - -"Is it possible?" he said; "a scaffold in front of that house where we -were wont to meet those old friends! O Constance, are they there to -die?--that brave joyous old man, that kind pious soul his wife?" - -"Yea," I answered; "and likewise the friend of my young years, good -holy Edmund Genings, who never did hurt a fly, much less a human -creature. And at Tyburn, Bryan Lacy, my cousin, once your friend, and -Sydney Hodgson, and good Mr. Mason, are to suffer." - -Hubert clenched his hands, ground his teeth, and a terrible look shot -through his eyes. I felt affrighted at the passion my words had -awakened. - -"Cursed," he cried, in a hoarse voice,--"cursed be the bloody queen -which reigneth in this land! Thrice accursed be the tyrants which hunt -us to death! Tenfold accursed such as lure us to damnation by the foul -baits they do offer to tempt a man to lie to God and to others, to -ruin those he loves, to become loathsome to himself by his mean -crimes! But if one hath been cheated of his soul, robbed of the hope -of heaven, debarred from his religion, thrust into the company of -devils, let them fear him, yea, let them fear him, I say. Revenge is -not impossible. What shall stay the hand of such a man? What -shall guard those impious tempters if many such should one day league -for to sweep them from earth's face? If one be desperate of this -world's life, he becomes terrible. How should he be to be dreaded who -doth despair of heaven!" - -With these wild words, he left me. He was gone ere I could speak. - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -On the night before the 10th of December neither Muriel nor I retired -to rest. We sat together by the rush-light, at one time saying -prayers, at another speaking together in a low voice. Ever and anon -she went to listen at her father's door, for to make sure he slept, -and then returned to me. The hours seemed to pass slowly; and yet we -should have wished to stay their course, so much we dreaded the first -rays of light presaging the tragedy of the coming day. Before the -first token of it did show, at about five in the morning, the -door-bell rung in a gentle manner. - -"Who can be ringing?" I said to Muriel. - -"I will go and see," she answered. - -But I restrained her, and went, to call one of the servants, who were -beginning to bestir themselves. The man went down, and returned, -bringing me a paper, on which these words were written: - -"MY DEAR CONSTANCE--My lord and myself have secretly come to join our -prayers with yours, and, if it should be possible, to receive the -blessing of the holy priest who is about to die, as he passeth by your -house, toward which, I doubt not, his eyes will of a surety turn. I -pray you, therefore, admit us." - -I hurried down the stairs, and found Lord and Lady Arundel standing in -the hall; she in a cloak and hood, and he with a slouching hat hiding -his face. Leading them both into the parlor, which looketh on the -street, I had a fire hastily kindled; and for a space her ladyship and -myself could only sit holding each other's hands, our hearts being too -full to speak. After a while I asked her when she had come to London. -She said she had done so very secretly, not to increase the queen's -displeasure against her husband; her majesty's misliking of herself -continuing as great as ever. - -"When she visited my lord last year, before his arrest," quoth she, -"on a pane of glass in the dining-room her grace perceived a distich, -writ by me in bygone days with a diamond, and which expressed hopes of -better fortunes." - -"I mind it well," I replied. "Did it not run thus? - - 'Not seldom doth the sun sink down In brightest light - Which rose at early dawn disfigured quite outright; - So shall my fortunes, wrapt so long in darkest night, - Revive, and show ere long an aspect clear and bright.'" - -"Yea," she answered. "And now listen to what her majesty, calling for -a like instrument, wrote beneath: - - 'Not seldom do vain hopes deceive a silly heart - Let all each witless dreams now vanish and depart; - For fortune shall ne'er shine, I promise thee, on one - Whose folly hath for aye all hopes thereof undone.' - -"We do live," she added, "with a sword hanging over our heads; and it -is meet we should come here this day to learn a lesson how to die when -a like fate shall overtake us. But thou hast been like to die by -another means, my good Constance," her ladyship said, looking with -kindness but no astonishment on my swollen and disfigured face, which -I had not remembered to conceal; grave thoughts, then uppermost, -having caused me to forget it. - -"My life," I answered, "God hath mercifully spared; but I have lost -the semblance of my former self." - -"Tut, tut!" she replied, "only for a time." - -And then we both drew near unto the fire, for we were shivering with -cold. Lord Arundel leant against the chimney, and watched the -timepiece. - -"Mistress Wells," he said, "is like, I hear, to be reprieved at the -last moment." - -"Alas!" I cried, "nature therein finds relief; yet I know not how much -to rejoice or yet to grieve thereat. For surely she will desire to die -with her husband. And of what good will life be to her if, like some -others, she doth linger for years in prison?" - -"Of much good, if God wills her there to spend those years," Muriel -gently said; which words, I ween, were called to mind long afterward -by one who then heard them. - -As the hour appointed for the execution approached, we became silent -again, and kneeling down betook ourselves to prayer. At eight o'clock -a crowd began to assemble in the street; and the sound of their feet -as they passed under the window, hurrying toward the scaffold, which -was hung with black cloth, became audible. About an hour afterward -notice was given to us by one of the servants that the sledge which -carried the prisoners was in sight. We rose from our knees and went to -the window. Mr. Wells's stout form and Mr. Genings's slight figure -were then discernible, as they sat bound, with their hands tied behind -their backs. I observed that Mr. Wells smiled and nodded to some one -who was standing amidst the crowd. This person, who was a friend of -his, hath since told me that as he passed he saluted him with these -words: "Farewell, dear companion! farewell, all hunting and hawking -and old pastimes! I am now going a better way." Mistress Wells not -being with them, we perceived that to be true which Lord Arundel had -heard. At that moment I turned round, and missed Muriel, who had been -standing close behind me. I supposed she could not endure this sight; -but, lo and behold, looking again into the street, I saw her threading -her way amongst the crowd as swiftly, lame though she was, as if an -angel had guided her. When she reached the foot of the scaffold, and -took her stand there, her aspect was so composed, serene, and -resolved, that she seemed like an inhabitant of another world suddenly -descended amidst the coarse and brutal mob. She was resolved, I -afterward found, to take note of every act, gesture, and word there -spoken; and by her means I can here set down what mine own ears heard -not, but much of which mine own eyes beheld. As the sledge passed our -door, Mr. Genings, as Lady Arundel had foreseen, turned his head -toward us; and seeing me at the window, gave us, I doubt not, his -blessing; for, albeit he could not raise his chained hand, we saw his -fingers and his lips move. On reaching the gibbet Muriel heard him cry -out with holy Andrew, "O good gibbet, long desired and now prepared -for me, much hath my heart desired thee; and now, joyful and secure, I -come to thee. Receive me, I beseech thee, as the disciple of him that -suffered on the cross!" Being put upon the ladder, many questions were -asked him by some standersby, to which he made clear and distinct -answers. Then Mr. Topcliffe cried out with a loud voice, - -"Genings, Genings, confess thy fault, thy papist treason; and the -queen, no doubt, will grant thee pardon!" - - -To which he mildly answered, "I know not, Mr. Topcliffe, in what I -have offended my dear anointed princess; if I have offended her or any -other person in anything, I would willingly ask her and all the world -forgiveness. If she be offended with me without a cause, for -professing my faith and religion, or because I am a priest, or because -I will not turn minister against my conscience, I shall be, I trust, -excused and innocent before God. 'We must obey God,' saith St. Peter, -'rather than men;' and I must not in this case acknowledge a fault -where there is none. If to return to England a priest, or to say mass, -is popish treason, I here do confess I am a traitor. But I think not -so; and therefore I acknowledge myself guilty of these things not with -repentance and sorrow of heart, but with an open protestation of -inward joy that I have done so good deeds, which, if they were to do -again, I would, by the permission and assistance of God, accomplish -the same, though with the hazard of a thousand lives." - -Mr. Topcliffe was very angry at this speech, and hardly gave him time -to say an "Our Father" before he ordered the hangman to turn the -ladder. From that moment I could not so much as once again look toward -the scaffold. Lady Arundel and I drew back into the room, and clasping -each other's hands, kept repeating, "Lord, help him! Lord, assist him! -Have mercy on him, O Lord!" and the like prayers. - -We heard Lord Arundel exclaim, "Good God! the wretch doth order the -rope to be cut!" Then avoiding the sight, he also drew back and -silently prayed. What followeth I learnt from Muriel, who never lost -her senses, though she endured, methinks, at that scaffold's foot as -much as any sufferer upon it. Scarcely or not at all stunned, Mr. -Genings stood on his feet with his eyes raised to heaven, till the -hangman threw him down on the block where he was to be quartered. -After he was dismembered, she heard him utter with a loud voice, "Oh, -it smarts!" and Mr. Wells exclaim, "Alas! sweet soul, thy pain is -great indeed, but almost past. Pray for me now that mine may come." -Then when his heart was being plucked out, a faint dying whisper -reached her ear, "Sancte Gregori, ora pro me!" and then the voice of -the hangman crying, "See, his heart is in mine hand, and yet Gregory -in his mouth! O egregious papist!" - -I marvel how she lived through it; but she assured us she was never -even near unto fainting, but stood immovable, hearing every sound, -listening to each word and groan, printing them on the tablet of her -heart, wherein they have ever remained as sacred memories. - -Mr. Wells, so far from being terrified by the sight of his friend's -death, expressed a desire to have his own hastened; and, like unto Sir -Thomas More, was merry to the last; for he cried, "Despatch, despatch, -Mr. Topcliffe! Be you not ashamed to suffer an old man to stand here -so long in his shirt in the cold? I pray God make you of a Saul a -Paul, of a persecutor a Catholic." A murmur, hoarse and loud, from the -crowd apprised us when all was over. - -"Where is Muriel?" I cried, going to the window. Thence I beheld a -sight which my pen refuseth to describe--the sledge which was -carrying away the mangled remains of those dear friends which so short -a time before we had looked upon alive! Like in a dream I saw this -spectacle; for the moment afterward I fainted. Many persons were -running after the cart, and Muriel keeping pace with what to others -would have been a sight full of horror, but to her were only relics of -the saintly dead. She followed, heedless of the mob, unmindful of -their jeers, intent on one aim--to procure some portion of those -sacred remains, which she at last achieved in an incredible manner; -one finger of Edmund Genings's hand, which she laid hold of, remaining -in hers. This secured, she hastened home, bearing away this her -treasure. - - -When I recovered from a long swoon, she was standing on one side of me -and Lady Arundel on the other. Their faces were very pale, but -peaceful; and when remembrance returned, I also felt a great and quiet -joy diffused in mine heart, such as none, I ween, could believe in who -have not known the like. For a while all earthly cares left me; I -seemed to soar above this world. Even Basil I could think of with a -singular detachment. It seemed as if angels were haunting the house, -whispering heavenly secrets. I could not so much as think on those -blessed departed souls without an increase of this joy sensibly -inflaming my heart. - -After Lady Arundel had left us, which she did with many loving words -and tender caresses, Muriel and I conversed long touching the future. -She told me that when her duty to her father should end with his life, -she intended to fulfil the vow she long ago had made to consecrate -herself wholly to God in holy religion, and go beyond the seas, to -become a nun of the order of St. Augustine. - -"May I not leave this world?" I cried; "may I not also, forgetting all -things else, live for God alone?" - -A sweet sober smile illumined Muriel's face as she answered, "Yea, by -all means serve God, but not as a nun, good Constance. Thine I take to -be the mere shadow of a vocation, if even so much as that. A cloud -hath for a while obscured the sunshine of thy hopes and called up this -shadow; but let this thin vapor dissolve, and no trace shall remain of -it. Nay, nay, sweet one, 'tis not chafed, nor yet, except in rare -instances, riven hearts which God doth call to this special -consecration--rather whole ones, nothing or scantily touched by the -griefs and joys which this world can afford. But I warrant thee--nay, -I may not warrant," she added, checking herself, "for who can of a -surety forecast what God's designs should be? But I think thou wilt -be, before many years have past, a careful matron, with many children -about thy apron-strings to try thy patience." - -"O Muriel," I answered, "how should this be? I have made my bed, and I -must lie on it. Like a foolish creature, unwittingly, or rather -rashly, I have deceived Basil into thinking I do not love him; and if -my face should yet recover its old fairness, he shall still think mine -heart estranged." - -Muriel shook her head, and said more entangled skeins than this one -had been unravelled. The next day she resumed her wonted labors in the -prisons and amongst the poor. Having procured means of access to -Mistress Wells, she carried to her the only comfort she could now -taste--the knowledge of her husband's holy, courageous end, and the -reports of the last words he did utter. Then having received a charge -thereunto from Mr. Genings, she discovered John Genings's place of -residence, and went to tell him that the cause of his brother's coming -to London was specially his love for him; that his only regret in -dying had been that he was executed before he could see him again, or -commend him to any friend of his own, so hastened was his death. - -But this much-loved brother received her with a notable coldness; and -far from bewailing the untimely and bloody end of his nearest kinsman, -he betrayed some kind of contentment at the thought that he was now -rid of all the persuasions which he suspected he should otherwise have -received from him touching religion. - -About a fortnight afterward Mr. Congleton expired. Alas! so -troublesome were the times, that to see one, howsoever loved, sink -peacefully into the grave, had not the same sadness which usually -belongs to the like haps. - -Muriel had procured a priest for to give him extreme unction--one Mr. -Adams, a friend of Mr. Wells, who had sometimes said mass in his -house. He also secretly came for to perform the funeral rites before -his burial in the cemetery of St. Martin's church. - - -When we returned home that day after the funeral, this reverend -gentleman asked us if we had heard any report touching the brother of -Mr. Genings; and on our denial, he said, "Talk is ministered amongst -Catholics of his sudden conversion." - -"Sudden, indeed, it should be," quoth Muriel; "for a more indifferent -listener to an afflicting message could not be met with than he proved -himself when I carried to him Mr. Genings's dying words." - -"Not more sudden," quoth Mr. Adams, "than St. Paul's was, and -therefore not incredible." - -Whilst we were yet speaking, a servant came in, and said a young -gentleman was at the door, and very urgent for to see Muriel. - -"Tell him," she said, raising her eyes, swollen with tears, "that I -have one hour ago buried my father, and am in no condition to see -strangers." - -The man returned with a paper, on which these words were written: - -"A penitent and a wanderer craveth to speak with you. If you shed -tears, his do incessantly flow. If you weep for a father, he grieveth -for one better to him than ten fathers. If your plight is sad, his -should be desperate, but for God's great mercy and a brother's prayers -yet pleading for him in heaven as once upon earth. - "JOHN GENINGS." - -"Heavens!" Muriel cried, "it is this changed man, this Saul become a -Paul, which stands at the door and knocks. Bring him in swiftly; the -best comfort I can know this day is to see one who awhile was lost and -is now found." - -When John Genings beheld her and me, he awhile hid his face in his -hands, and seemed unable to speak. To break this silence Mr. Adams -said, "Courage, Mr. Genings; your holy brother rejoiceth in heaven -over your changed mind, and further blessings still, I doubt not, he -shall yet obtain for you." - -Then this same John raised his head, and with as great and touching -sorrow as can be expressed, after thanking this unknown speaker for -his comfortable words, he begged of Muriel to relate to him each -action and speech in the dying scene she had witnessed; and when she -had ended this recital, with the like urgency he moved me to tell him -all I could remember of his brother's young years, all my father had -written of his life and virtues at college, all which we had heard of -his labors since he had come into the country, and lastly, in a manner -most simple and affecting, we all entreating him thereunto, he made -this narrative, addressing himself chiefly to Muriel: - -"You, madam, are acquainted with what was the hardness of mine heart -and cruel indifference to my brother's fate; with what disdain I -listened to you, with what pride I received his last advice. But about -ten days after his execution, toward night, having spent all that day -in sports and jollity, being weary with play, I resorted home to -repose myself. I went into a secret chamber, and was no sooner there -sat down, but forthwith my heart began to be heavy, and I weighed how -idly I had spent that day. Amidst these thoughts there was presently -represented to me an imagination and apprehension of the death of my -brother, and, amongst other things, how he had not long before -forsaken all worldly pleasure, and for the sake of his religion alone -endured dreadful torments. Then within myself I made long discourses -concerning his manner of living and mine own; and finding the one to -embrace pain and mortification, and the other to seek pleasure--the -one to live strictly, and the other licentiously--I was struck with -exceeding terror and remorse. I wept bitterly, desiring God to -illuminate mine understanding, that I might see and perceive the -truth. Oh, what great joy and consolation did I feel at that -instant! What reverence on the sudden did I begin to bear to the -Blessed Virgin and to the Saints of God, which before I had never -scarcely so much as heard of! What strange emotions, as it were -inspirations, with exceeding readiness of will to change my religion, -took possession of my soul! and what heavenly conception had I then of -my brother's felicity! I imagined I saw him--I thought I heard him. In -this ecstasy of mind I made a vow upon the spot, as I lay prostrate on -the ground, to forsake kindred and country, to find out the true -knowledge of Edmund's faith. Oh, sir," he ended by saying, turning to -Mr. Adams, which he guessed to be a priest, "think you not my brother -obtained for me in heaven what on earth he had not obtained? for here -I am become a Catholic in faith without persuasion or conference with -any one man in the world?" - -"Ay, my good friend," Mr. Adams replied; "the blood of martyrs will -ever prove the seed of the Church. Let us then, in our private -prayers, implore the suffrages of those who in this country do lose -their lives for the faith, and take unto ourselves the words of -Jeremiah: 'O Lord, remember what has happened unto us. Behold and see -our great reproach; our inheritance is gone to strangers, our houses -to aliens. We are become as children without a father, our mothers are -made as it were widows.'" - -These last words of Holy Writ brought to mine own mind private -sorrows, and caused me to shed tears. Soon after John Genings departed -from England without giving notice to us or any of his friends, and -went beyond seas to execute his promise. I have heard that he has -entered the holy order of St. Francis, and is seeking to procure a -convent of that religion at Douay, in hopes of restoring the English -Franciscan province, of which it is supposed he will be first -provincial. Report doth state him to be an exceeding strict and holy -religious, and like to prove an instrument in furnishing the English -mission with many zealous and apostolical laborers. - -Muriel and I were solitary in that great city where so many -misfortunes had beset us; she with her anchor cast where her hopes -could not be deceived; I by mine own folly like unto a ship at sea -without a chart. Womanly reserve, mixed, I ween, with somewhat of -pride, restraining me from writing to Basil, though, as my face -improved each day, I deplored my hasty folly, and desired nothing so -much as to see him again, when, if his love should prove unchanged -(shame on that word _if!_ which my heart disavowed), we should be as -heretofore, and the suffering I had caused him and endured myself -would end. But how this might happen I foresaw not; and life was sad -and weary while so much suspense lasted. - -Muriel would not forsake me while in this plight; but although none -could have judged it from her cheerful and amiable behavior, I well -knew that she sighed for the haven of a religions home, and grieved to -keep her from it. After some weeks spent in this fashion, with very -little comfort, I was sitting one morning dismally forecasting the -future, writing letter after letter to Basil, which still I tore up -rather than send them--for I warrant you it was no easy matter for to -express in writing what I longed to say. To tell him the cause of my -breaking our contract was so much as to compel him to the performance -of it; and albeit I was no longer so ill-favored as at the first, yet -the good looks I had before my sickness had by no means wholly -returned. Sometimes I wrote: "Your thinking, dear Basil, that I do -affection any but yourself is so false and injurious an imagination, -that I cannot suffer you to entertain it. Be sure I never can and -never shall love any but you; yet, for all that, I cannot marry you." -Then effacing this last sentence, which verily belied my true desire, -I would write another: "Methinks if you should see me now, yourself -would not wish otherwise than to dissolve a contract wherein -your contentment should be less than it hath been." And then thinking -this should be too obscure, changed it to--"In sooth, dear Basil, my -appearance is so altered that you would yourself, I ween, not desire -for to wed one so different from the Constance you have seen and -loved." But pride whispered to restrain this open mention of my -suspicious fears of his liking me less for my changed face; yet -withal, conscience reproved this misdoubt of one whose affection had -ever shown itself to be of the nobler sort, which looketh rather to -the qualities of the heart and mind than to the exterior charms of a -fair visage. - -Alas! what a torment doth perplexity occasion. I had let go my pen, -and my tears were falling on the paper, when Muriel opened the door of -the parlor. - -"What is it?" I cried, hiding my face with mine hand that she should -not see me weeping. - -"A letter from Lady Arundel," she answered. - -I eagerly took it from her; and on the reading of it found it -contained an urgent request from her ladyship, couched in most -affectionate terms, and masking the kindness of its intent under a -show of entreating, as a favor to herself that I would come and reside -with her at Arundel Castle, where she greatly needed the solace of a -friend's company, during her lord's necessary absences. - - "Mine own dear, good Constance," she wrote, "come to me quickly. In - a letter I cannot well express all the good you will thus do to me. - For mine own part, I would fain say come to me until death shall - part us. But so selfish I would not be; yet prithee come until such - time as the clouds which have obscured the fair sky of thy future - prospects have passed away, and thy Basil's fortunes are mended; for - I will not cease to call him thine, for all that thou hast thyself - thrust a spoke in a wheel which otherwise should have run smoothly, - for the which thou art now doing penance: but be of good cheer; time - will bring thee shrift. Some kind of comfort I can promise thee in - this house, greater than I dare for to commit to paper. Lose no time - then. From thy last letter methinks the gentle turtle-dove at whose - side thou dost now nestle hath found herself a nest whereunto she - longeth to fly. Let her spread her wings thither, and do thou hasten - to the shelter of these old walls and the loving faithful heart of - thy poor friend, - "ANNE ARUNDEL AND SURREY." - -Before a fortnight was overpast Muriel and I had parted; she for her -religious home beyond seas, I for the castle of my Lord Arundel, -whither I travelled in two days, resting on my way at the pleasant -village of Horsham. During the latter part of the journey the road lay -through a very wild expanse of down; but as soon as I caught sight of -the sea my heart bounded with joy; for to gaze on its blue expanse -seemed to carry me beyond the limits of this isle to the land where -Basil dwelt. When I reached the castle, the sight of the noble gateway -and keep filled me with admiration; and riding into the court thereof, -I looked with wonder on the military defences bristling on every side. -But what a sweet picture smiled from one of the narrow windows over -above the entrance-door!--mine own loved friend, yet fairer in her -matronly and motherly beauty than even in her girlhood's loveliness, -holding in her arms the pretty bud which had blossomed on a noble tree -in the time of adversity. Her countenance beamed on me like the -morning sun's; and my heart expanded with joy when, half-way up the -stairs which led to her chamber, I found myself inclosed in her arms. -She led me to a settle near a cheerful fire, and herself removed my -riding-cloak, my hat and veil, stroked my cheek with two of her -delicate white fingers, and said with a smile, - -"In sooth, my dear Constance, thou art an arrant cheat." - -"How so, most dear lady?" I said, likewise smiling. - - -"Why, thou art as comely as ever I thee; which, after all the torments -inflicted on poor Master Rookwood by thy prophetical vision of an -everlasting deformity, carefully concealed from him under the garb of -a sudden fit of inconstancy, is a very nefarious injustice. Go to, go -to; if he should see thee now, he never would believe but that that -management of thine was a cunning device for to break faith with him." - -"Nay, nay," I cried; "if I should be ever so happy, which I deserve -not, for to see him again, there could never be for one moment a -mistrust on his part of a love which is too strong and too fond for -concealment. If the feebleness of sickness had not bred unreasonable -fears, methinks I should not have been guilty of so great a folly as -to think he would prize less what he was always wont most to treasure -far above their merits--the heart and mind of his poor Constance ---because the casket which held them had waxed unseemly. But when the -day shall come in which Basil and I may meet, God only knoweth. Human -foresight cannot attain to this prevision." - -Lady Arundel's eyes had a smiling expression then which surprised me. -For mine own heart was full when I thus spoke, and I was wont to meet -in her with a more quick return of the like feelings I expressed than -at that time appeared. Slight inward resentments, painfully, albeit -not angrily, entertained, I was by nature prone to; and in this case -the effect of this impression suddenly checked the joy which at my -first arrival I had experienced. O, how much secret discipline should -be needed for to rule that little unruly kingdom within us, which many -look not into till serious rebellions do arise, which need fire and -sword to quell them for lack of timely repression! Her ladyship set -before me some food, and constrained me to eat, which I did merely for -to content her. She appeared to me somewhat restless: beginning a -sentence, and then breaking off suddenly in the midst thereof; going -in and out of the chamber; laughing at one time, and then seeming as -if about to weep. "When I had finished eating, and a servant had -removed the dishes, she sat down by my side and took my hand in hers. -Then the tears truly began to roll down her cheeks. - -"O, for God's sake, what aileth you, dearest lady?" I said, uneasily -gazing on her agitated countenance. - -"Nothing ails me," she answered; "only I fear to frighten thee, albeit -in a joyful manner." - -"Frightened with joy!" I sadly answered. "O, that should be a rare -fright, and an unwonted one to me of late." - -"Therefore," she said, smiling through her tears, "peradventure the -more to be feared." - -"What joy do you speak of? I pray you, sweet lady, keep me not in -suspense." - -"If, for instance," she said in a low voice, pressing my hands very -hard,--"if I was to tell thee Constance, that thy Basil was here, -shouldst thou not be affrighted?" - -Methinks I must have turned very white; leastways, I began to tremble. - -"Is he here?" I said, almost beside myself with the fearful hope her -words awoke. - -"Yea," she said. "Since three days he is here." - -For a moment I neither spoke nor moved. - -"How comes it about? how doth it happen?" I began to say; but a -passion of tears choked my utterance. I fell into her arms, sobbing on -her breast; for verily I had no power to restrain myself. I heard her -say, "Master Rookwood, come in." Then, after those sad long weary -years, I again heard his cheerful voice; then I saw his kind eyes -speaking what words could never have uttered, or one-half so well -expressed. Then I felt the happiness which is most like, I ween, -of any on earth to that of heaven: after long parting, to meet again -one intensely loved--each heart overflowing with an unspoken joy and -with an unbounded thankfulness to God. Amazement did so fill me at -this unlooked-for good, that I seemed content for a while to think of -it as of a dream, and only feared to be awoke. But oh, with how many -sweet tears of gratitude--with what bursts of wonder and admiration--I -soon learnt how Lady Arundel had formed this kind plot, to which -Muriel had been privy, for to bring together parted lovers, and -procure to others the happiness she so often lacked herself--the -company of the most loved person in the world. She had herself written -to Basil, and related the cause of my apparent change; a cause, she -said, at no time sufficient for to warrant a desperate action, and -even then passing away. But that had it forever endured, she was of -opinion his was a love would survive any such accident as touched only -the exterior, when all else was unimpaired. She added, that when Mr. -Congleton, who was then at the point of death, should have expired, -and Muriel gone beyond seas to fulfil her religious intent, she would -use all the persuasion in her power to bring me to reside with her, -which was the thing she most desired in the world; and that if he -should think it possible under another name for to cross the seas and -land at some port in Sussex, he should be the welcomest guest -imaginable at Arundel Castle, if even, like St. Alexis, he should hide -his nobility under the garb of rags, and come thither begging on foot; -but yet she hoped, for his sake, it should not so happen, albeit -nothing could be more honorable if the cause was a good one. It needed -no more inducement than what this letter contained for to move Basil -to attempt this secret return. He took the name of Martingale, and -procured a passage in a small trading craft, which landed him at the -port of a small town named Littlehampton, about three or four miles -from Arundel. Thence he walked to the castle, where the countess -feigned him to be a leech sent by my lord to prescribe remedies for a -pain in her head, which she was oftentimes afflicted with, and as such -entertained him in the eyes of strangers as long as he continued -there, which did often move us to great merriment; for some of the -neighbors which she was forced to see, would sometimes ask for to -consult the countess's physician; and to avoid misdoubts, Basil once -or twice made up some innocent compounds, which an old gentleman and a -maiden lady in the town vowed had cured them, the one of a fit of the -gout, and the other of a very sharp disorder in her stomach. But to -return to the blissful first day of our meeting, one of the happiest I -had yet known; for a paramount affection doth so engross the heart, -that other sorrows vanish in its presence like dewdrops in the -sunshine. I can never forget the smallest particle of its many joys. -The long talk between Basil and me, first in Lady Arundel's chamber, -and then in the gallery of the castle, walking up and down, and when I -was tired, I sitting and he standing by the window which looked on the -fair valley and silvery river Arun, running toward the sea, through -pleasant pastures, with woody slopes on both sides, a fair and a -peaceful scene; fair and peaceful as the prospect Basil unfolded to me -that day, if we could but once in safety cross the seas; for his -debtors had remitted to him in France the moneys which they owed him, -and he had purchased a cottage in a very commodious village near the -town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with an apple-orchard and a garden stored -with gay flowers and beehives, and a meadow with two large -walnut-trees in it. "And then bethink thee," he added, "mine own dear -love, that right in front of this fine mansion doth stand the parish -church, where God is worshipped in a Catholic manner in peace -and freedom; and nothing greater or more weighty need, methinks, to be -said in its praise." - -I said I thought so too, and that the picture he drew of it liked me -well. - -"But," quoth Basil suddenly, "I must tell thee, sweetheart, I liked -not well thy behavior touching thine altered face, and the misleading -letter thou didst send me at that time. No!" he exclaimed with great -vehemency, "it mislikes me sorely that thou shouldst have doubted my -love and faith, and dealt with me so injuriously. If I was now by some -accident disfigured, I must by that same token expect thine affection -for me should decay." - -"O Basil!" I cried, "that would be an impossible thing!" - -"Wherefore impossible?" he replied; "you thought such a change -possible in me?" - -"Because," I said, smiling, "women are the most constant creatures in -the world, and not fickle like unto men, or so careful of a good -complexion in others, or a fine set of features." - -"Tut, tut!" he cried, "I do admire that thou shouldst dare to utter so -great a . . . ." then he stopped, and, laughing, added, "the last half -of Raleigh's name, as the queen's bad riddle doth make it." [Footnote 5] - - [Footnote 5: "The bane of the stomach, and the word of disgrace. - Is the name of the gentleman with the bold."] - -Well, much talk of this sort was ministered between us; but albeit I -find pleasure in the recalling of it, methinks the reading thereof -should easily weary others; so I must check my pen, which, like unto a -garrulous old gossip, doth run on, overstepping the limits of -discretion. - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -Before I arrived, Lady Arundel had made Basil privy to a great secret, -with warrant to impart it to me. In a remote portion of the castle's -buildings was concealed at that time Father Southwell, a man who had -not his like for piety and good parts; a sweet poet also, whose pieces -of verse, chiefly written in that obscure chamber in Arundel Castle, -have been since done into print, and do win great praise from all -sorts of people. Adjoining to his room, which only one servant in the -house, who carried his meals to him, had knowledge of, and from which -he could not so much as once look out of the window for fear of being -seen, was a small oratory where he said mass every day, and by a -secret passage Lady Arundel went from her apartments for to hear it. -That same evening after supper she led me thither for to get this good -priest's blessing, and also his counsel touching my marriage; for both -her ladyship and Basil were urgent for it to take place in a private -manner at the castle before we left England. For, they argued, if -there should be danger in this departure, it were best encountered -together; and except we were married it should be an impossible thing -for me to travel in his company and land with him in France. Catholics -could be married in a secret manner now that the needs of the times, -and the great perils many were exposed to, gave warrant for it. After -some talk with Father Southwell and Lady Arundel, I consented to their -wishes with more gladness of heart, I ween, than was seemly to -exhibit; for verily I was better contented than can be thought of to -think I should be at last married to my dear Basil, and nevermore to -part from him, if it so pleased God that we should land safely in -France, which did seem to me then the land of promise. - -The next days were spent in forecasting means for a safe departure, as -soon as these secret nuptials should have taken place; but none had -been yet resolved on, when one morning I was called to Lady Arundel's -chamber, whom I found in tears and greatly disturbed, for that she had -heard from Lady Margaret Sackville, who was then in London, that -Lord Arundel was once more resolved to leave the realm, albeit Father -Edmunds did dissuade him from that course; but some other friend's -persuasions were more availing, and he had determined to go to France, -where he might live in safety and serve God quietly. - -My lady's agitation at this news was very great. She said nothing -should content her but to go with him, albeit she was then with child; -and she should write to tell him so; but before she could send a -letter Lord Arundel came to the castle, and held converse for many -hours with her and Father Southwell. When I met her afterward in the -gallery, her eyes were red with weeping. She said my lord desired to -see Basil and me in her chamber at nine of the clock. He wished to -speak with us of his resolve to cross the seas, and she prayed God -some good should arise out of it. Then she added, "I am now going to -the chapel, and if thou hast nothing of any weight to detain thee, -then come thither also, for to join thy prayers with mine for the -favorable issue of a very doubtful matter." - -When we repaired to her ladyship's chamber at the time appointed, my -lord greeted us in an exceeding kind manner; and after some talk -touching Basil's secret return to England, our marriage, and then as -speedy as possible going abroad, his lordship said: "I also am -compelled to take a like course, for my evil-willers are resolved to -work my ruin and overthrow, and will succeed therein by means of my -religion. Many actions which at the outset may seem rash and -unadvised, after sufficient consideration do appear to be just and -necessary; and, methinks, my dearest wife and Father Southwell are now -minded to recommend what at first they misliked, and to see that in -this my present intent I take the course which, though it imperils my -fortunes, will tend to my soul's safety and that of my children. Since -I have conceived this intent, I thank God I have found a great deal -more quietness in my mind; and in this respect I have just occasion to -esteem my past troubles as my greatest felicity, for they have been -the means of leading me to that course which ever brings perfect -quietness, and only procures eternal happiness. I am resolved, as my -dear Nan well knoweth, to endure any punishment rather than willingly -to decline from what I have begun; I have bent myself as nearly as I -could to continue in the same, and to do no act repugnant to my faith -and profession. And by means hereof I am often compelled to do many -things which may procure peril to myself, and be an occasion of -mislike to her majesty. For, look you, on the first day of this -parliament, when the queen was hearing of a sermon in the cathedral -church of Westminster, above in the chancel, I was driven to walk by -myself below in one of the aisles; and another day this last Lent, -when she was hearing another sermon in the chapel at Greenwich, I was -forced to stay all the while in the presence-chamber. Then also when -on any Sunday or holyday her grace goes to her great closet, I am -forced either to stay in the privy chamber, and not to wait upon her -at all, or else presently to depart as soon as I have brought her to -the chapel. These things, and many more, I can by no means escape, but -only by an open plain discovery of myself, in the eye and opinion of -all men, as to the true cause of my refusal; neither can it now be -long hidden, although for a while it may not have been generally noted -and observed." - -Lady Arundel sighed and said: - -"I must needs confess that of necessity it must shortly be discovered; -and when I remember what a watchful and jealous eye is carried over -all such as are known to be recusants, and also how their lodgings are -continually searched, and to how great danger they are subject if a -Jesuit or seminary priest be found within their house, I begin to see -that either you cannot serve God in such sort as you have -professed, or else you must incur the hazard of greater sufferings -than I am willing you should endure." - -"For my part," Basil said, "I would ask, my lord, those that hate you -most, whether being of the religion which you do profess, they would -not take that course for safety of their souls and discharge of their -consciences which you do now meditate? And either they must directly -tell you that they would have done the same, or acknowledge themselves -to be mere atheists; which, howsoever they be affected in their -hearts, I think they would be loth to confess with their mouths." - -"What sayest thou, Constance, of my lord's intent?" Lady Arundel said, -when Basil left off speaking. - -"I am ashamed to utter my thinking in his presence, and in yours, -dearest lady," I replied; "but if you command me to it, methinks that -having had his house so fatally and successfully touched, and finding -himself to be of that religion which is accounted dangerous and odious -to the present state, which her majesty doth detest, and of which she -is most jealous and doubtful, and seeing he might now be drawn for his -conscience into a great and continual danger, not being able to do any -act or duty whereunto his religion doth bind him without incurring the -danger of felony, he must needs run upon his death headlong, which is -repugnant to the law of God and flatly against conscience, or else he -must resolve to escape these perils by the means he doth propose." - -"Yea," exclaimed his lordship, with so much emotion that his voice -shook in the utterance of the words, "long have I debated with myself -on the course to take. I do see it to be the safest way to depart out -of the realm, and abide in some other place where I may live without -danger of my conscience, without offence to the queen, without daily -peril of my life; but yet I was drawn by such forcible persuasions to -be of another opinion, as I could not easily resolve on which side to -settle my determination. For on the one hand my native, and oh how -dearly loved country, my own early friends, my kinsfolk, my home, and, -more than all, my wife, which I must for a while part with if I go, do -invite me to stay. Poverty awaits me abroad; but in what have state -and riches benefited us, Nan? Shall not ease of heart and freedom from -haunting fears compensate for vain wealth? When, with the sweet -burthen in thine arms which for a while doth detain thee here, thou -shalt kneel before God's altar in a Catholic land, methinks thou wilt -have but scanty regrets for the trappings of fortune." - -"God is my witness," the sweet lady replied, "that should be the -happiest day of my life. But I fear--yea, much I do fear--the chasm -of parting which doth once more open betwixt thee and me. Prithee, -Phil, let me go with thee," she tearfully added. - -"Nay, sweet Nan," he answered; "thou knowest the physicians forbid thy -journeying at the present time so much as hence to London. How should -it then behoove thee to run the perils of the sea, and nightly voyage, -and it may be rough usage? Nay, let me behold thee again, some months -hence, with a fair boy in thine arms, which if I can but once behold, -my joy shall be full, if I should have to labor with mine hands for to -support him and thee." - -She bowed her head on the hand outstretched to her; but I could see -the anguish with which she yielded her assent to this separation. -Methinks there was some sort of presentiment of the future heightening -her present grief; she seemed so loth her lord should go, albeit -reason and expediency forced from her an unwilling consent. - -Before the conversation in Lady Arundel's chamber ended, the earl -proposed that Basil and I should accompany him abroad, and cross the -sea in the craft he should privately hire, which would sail from -Littlehampton, and carry us to some port of France, whence along the -coast we could travel to Boulogne. This liked her ladyship well. Her -eyes entreated our consent thereunto, as if it should have been a -favor she asked, which indeed was rather a benefit conferred on us; -for nothing would serve my lord but that he should be at the entire -charge of the voyage, who smiling said, for such good company as he -should thus enjoy he should be willing to be taxed twice as much, and -yet consider himself to be the obliged party in this contract. - -"But we must be married first," Basil bluntly said. - -Lady Arundel replied that Father Southwell could perform the ceremony -when we pleased--yea, on the morrow, if it should be convenient; and -that my lord should be present thereat. - -I said this should be very short notice, I thought, for to be married -the next day; upon which Basil exclaimed, - -"These be not times, sweetheart, for ceremonies, fashions, and nice -delays. Methinks since our betrothal there hath been sufficient -waiting for to serve the turn of the nicest lady in the world in the -matter of reserves and yeas and nays." - -Which is the sharpest thing, I think, Basil hath uttered to me either -before or since we have been married. So, to appease him, I said not -another word against this sudden wedding; and the next day but one, at -nine of the clock, was then fixed for the time thereof. - -On the following morning Lord Arundel and Basil (the earl had -conceived a very great esteem and good disposition toward him; as -great, and greater he told me, as for some he had known for as many -years as him hours) went out together, under pretence of shooting in -the woods on the opposite side of the river about Leominster, but -verily to proceed to Littlehampton, where the earl had appointed to -meet the captain of the vessel--a Catholic man, the son of an old -retainer of his family--with whom he had dealt for the hiring of a -vessel for to sail to France as soon as the wind should prove -favorable. Whilst they were gone upon this business, Lady Arundel and -I sat in the chamber which looked into the court, making such simple -preparations as would escape notice for our wedding, and the departure -which should speedily afterward ensue. - -"I will not yield thee," her ladyship said, "to be married except in a -white dress and veil, which I shall hide in a chamber nigh unto the -oratory, where I myself will attire thee, dear love; and see, this -morning early I went out alone into the garden and gathered this store -of rosemary, for to make thee a nosegay to wear in thy bosom. Father -Southwell saith it is used at weddings for an emblem of fidelity. If -so, who should have so good a right to it as my Constance and her -Basil? But I will lay it up in a casket, which shall conceal it the -while, and aid to retain the scent thereof." - -"O dear lady," I cried, seizing her hands, "do you remember the day -when you plucked rosemary in our old garden at Sherwood, and smiling, -said to me, 'This meaneth remembrance?' Since it signifieth fidelity -also, well should you affection it; for where shall be found one so -faithful in love and friendship as you?" - -"Weep not," she said, pressing her fingers on her eyelids to stay her -own tears. "We must needs thank God and be joyful on the eve of thy -wedding-day; and I am resolved to meet my lord also with a cheerful -countenance, so that not in gloom but in hope he shall leave his -native land." - -In converse such as this the hours went swiftly by. Sometimes we -talked of the past, its many strange haps and changes; sometimes of -the future, forecasting the manner of our lives abroad, where in -safety, albeit in poverty, we hoped to spend our days. In the -afternoon there arrived at the castle my Lord William Howard and his -wife and Lady Margaret Sackville, who, having notice of their -brother's intent to go beyond seas on the next day, if it should be -possible, had come for to bid him farewell. - -Leaving Lady Arundel in their company, I went to the terrace -underneath the walls of the castle, and there paced up and down, -chewing the cud of both sweet and sad memories. I looked at the soft -blue sky and fleecy clouds, urged along by a westerly breeze -impregnated with a salt savor; on the emerald green of the fields, the -graceful forms of the leafless trees on the opposite hills, on the -cattle peacefully resting by the river-side. I listed to the rustling -of the wind amongst the bare branches over mine head, and the bells of -a church ringing far off in the valley. "O England, mine own England, -my fair native land--am I to leave thee, never to return?" I cried, -speaking aloud, as if to ease my oppressed heart. Then mine eyes -rested on the ruined hospital of the town, the shut-up churches, the -profaned sanctuaries, and thought flying beyond the seas to a Catholic -land, I exclaimed, "The sparrow shall find herself a house, and the -turtle-dove a nest for herself--the altars of the Lord of hosts, my -king and my God." - -When Basil returned, he told me that the vessel which was to take us -to France was lying out at sea near the coast. Lord Arundel and -himself had gone in a boat to speak with the captain, who did seem a -particular honest man and zealous Catholic; and the earl had bespoken -some needful accommodation for Mistress Martingale, he said, smiling; -not very commodious, indeed, but as good as on board the like craft -could be expected. If the wind remained in the same quarter in the -afternoon of the morrow, we should then sail; if it should change, so -as to be most unfavorable, the captain should send private notice of -it to the castle. - -The whole of that evening the earl spent in writing a letter to her -majesty. He feared that his enemies, after his departure, would, by -their slanderous reports, endeavor to disgrace him with the people, -and cause the queen to have sinister surmises of him. He confided this -letter to the Lady Margaret, his sister, to be delivered unto her -after his arrival in France; by which it might appear, both to her and -all others, what were the true causes which had moved him to undertake -that resolution. - -I do often think of that evening in the great chamber of the -castle--the young earl in the vigorous strength and beauty of manhood, -his comely and fair face now bending over his writing, now raised with -a noble and manly grief, as he read aloud portions of it, which, -methinks, would have touched any hearts to hear them; and how much the -more that loving wife, that affectionate sister, that faithful -brother, those devoted friends which seemed to be in some sort -witnesses of his last will before a final parting! I mind me of the -sorrowful, dove-like sweetness of Lady Arundel's countenance; the -flashing eyes of Lady Margaret; the loving expression, veiled by a -studied hardness, of Lord William's face; of his wife my Lady Bess's -reddening cheek and tearful eyes, which she did conceal behind the -coif of her childish namesake sitting on her knees. When he had -finished his letter, with a somewhat moved voice the earl read the -last passages thereof: "If my protestation, who never told your -majesty any untruth, may carry credit in your opinion, I here call God -and his angels to witness that I would not have taken this course if I -might have stayed in England without danger of my soul or peril of my -life. I am enforced to forsake my country, to forget my friends, to -leave my wife, to lose the hope of all worldly pleasures and earthly -commodities. All this is so grievous to flesh and blood, that I could -not desire to live if I were not comforted with the remembrance -of his mercy for whom I endure all this, who endured ten thousand -times more for me. Therefore I remain in assured hope that myself and -my cause shall receive that favor, conceit, and rightful construction -at your majesty's hands which I may justly challenge. I do humbly -crave pardon for my long and tedious letter, which the weightiness of -the matter enforced me unto; and I beseech God from the bottom of my -heart to send your majesty as great happiness as I wish to mine own -soul." - -A time of silence followed the reading of these sentences, and then -the earl said in a cheerful manner: - -"So, good Meg, I commit this protestation to thy good keeping. When -thou hearest of my safe arrival in France, then straightway see to -have it placed in the queen's hands." - -The rest of the evening was spent in affectionate converse by these -near kinsfolk. Basil and I repaired the while by the secret passage to -Father Southwell's chamber, where we were in turn shriven, and -afterward received from him such good counsel and rules of conduct as -he deemed fitting for married persons to observe. Before I left him, -this good father gave me, writ in his own hand, some sweet verses -which he had that day composed for us, and which I do here transcribe. -He, smiling, said he had made mention of fishes in his poem, for to -pleasure so famous an angler as Basil; and of birds, for that he knew -me to be a great lover of these soaring creatures: - - "The lopped tree in time may grow again. - Most naked plants renew both fruit and flower; - The sorest wight may find release of pain. - The driest soil suck in some moistening shower; - Times go by turn, and chances change by course. - From foul to fair, from better hap to worse. - - "The sea of fortune doth not over flow, - She draws her favors to the lowest ebb; - Her time hath equal times to come and go. - Her loom doth weave the fine and coarsest web; - No joy so great but runneth to an end. - No hap so hard but may in fine amend. - - "A chance may win that by mischance was lost. - The well that holds no great, takes little fish; - In some things all, in all things none are crossed. - Few all they need, but none have all they wish; - Unmeddled joys here to no man befal, - Who least have some, who most have never all. - - "Not always fall of leaf, nor ever spring; - No endless night, yet not eternal day; - The saddest birds a season find to sing; - The roughest storm a calm may soon allay; - Thus with succeeding turns God tempereth all, - That man may hope to rise, yet fear to fall." - -The common sheet of paper which doth contain this his writing hath a -greater value in mine eyes than the most rich gift that can be thought -of. - -On the next morning. Lady Arundel conducted me from mine own chamber, -first into a room where with her own hands she arrayed me in my bridal -dress, and with many tender kisses and caresses, such as a sister or a -mother would bestow, testified her affection for her poor friend; and -thence to the oratory, where the altar was prepared, and by herself in -secret decked with early primroses, which had begun to show in the -woods and neath the hedges. A small but noble company were gathered -round us that day. From pure and holy lips the Church's benison came -to us. The vows we exchanged have been faithfully observed, and long -years have set a seal on the promises then made. - -Basil's wife! Oh, what a whole compass of happiness did lie in those -two words! Yea, the waves of the sea might now rage and the winds -blow. The haven might be distant and the way thither insecure. Man's -enmity or accident might yet rob us each of the other's visible -presence. But naught could now sever the cord, strong like unto a -cable chain, which bound our souls in one. Anchored in that wedded -unity, which is one of God's sacraments, till death, ay, and beyond -death also, this tie should last. - -We have been young, and now are old. We have lost country, home, and -almost every friend known and affectioned in our young years; but - that deepest, holiest love, the type of Christ's union with his -Church, still doth shed its light over the evening of life. My dear -Basil, I am assured, thinks me as fair as when we did sit together -fishing on the banks of the Ouse; and his hoary head and withered -cheeks are more lovely in mine eyes than ever were his auburn locks -and ruddy complexion. One of us must needs die before the other, -unless we should be so happy that that good should befal us as to end -our days as two aged married persons I have heard of. It was the -husband's custom, as soon as ever he unclosed his eyes, to ask his -wife how she did; but one night, he being in a deep sleep, she quietly -departed toward the morning. He was that day to have gone out -a-hunting, and it was his custom to have his chaplain pray with him -before he went out. The women, fearful to surprise him with the ill -news, had stolen out and acquainted the chaplain, desiring him to -inform him of it. But the gentleman waking did not on that day, as was -his custom ask for his wife, but called his chaplain to prayers, and, -joining with him, in the midst of the prayer expired, and both were -buried in the same grave. Methinks this should be a very desirable -end, only, if it pleased God, I would wish to have the last -sacraments, and then to die just before Basil, when his time cometh. -But God knoweth best; and any ways we are so old and so near of an -age, one cannot tarry very long behind when the other is gone. - -Being at rest after our marriage touching what concerned ourselves, -compassion for Lady Arundel filled our hearts. Alas! how bravely and -how sweetly she bore this parting grief. Her intense love for her -lord, and sorrow at their approaching separation, struggled with her -resolve not to sadden their last hours, which were prolonged beyond -expectancy. For once on that day, and twice on that which followed, -when all was made ready for departure, a message came from the captain -for to say the wind, and another time the tide, would not serve; and -albeit each time, like a reprieved person, Lady Arundel welcomed the -delay, methinks these retardments served to increase her sufferings. -Little Bess hung fondly on her father's neck the last time he returned -from Littlehampton with the tidings the vessel would not sail for some -hours, kissing his face and playing with his beard. - -"Ah, dearest Phil!" her mother cried, "the poor babe rejoiceth in the -sight of thee, all unwitting in her innocent glee of the shortness of -this joy. Howsoever, methinks five or six hours of it is a boon for to -thank God for;" and so putting her arm in his, she led him away to a -solitary part of the garden, where they walked to and fro, she, as she -hath since written to me, starting each time the clock did strike, -like one doomed to execution. Methinks there was this difference -between them, that he was full of hope and bright forecastings of a -speedy reunion; but on her soul lay a dead, mournful despondency, -which she hid by an apparent calmness. When, late in the evening, a -third message came for to say the ship could not depart that night, I -begun to think it would never go at all. I saw Basil looked at the -weathercock and shrugged his shoulders, as if the same thought was in -his mind. But when I spake of it, he said seafaring folks had a -knowledge in these matters which others did not possess, and we must -needs be patient under these delays. Howsoever, at three o'clock in -the morning the shipman signified that the wind was fit and all in -readiness. So we rose in haste and prepared for to depart. The -countess put her arms about my neck, and this was the last embrace I -ever had of her. My lord's brother and sisters hung about him awhile -in great grief. Then his wife put out her hands to him, and, with a -sorrow too deep for speech, fixed her eyes on his visage. - - -"Cheep up, sweetest wife," I heard him say. "Albeit nature suffers in -this severance from my native land, my true home shall be wherever it -shall please God to bring thee and me and our children together. God -defend the loss of this world's good should make us sad, if we be but -once so blessed as to meet again where we may freely serve him." - -Then, after a long and tender clasping of her to his breast, he tore -himself away and getting on a horse rode to the coast. Basil and I, -with Mr. William Bray and Mr. Burlace, drove in a coach to the port. -It was yet dark, and a heavy mist hung on the valley. Folks were yet -abed, and the shutters of the houses closed, as we went down the hill -through the town. After crossing the bridge over the Arun the air felt -cold and chill. At the steep ascent near Leominster I put my head out -of the window for to look once more at the castle, but the fog was too -thick. At the port the coach stopped, and a boat was found waiting for -us. Lord Arundel was seated in it, with his face muffled in a cloak. -The savor of the sea air revived my spirits; and when the boat moved -off, and I felt the waves lifting it briskly, and with my hand in -Basil's I looked on the land we were leaving, and then on the watery -world before us, a singular emotion filled my soul, as if it was some -sort of death was happening to me--a dying to the past, a gliding on -to an unknown future on a pathless ocean, rocked peacefully in the -arms of his sheltering love, even as this little bark which carried us -along was lifted up and caressed by the waves of the deep sea. - -When we reached the vessel the day was dawning. The sun soon emerged -from a bank of clouds, and threw its first light on the rippling -waters. A favoring wind filled our sails, and like a bird on the wing -the ship bounded on its way till the flat shore at Littlehampton and -the far-off white cliffs to the eastward were well-nigh lost sight of. -Lord Arundel stood with Basil on the narrow deck, gazing at the -receding coast. - -"How sweet the air doth blow from England!" he said; "how blue the sky -doth appear to-day! and those saucy seagulls how free and happy they -do look!" Then he noticed some fishing-boats, and with a telescope he -had in his hand discerned various ships very far off. Afterward he -came and sat down by my side, and spoke in a cheerful manner of his -wife and the simple home he designed for her abroad. "Some years ago, -Mistress Constance," he said--and then smiling, added, "My tongue is -not yet used to call you Mistress Rookwood--when my sweet Nan, albeit -a wife, was yet a simple child, she was wont to say, 'Phil, would we -were farmers! You would plough the fields and cut wood in the forest, -and I should milk the cows and feed the poultry.' Well, methinks her -wish may yet come to pass. In Brittany or Normandy some little -homestead should shelter us, where Bess shall roll on the grass and -gather the fallen apples, and on Sundays put on her bravest clothes -for to go to mass. What think you thereof, Mistress Constance? and who -knoweth but you and your good husband may also dwell in the same -village, and some eighteen or twenty years hence a gay wedding for to -take place betwixt one Master Rookwood and one Lady Ann or Margaret -Howard, or my Lord Maltravers with one Mistress Constance or Muriel -Rookwood? And on the green on such a day, Nan and Basil and you and I -should lead the brawls." - -"Methinks, my lord," I answered, smiling, "you do forecast too great a -condescension on your part, and too much ambition on our side, in the -planning of such a union." - -"Well, well," he said; "if your good husband carrieth not beyond seas -with him the best earl's title in England, I'll warrant you in God's -sight he weareth a higher one far away--the merit of an -unstained life and constant nobility of action; and I promise you, -beside, he will be the better farmer of the twain; so that in the -matter of tocher, Mistress Rookwood should exceed my Lady Bess or Ann -Howard." - -With such-like talk as this time was whiled away; and whilst we were -yet conversing I noticed that Basil spoke often to the captain and -looked for to be watching a ship yet at some distance, but which -seemed to be gaining on us. Lord Arundel, perceiving it, then also -joined them, and inquired what sort of craft it should be. The captain -professed to be ignorant thereof; and when Basil said it looked like a -small ship-of-war, and as there were many dangerous pirates about the -Channel it should be well to guard against it, he assented thereto, -and said he was prepared for defence. - -"With such unequal means," Basil replied, "as it is like we should -bring to a contest, speed should serve us better than defence." - -"But," quoth Lord Arundel, "she is, 'tis plain, a swifter sailer than -this one we are in. God's will be done, but 'tis a heavy misfortune if -a pirate at this time do attack us, and so few moneys with us for to -spare!" - -Now none of our eyes could detach themselves from this pursuing -vessel. The captain eluded further talk, on pretence for to give -orders and move some guns he had aboard on deck; but it was vain for -to think of a handful of men untrained to sea-warfare encountering a -superior force, such as this ship must possess, if its designs should -be hostile. As it moved nigher to us, we could perceive it to be well -manned and armed. And the captain then exclaimed: - -"'Tis Keloway's ship!" - -This man was of a notorious, infamous life, well known for his -sea-robberies and depredations in the Channel. - -"God yield," murmured the earl, "he shall content himself with the -small sum we can deliver to him and not stay us any further." - -A moment afterward we were boarded by this man, who, with his crew, -thrice as numerous as ours and armed to the teeth, comes on our deck -and takes possession of the ship. Straightway he walks to the earl and -tells him he doth know him, and had watched his embarkation, being -resolved to follow him and exact a good ransom at his hands, which if -he would pay without contention, he should himself, without further -stop or stay, pass him and his two gentlemen into France, adding, he -should take no less from him than one hundred pounds. - -"I have not so much, or near unto it, with me," Lord Arundel said. - -"But you can write a word or two to any friend of yours from whom I -may receive it." quoth Keloway. - -"Well," said the earl, "seeing I have pressing occasion for to go to -France, and would not be willingly delayed, I must needs consent to -your terms, no choice therein being allowed me. Get me some paper," he -said to Mr. William Bray. - -"Should this be prudent, my lord?" Basil whispered in his ear. - -"There is no help for it, Master Rookwood," the earl replied. "Beside, -there is honor even amongst thieves. Once secure of his money, this -man hath no interest in detaining us, but rather the contrary." - -And without further stopping, he hastily wrote a few lines to his -sister the Lady Margaret Sackville, in London, that she should speak -to Mr. Bridges, _alias_ Grately, a priest, to give one hundred pounds -to the bearer thereof, by the token that was between them, that _black -is white_, and withal assured her that he now certainly hoped to have -speedy passage without impediment. As soon as this paper was put into -Kelloway's hand, he read it, and immediately called on his men for to -arrest the Earl of Arundel, producing an order from the queen's -council for to prove he was appointed to watch there for him, -and carry him back again to land where her majesty's officers did -await him. - -An indescribable anguish seized my heart; an overwhelming grief, such -as methinks no other event, howsoever sad or tragical, or yet more -nearly touching me, had ever wrought in my soul, which I ascribe to a -presentiment that this should be the first link of that long chain of -woes which was to follow. - -"O, my lord!" I exclaimed, almost falling at his feet, "God help you -to bear this too heavy blow!" - -He took me by the hand; and never till I die shall I lose the memory -of the sweet serenity and noble steadfastness of his visage in this -trying hour. - -"God willeth it," he gently said; "his holy will be done! He will work -good out of what seemeth evil to us." And then gaily added, "We had -thought to travel the same way; now we must needs journey apart. Never -fear, good friends, but both roads shall lead to heaven, if we do but -tread them piously. My chief sorrow is for Nan; but her virtue is so -great, that affliction will never rob her of such peace as God only -giveth." - -Then this angelic man, forecasting for his friends in the midst of -this terrible mishap, passed into Basil's hands his pocket-book, and -said, "This shall pay your voyage, good friend; and if aught doth -remain afterward, let the poor have their share of it, for a -thank-offering, when you reach the shore in safety." - -Basil, I saw, could not speak; his heart was too full. O, what a -parting ensued on that sad ocean whose waves had seemed to dance so -joyously a short space before! With what aching hearts we pressed the -young earl's hand, and watched him pass into the other ship, -accompanied by his two gentlemen, which were with him arrested! No -heed was taken of us; and Kelloway, having secured his prey, abandoned -our vessel, the captain of which seemed uneasy and ill-disposed to -speak with us. We did then suspect, which doubt hath been since -confirmed, that this seeming honest Catholic man had acted a traitor's -part, and that those many delays had been used for the very purpose of -staying Lord Arundel until such time as all was prepared for his -capture. The wind, which was in our favor, bore us swiftly toward the -French coast; and we soon lost sight of the vessel which carried the -earl back to the shores of England. Fancy, you who read, what pictures -we needs must then have formed of that return; of the dismal news -reaching the afflicted wife, the sad sister, the mournful brother, and -friends now scattered apart, so lately clustered round him! Alas! when -we landed in France, at the port of Calais, the sense of our own -safety was robbed of half its joy by fears and sorrowing for the dear -friends whose fortunes have proved so dissimilar to our own. - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -The deep clear azure of the French sky, the lightsome pure air, the -quaint houses, and outlandish dresses of the people in Calais; the -sound of a foreign tongue understood, but not familiar, for a brief -time distracted my mind from painful themes. Basil led me to the -church for to give thanks to God for his mercies to us, and mostly did -it seem strange to me to enter an edifice in which he is worshipped in -a Catholic manner, which yet hath the form and appearance of a church, -and resembles not the concealed chambers in our country wherein mass -is said; an open visible house for the King of kings, not a -hiding-place, as in England. After we had prayed there a short time, -Basil put into a box at the entrance the money which Lord Arundel had -designed for the poor. A pale thin man stood at the door, which, when -we passed, said, "God bless you!" Basil looked earnestly at him, -and then exclaimed, "As I live, Mr. Watson!" "Yea," the good man -answered, "the same, or rather the shadow of the same, risen at the -last from the bed of sickness. O Mr. Rookwood, I am glad to see you!" -"And so am I to meet with you, Mr. Watson," Basil answered; and then -told this dear friend who I was, and the sad hap of Lord Arundel, -which moved in him a great concern for that young nobleman and his -excellent lady. Many tokens of regard and interchange of information -passed between us. He showed us where he lived, in a small cottage -near unto the ramparts; and nothing would serve him but to gather for -me in the garden a nosegay of early flowerets which just had raised -their heads above the sod. He said Dr. Allen had sent him money in his -sickness, and an English lady married to a French gentleman provided -for his wants. "Ah! that was the good madame I told you of," Basil -cried, turning to me; "who would have harbored . . . ." Then he -stopped short; but Mr. Watson had caught his meaning, and with tears -in his eyes said: "Fear not to speak of her whose death bought my -life, and it may be also my soul's safety. For, God knoweth, the -thought of her doth never forsake me so much as for one hour;" and -thereupon we parted with much kindness on both sides. That night we -lay at a small hostelry in the town; and the next morning hired a cart -with one horse, which carried us to Boulogne in one day, and thence to -this village, where we have lived since for many years in great peace. -I thank God, and very much contentment of mind, and no regrets save -such as do arise in the hearts of exiles without hope of return to a -beloved native country. - -The awaiting of tidings from England, which were long delayed, was at -the first a very sore trial, and those which reached us at last yet -more grievous than that suspense. Lord Arundel committed to the Tower; -his brother the Lord William and his sister the Lady Margaret not long -after arrested, which was more grief to him, his lady wrote to me, -than all his own troubles and imprisonment. But, O my God! how well -did that beginning match with what was to follow! Those ten years -which were spent amidst so many sufferings of all sorts by these two -noble persons, that the recital of them would move to pity the most -strong heart. - -Mine own sorrows, leastways all sharp ones, ended with my passage into -France. If Basil showed himself a worthy lover, he hath proved a yet -better husband. His nature doth so delight in doing good that it wins -him the love of all our neighbors. His life is a constant exercise of -charity. He is most indulgent to his wife and kind to his children, of -which it hath pleased God to give him three--one boy and two girls, of -as comely visages and commendable dispositions as can reasonably be -desired. He hath a most singular affection for all such as do suffer -for their religion, and cherishes them with an extraordinary bounty to -the limits of his ability; his house being a common resort for all -banished Catholics which land at Boulogne, from whence he doth direct -them to such persons as can assist them in their need. His love toward -my unworthy self hath never decreased. Methinks it rather doth -increase as we advance in years. We have ever been actuated as by one -soul; and never have any two wills agreed so well as Basil's and mine -in all aims in this world and hopes for the next. If any, in the -reading of this history, have only cared for mine own haps, I pray -them to end their perusal of it here; but if, even as my heart hath -been linked from early years with Lady Arundel's, there be any in -which my poor writing hath awakened somewhat of that esteem for her -virtues and resentment of her sorrows which hath grown in me from long -experience of her singular worth; if the noble atonement for -youthful offences and follies already shown in her lord's return to -his duty to her, and altered behavior in respect to God, hath also -moved them to desire a further knowledge of the manner in which these -two exalted souls were advanced by long affliction to a high point of -perfection--then to such the following pages shall not be wholly -devoid of that interest which the true recital of great misfortune -doth habitually carry with it. If none other had written the life of -that noble lady, methinks I must have essayed to do it; but having -heard that a good clergyman hath taken this task in hand, secretly -preparing materials whilst she yet lives wherewith to build her a -memorial at a future time, I have restrained myself to setting down -what, by means of her own writing or the reports of others, hath -reached my knowledge concerning the ten years which followed my last -parting with her. This was the first letter I received from this -afflicted lady after her lord's arrest: - - "O MY DEAR FRIEND--What days these have proved! Believe me, I - never looked for a favorable issue of this enterprise. When I first - had notice thereof, a notable chill fell on my soul, which never - warmed again with hope. When I began to pray after hearing of it, I - had what methinks the holy Juliana of Norwich (whose cell we did - once visit together, as I doubt not thou dost remember) would have - called a foreshowing, or, as others do express it, a presentiment of - coming evil. But how soon the effect followed! I had retired to rest - at nine of the clock; and before I was undressed Bertha came in with - a most downcast countenance. 'What news is there?' I quickly asked, - misdoubting some misfortune had happened. Then she began to weep. - 'Is my lord taken?' I cried, 'or worse befallen him?' 'He is taken,' - she answered, 'and is now being carried to London for to be - committed to the Tower. Master Ralph, the port-master, hath brought - the news. A man, an hour ago, had reported as much in the town; but - Mr. Fawcett would not suffer your ladyship to be told of it before a - greater certainty thereof should appear. O woe be the day my lord - ever embarked!' Then I heard sounds of wailing and weeping in the - gallery; and opening the door, found Bessy's nurse and some other of - the servants lamenting in an uncontrolled fashion. I could not shed - one tear, but gave orders they should fetch unto me the man which - had brought the tidings. From him I heard more fully what had - happened; and then, in the same composed manner, desired my coach - and horses for to be made ready to take me to London the next day at - daybreak, and dismissed everybody, not suffering so much as one - woman to sit up with me. When all had retired, I put on my cloak and - hood; and listing first if all was quiet, went by the secret passage - to the chapel-room. When I got there, Father Southwell was in it, - saying his office. When he saw me enter at that unusual hour, - methinks the truth was made known to him at once; for he only took - me by the hand, and said: 'My child, this would be too hard to bear - if it were not God's sweet will; but being so, what remaineth but to - lie still under a Father's merciful infliction?' and then he took - out the crucifix, which for safety was locked up, and set it on the - altar. 'That shall speak to you better than I can,' he said; and - verily it did; for at the sight of my dying Saviour I wept. The - whole night was spent in devout exercises. At dawn of day Father - Southwell said mass, and I received. Then, before any one was astir, - I returned to mine own chamber, and, lying down for a few moments, - afterward rung the bell, and ordered horses to be procured for to - travel to London, whence I write these lines. I have here heard this - report of my dear lord's journey from one which conversed with Sir - George Carey, who commanded the guard which conducted him, that he - was nothing at all daunted with so unexpected a misfortune, and not - only did endure it with great patience and courage, but, moreover, - carried it with a joyful and merry countenance. One night in the way - he lodged at Guildford, where seeing the master of the inn (who - sometime was our servant, and who hath written it to one of my - women, his sister), and some others who wished well unto him, - weeping and sorrowing for his misfortunes, he comforted them all, - and willed them to be of good cheer, because it was not for any - crime--treason or the like--he was apprehended, but only - for attempting to leave the kingdom, the which he had done only for - his own safety. He is soon to be examined by some of the council - sent to the Tower for this special purpose by the queen. I have - sought to obtain access to him, but been flatly reused, and a hint - ministered to me that albeit my residence at Arundel House is - tolerated at the present, if the queen should come to stay at - Somerset House, which she is soon like to do, my departure hence - shall be enforced; but while I remain I would fain do some good to - persons afflicted as myself. I pray you, my good Constance, when you - find some means to despatch me a letter, therewith to send the names - and addresses of some of the poor folks Muriel was wont to visit; - for I am of opinion grief should not make us selfish, but rather - move us to relieve in others the pains of which we feel the sharp - edge ourselves. I have already met by accident with many necessitous - persons, and they do begin in great numbers to resort to this house. - God knoweth if the means to relieve them will not be soon lacking. - But to make hay whilst the sun shines is a wise saying, and in some - instances a precept. Alas! the sunshine of joy is already obscured - for me. Except for these poor pensioners, that of fortune causeth me - small concern.-- - Thy loving friend, A. A. and S." - -"Will and Meg are at present in separate prisons. It is impossible but -that she shall be presently released; for against her nothing can be -alleged, so much as to give a pretence for an accusation. My lord and -Will's joint letter to Dr. Allen, sent by Mr. Brydges--who, out of -confidence, mentioned it to Mr. Gifford, a pretended priest, who lives -at Paris, and is now discovered to be a spy--is the ground of the -charges against them. How utterly unfounded thou well knowest; but so -much as to write to Dr. Allen is now a crime, howsoever innocent the -matter of such a correspondence should be. I do fear that in one of -his letters--but I wot not if of this they have possession--my lord, -who had just heard that the Earl of Leicester had openly vowed to make -the name of Catholic as odious in England as the name of Turk, did -say, in manner of a jest, that if some lawful means might be found to -take away this earl, it would be a great good for Catholics in -England; which careless sentence may be twisted by his enemies to his -disadvantage." - -Some time afterward, a person passing from London to Rheims, brought -me this second letter from her ladyship, written at Rumford, in Essex: - -"What I have been warned of verily hath happened. Upon the queen's -coming to London last month, it was signified to me I should leave it. -Now that Father Southwell hath been removed from Arundel Castle, and -no priest at this time can live in it, I did not choose to be -delivered there, without the benefit of spiritual assistance in case -of danger of death, and so hired a house in this town, at a short -distance of which a recusant gentleman doth keep one in his house. I -came from London without obtaining leave so much as once to see my -dear husband, or to send him a letter or message, or receive one from -him. But this I have learnt, that he cannot speak with any person -whatsoever but in the presence and hearing of his keeper or the -lieutenant of the Tower, and that the room in which he is locked up -has no sight of the sun for the greatest part of the year; so that if -not changed before the winter cometh it shall prove very unwholesome; -and moreover the noisomeness thereof caused by a vault that is under -it is so great that the keeper can scarce endure to enter into it, -much less to stay there any time. Alas! what ravages shall this -treatment cause on a frame of great niceness and delicate habits, I -leave you to judge. By this time he hath been examined twice; and -albeit forged letters were produced, the falsity of which the council -were forced to admit, and he was charged with nothing which could be -substantiated, except leaving the realm without license of the queen, -and being reconciled to the Church of Rome, his sentence is yet -deferred, and his imprisonment as strict as ever. I pray God it may -not be deferred till his health is utterly destroyed, which, I doubt -not, is what his enemies would most desire. - -"Last evening I had the exceeding great comfort of the coming hither -of mine own dear good Meg, who hath been some time released from -prison, with many vexatious restraints, howsoever, still laid upon -her. Albeit very much advanced in her pregnancy, nothing would serve -her when she had leave to quit London but to do me this good. This is -the first taste of joy I have had since my lord's commitment. In her -face I behold his; when she speaks I hear him. No talk is ministered -between us but of that beloved husband and brother; our common prayers -are put up for him. She hath spied his spies for to discover all which -relates to him, and hath found means to convey to him--I thank God for -it--some books of devotion, which he greatly needed. She is yet a-bed -this morning, for we sat up late yester-eve, so sweet, albeit sad, was -the converse we held after so many common sufferings. But methinks I -grudge her these hours of sleep, longing for to hear again those loved -accents which mind me of my dear Phil. - -"My pen had hardly traced those last words, when a messenger arrived -from the council with an express command to Margaret from her majesty -not to stay with me another night, but forthwith to return to London. -The surprise and fear which this message occasioned hastened the event -which should have yet been delayed some weeks. A few hours after (I -thank God, in safety) a fair son was born; but in the mother's heart -and mine apprehension dispelled joy, lest enforced disobedience should -produce fresh troubles. Howsoever, she recovered quickly; and as soon -as she could be removed I lost her sweet company. Thine affectionate -friend to command, - -"A. A. AND S." - -Some time afterward, one Mr. Dixon, a gentleman I had met once or -twice in London, tarried a night at our house, and brought me the news -that God had given the Countess of Arundel a son, which she had -earnestly desired her husband should be informed of, but he heard it -had been refused. Howsoever, when he was urgent with his keepers to -let him know if she had been safely delivered, they gave him to -understand that she had another daughter; his enemies not being -willing he should have so much contentment as the birth of a son -should have yielded him. - -"Doth the queen," I asked of this gentleman, "then not mitigate her -anger against these noble persons?" - -"So far from it," he answered, "that when, at the beginning of this -trouble, Lady Arundel went to Sir Francis Knowles for to seek by his -means to obtain an audience from her majesty, in order to sue for her -husband, he told her she would sooner release him at once--which, -howsoever, she had no mind to do--than only once allow her to enter -her presence. He then, her ladyship told me, rated her exceedingly, -asking if she and her husband were not ashamed to make themselves - papists, only out of spleen and peevish humor to cross and vex -the queen? She answered him in the same manner as her lord did one of -his keepers, who told him very many in the kingdom were of opinion -that he made show to be Catholic only out of policy; to whom he said, -with great mildness, that God doth know the secrets of all hearts, but -that he thought there was small policy for a man to lose his liberty, -hazard his estate and life, and live in that manner in a prison as he -then did." - -A brief letter from Lady Tregony informed me soon after this that, -after a third examination, the court had fined Lord Arundel in £10,000 -unto the queen and adjudged him to imprisonment during her pleasure. -What that pleasure proved, ten years of unmitigated suffering and slow -torture evinced; one of the most grievous of which was that his lady -could never obtain for to see him, albeit other prisoners' wives had -easy access to them. This touching letter I had from her three years -after he was imprisoned: - -"MINE OWN GOOD FRIEND--Life doth wear on, and relief of one sort -leastways comes not; but God forbid I should repine. For such -instances I see in the letters of my dear lord--which when some of -his servants do leave the Tower, which, worn out as they soon become -by sickness, they must needs do to preserve their lives--he findeth -means to write to me or to Father Southwell, that I am ashamed to -grieve overmuch at anything which doth befal us--when his willingness -and contentment to suffer are so great. As when he saith to that good -father, 'For all crosses touching worldly matters, I thank God they -trouble me not much, and much the less for your singular good counsel, -which I beseech our Lord I may often remember; and to me this dear -husband writes thus: 'I beseech you, for the love of God, to comfort -yourself whatsoever shall happen, and to be best pleased with that -which shall please God best, and be his will to send. I find that -there is some intent to do me no good, but indeed to do me the most -good of all; but I am--and, thank God, doubt not but I shall be by his -grace--ready to endure the worst which flesh and blood can do unto -me.' O Constance, flesh and blood doth sometimes rebel against the -keen edge of suffering; but I pray you, my friend, how can I complain -when I hear of this much, long dearly cherished husband, ascending by -steps the ladder of perfection, advancing from virtue to virtue as the -psalm saith, never uttering one unsubmissive word toward God, or one -resentful one toward his worst enemies; making, in the most sublime -manner, of necessity virtue, and turning his loathsome prison into a -religious cell, wherein every exercise of devotion is duly practised, -and his soul trained for heaven? - -"The small pittance the queen alloweth for his maintenance he so -sparingly useth, that most of it doth pass into the hands of the poor -or other more destitute prisoners than himself. But sickness and -disease prey on his frame. And the picture of him my memory draweth is -gradually more effaced in the living man, albeit vivid in mine own -portraying of it. - -There is now a priest imprisoned in the Tower, not very far from the -chamber wherein my lord is confined; one of the name of Bennet. My -lord desired much to meet him, and speak with him for the comfort of -his soul, and I have found means to bring it to effect by mediation of -the lieutenant's daughter, to whom I have given thirty pounds for her -endeavors in procuring it. And moreover she hath assisted in conveying -into his chamber church-stuff and all things requisite for the saying -of mass, whereunto she tells me, to my indescribable comfort, he -himself doth serve with great humility, and therein receives the -blessed sacrament frequently. Sir Thomas Gerard, she saith, and Mr. -Shelly, which are likewise prisoners at this time, she introduces -secretly into his lodgings for to hear mass and have speech with -him. Alas! what should be a comfort to him, and so the greatest of -joys to me, the exceeding peril of these times causeth me to look upon -with apprehension; for these gentlemen, albeit well disposed, are not -famed for so much wisdom and prudence as himself, in not saying or -doing anything which might be an occasion of danger to him; and the -least lack of wariness, when there is so much discourse about the -great Spanish fleet which is now in preparation, should prove like to -be fatal. God send no worse hap befal us soon. - -"In addition to these other troubles and fears, I am much molested by -a melancholy vapor, which ascends to my head, and greatly troubles me -since I was told upon a sudden of the unexpected death of Margaret -Sackville, whom, for her many great virtues and constant affection -toward myself, I did so highly esteem and affection." - - -From that time for a long while I had no direct news of Lady Arundel; -but report brought us woful tidings concerning her lord, who, after -many private examinations, had been brought from the Tower to the -King's Bench Court, in the hall of Westminster, and there publicly -arraigned on the charge of high treason, the grounds of which -accusation being that he had prayed and procured others to make -simultaneous prayer for twenty-four hours, and procured Mr. Bennet to -say a mass of the Holy Ghost, for the success of the Spanish fleet. -Whereas the whole truth of this matter consisted in this, that when a -report became current among the Catholics about London that a sudden -massacre of them all was intended upon the first landing of the -Spaniards, this coming to the earl's ear, he judged it necessary that -all Catholics should betake themselves to prayer, either for the -avoiding of the danger or for the better preparing themselves -thereunto, and so persuaded those in the Tower to make prayer together -for that end, and also sent to some others for the same purpose, -whereof one of greater prudence and experience than the rest signified -unto him that perhaps it might be otherwise interpreted by their -enemies than he intended, wishing him to desist, as presently -thereupon he did; but it was then too late. Some which he had trusted, -either out of fear or fair promises, testified falsely against him--of -which Mr. Bennet was one, who afterward retracted with bitter anguish -his testimony, in a letter to his lordship, which contained these -words: "With a fearful, guilty, unjust, and most tormented conscience, -only for saving of my life and liberty, I said you moved me to say a -mass for the good success of the Spanish fleet. For which unjust -confession, or rather accusation, I do again and again, and to my -life's end, most instantly crave God's pardon and yours; and for my -better satisfaction of this, my unjust admission, I will, if need -require, offer up both life and limbs in averring my accusation to be, -as it is indeed, and as I shall answer before God, angels, and men, -most unjust, and only done out of fear of the Tower, torments, and -death." Notwithstanding the earl's very stout and constant denial of -the charge, and pleading the above letter of Mr. Bennet, retracting -his false statement, he was condemned of high treason, and had -sentence pronounced against him. But the execution was deferred, and -finally the queen resolved to spare his life, but yet by no means to -release him. His estates, and likewise his lady's, were forfeited to -the crown, and he at that time dealt with most unkindly, as the -following letter will show: - -"DEAR CONSTANCE--At last I have found the means of sending a packet by -a safe hand, which in these days, when men do so easily turn -traitors--notable instances of which, to our exceeding pain and -trouble, have lately occurred--is no easy matter. I doubt not but thy -fond affectionate heart hath followed with a sympathetic grief the -anguish of mine during the time past, wherein my husband's life -hath been in daily peril; and albeit he is now respited, yet, alas! as -he saith himself, and useth the knowledge to the best purpose, he is -but a doomed man; reprieved, not pardoned; spared, not released. Mine -own troubles beside have been greater than can be thought of; by -virtue of the forfeiture of my lord's estates and mine, my home hath -been searched by justices, and no room, no corner, no trunk or coffer, -left unopened and unransacked. I have often been brought before the -council and most severely examined. The queen's officers and others in -authority--to whom I am sometimes forced to sue for favor, or some -mitigation of mine own or my lord's sufferings--do use me often very -harshly, and reject my petitions with scorn and opprobrious language. -All our goods are seized for the queen. They have left me nothing but -two or three beds, and these, they do say, but for a time. When -business requires, I am forced to go on foot, and slenderly attended; -my coach being taken from me. I have retained but two of my servants ---my children's nurse being one. I have as yet no allowance, as is -usual in such cases, for the maintenance of my family; so I am forced -to pay them and buy victuals with the money made by the sale of mine -own jewels; and I am sometimes forced to borrow and make hard shifts -to procure necessary provisions and clothes for the children; but if I -get eight pounds a week, which the queen hath been moved to allow me, -then methinks I shall think myself no poorer than a Christian woman -should be content to be; and I have promised Almighty God, if that -good shall befal us, to bestow one hundred marks out of it yearly on -the poor. I am often sent out of London by her majesty's commands, -albeit some infirmities I do now suffer from force me to consult -physicians there. Methinks when I am at Arundel House I am not wholly -parted from my lord, albeit my humble petition, by means of friends, -to see him is always denied. When I hear he is sick, mine anguish -increases. The like favor is often granted to Lady Latimore and others -whose husbands are at this time prisoners in the Tower, but I can -never obtain it. The lieutenant's daughter, whom I do sometimes see, -when she is in a conversible mood doth inform me of my dear husband's -condition, and relates instances of his goodness and patience which -wring and yet comfort mine heart. What think you of his never having -been heard so much as once to complain of the loss of his goods or the -incommodities of his prison; of his gentleness and humility where he -is himself concerned; of his boldness in defending his religion and -her ministers, which was alike shown, as well as his natural -cheerfulness, in a conversation she told me had passed between her -father, the lieutenant, and him, a few days ago? You have heard, I -ween, that good Father Southwell was arrested some time back at Mr. -Bellamy's house; it is reported by means of the poor unhappy soul his -daughter, whom I met one day at the door of the prison, attired in a -gaudy manner and carrying herself in a bold fashion; but when she met -mine eye hers fell. Alas! poor soul, God help her and bring her to -repentance. Well, now Father Southwell is in the Tower, my lord, by -Miss Hopton's melons, hath had once or twice speech with him, and doth -often inquire of the lieutenant about him, which when he did so the -other day he used the words 'blessed father' in speaking of him. The -lieutenant (she said) seemed to take exception thereat, saying, 'Term -you him blessed father, being as he is an enemy to his country?' My -lord answered: 'How can that be, seeing yourself hath told me -heretofore that no fault could be laid unto him but his religion?' -Then the lieutenant said: 'The last time I was in his cell your dog, -my lord, came in and licked his hand,' Then quoth my lord, -patting his dog fondly: 'I love him the better for it.' 'Perhaps,' -quoth the lieutenant in a scoffing manner, it might be he came thither -to have his blessing.' To which my lord replied, 'It is no new thing -for animals to seek a blessing at the hands of holy men, St. Jerome -writing how the lions which had digged St. Paul the hermit's grave -stood waiting with their eyes upon St. Anthony expecting his -blessing.' - -'Is it not a strange trial, mine own Constance, and one which hath not -befallen many women, to have a fondly loved husband yet alive, and to -be sometimes so near unto him that it should take but a few moments to -cross the space which doth divide us, and yet never behold him; year -after year passing away, and the heart waxing sick with delays? -Howsoever, one sad firm hope I hold, which keepeth me somewhat careful -of my health, lest I should be disabled when that time cometh--one on -which I fix my mind with apprehension and desire to defer the approach -thereof, yet pray one day to see it--yea, to live long enough for this -and then to die, if it shall please God. When mine own Philip is on -his death-bed, when the slow consumptive disease which devoureth his -vitals obtaineth its end, then, I ween, no woman upon earth, none that -I ever heard of or could think of, can deny me to approach him and -receive his last embrace. Oh that this should be my best comfort, mine -only hope!" - -I pass over many intervening letters from this afflicted lady which at -distant intervals I received, in one of which she expressed her sorrow -at the execution at Tyburn of her constant friend and guide, Father -Southwell, and likewise informed me of Mistress Wells's death in -Newgate, and transcribe this one, written about six months afterward, -in which she relates the closing scene of her husband's life: - -"MINE OWN DEAR CONSTANCE--All is over now, and my overcharged heart -casteth about for some alleviation in its excessive grief, which may -be I shall find in imparting to one well acquainted with his virtues -and my love for him what I have learnt touching the closing scenes of -my dear lord's mortal life. For think not I have been so happy as to -behold him again, or that he should die in my arms. No; that which was -denied me for ten long years neither could his dying prayers obtain. -For many months notice had been given unto me by his servants and -others that his health was very fast declining. One gentleman -particularly told me he himself believed his end to be near. His -devout exercises were yet increased--the bent of his mind more and -more directed solely toward God and heaven. In those times which were -allotted to walking or other recreation, his discourse and -conversation either with his keeper or the lieutenant or his own -servant, was either tending to piety or some kind of profitable -discourse, most often of the happiness of those that suffer anything -for our Saviour's sake; to which purpose he had writ with his own hand -upon the wall of his chamber this Latin sentence, 'Quanto plus -afflictionis pro Christo in hoc saeculo, tanto plus gloriae cum -Christo in futuro;' the which he used to show to his servants, -inviting them, as well as himself, to suffer all with patience and -alacrity. - -"In the month of August tidings were brought unto me that, sitting at -dinner, he had fallen so very ill immediately upon the eating of a -roasted teal, that some did suspect him to be poisoned. I sent him -some antidotes, and all the remedies I could procure; but all in vain. -The disease had so possessed him that it could not be removed, but by -little and little consumed his body, so that he became like an -anatomy, having nothing left but skin and bone. Much talk hath been -ministered anent his being poisoned. Alas! my thinking is, and ever -shall be, the slow poison he died of was lack of air, of sunshine, of -kindness, of loving aid, of careful sympathy. When I heard his -case was considered desperate, the old long hopes, sustained for ten -years, that out of the extremity of grief one hour of comfort should -arise, woke up; but now I was advised not to stir in this matter -myself, for it should only incense the queen, who had always hated me; -whereas my lord she once had liked, and it might be, when she heard he -was dying, she should relent. She had made a kind of promise to some -of his friends that before his death his wife and children should come -unto him; whereupon, conceiving that now his time in the world could -not be long, he writ a humble letter to her petitioning the -performance of her promise. The lieutenant of the Tower carried this -letter, and delivered it with his own hands to the queen, and brought -him her answer by word of mouth. What think you, mine own Constance, -was the answer she sent that dying man? God forgave her! Philip did; -yea, and so do I--not fully at the time, now most fully. His crown -should have been less glorious but for the heart-martyrdom she -invented. - -"This was her message: 'That if he would but once go to the Protestant -church his request should not only be granted, but he should moreover -be restored to his honor and estate with as much favor as she could -show.' Oh, what were estates and honors to that dying saint! what her -favor to that departing soul! One offering, one sacrifice, one final -withdrawing of affection's thirsty and parched lips from the chalice -of a supreme earthly consolation, and all was accomplished; the -bitterness of death overpast. He gave thanks to the lieutenant for his -pains; he said he could not accept her majesty's offers upon that -condition, and added withal that he was sorry he had but one life to -lose in that cause. A very worthy gentleman who was present at this -passage related it to me; and Lord Mountague I have also had it from, -which heard the same from his father-in-law, my Lord Dorset. -Constance, for a brief while a terrible tumult raged in my soul. Think -what it was to know one so long, so passionately loved, dying nigh -onto and yet apart from me, dying unaided by any priest--for though he -had a great desire to be assisted by Father Edmund, by whose means he -had been reconciled, it was by no means permitted that either he or -any other priest should come to him--dying without a kindred face to -smile on him, without a kinsman for to speak with him and list to his -last wishes. He desired to see his brother William or his uncle Lord -Henry; at least to take his last leave of them before his death; but -neither was that small request granted--no, not so much as to see his -brother Thomas, though both then and ever he had been a Protestant. -And all this misery was the fruit of one stem, cruel, unbending -hatred--of one proud human will; a will which was sundering what God -had joined together. Like a bird against the bars of an iron cage, my -poor heart dashed itself with wild throbbings against these human -obstacles. But not for very long, I thank God; brief was the storm -which convulsed my soul. I soon discerned his hand in this great -trial--his will above all human will; and while writhing under a -Father's merciful scourge, I could yet bless him who held it I pray -you, Constance, how should a woman have endured so great an anguish -which had not been helped by him? Methinks what must have sustained me -was that before-mentioned gentleman's report of my dear lord's great -piety and virtue, which made me ashamed of not striving to resemble -him in howsoever small a degree. Oh, what a work God wrought in that -chosen soul! What meekness, what humility, what nobleness of heart! He -grew so faint and weak by degrees that he was not able to leave his -bed. His physicians coming to visit him some days before his death, he -desired them not to trouble themselves now any more, his case -being beyond their skill. They thereupon departing, Sir Michael -Blount, then lieutenant of the Tower, who had been ever very hard and -harsh unto him, took occasion to come and visit him, and, kneeling -down by his bedside, in humble manner desired my dear Phil to forgive -him. Whereto mine own beloved husband answered in this manner, 'Do you -ask forgiveness, Mr. Lieutenant? Why, then, I forgive you in the same -sort as I desire myself to be forgiven at the hands of God;' and then -kissed his hand, and offered it in most kind and charitable manner to -him, and holding his fast in his own said, 'I pray you also to forgive -me whatever I have said or done in anything offensive to you,' and he -melting into tears and answering 'that he forgave him with all his -heart;' my lord raised himself a little upon his pillow, and made a -brief, grave speech unto the lieutenant in this manner: 'Mr. -Lieutenant, you have showed both me and my men very hard measure.' -'Wherein, my lord?' quoth he. 'Nay,' said my lord, 'I will not make a -recapitulation of anything, for it is all freely forgiven. Only I am -to say unto you a few words of my last will, which being observed, -may, by the grace of God, turn much to your benefit and reputation. I -speak not for myself; for God of his goodness hath taken order that I -shall be delivered very shortly out of your charge; only for others I -speak who may be committed to this place. You must think, Mr. -Lieutenant, that when a prisoner comes hither to the Tower that he -bringeth sorrow with him. Oh, then do not add affliction to -affliction; there is no man whatsoever that thinketh himself to stand -surest but may fall. It is a very inhuman part to tread on him whom -misfortune hath cast down. The man that is void of mercy God hath in -great detestation. Your commission is only to keep in safety, not to -kill with severity. Remember, good Mr. Lieutenant, that God who with -his finger turneth the unstable wheel of this variable world, can in -the revolution of a few days bring you to be a prisoner also, and to -be kept in the same place where now you keep others. There is no -calamity that men are subject unto but you may also taste as well as -any other man. Farewell, Mr. Lieutenant; for the time of my short -abode come to me whenever you please, and you shall be heartily -welcome as my friend.' My dear lord, when he uttered these words, -should seem to have had some kind of prophetic foresight touching this -poor man's fate; for I have just heard this day, seven weeks only -after my husband's death, that Sir Michael Blount hath fallen into -great disgrace, lost his office, and is indeed committed close -prisoner in that same Tower where he so long kept others. - -"And now my faltering pen must needs transcribe the last letter I -received from my beloved husband, for your heart, dear friend, is one -with mine. You have known its sufferings through the many years evil -influences robbed it of that love which, for brief intervals of -happiness afterward and this long separation since, hath, by its -steady and constant return, made so rich amends for the past. In these -final words you shall find proofs of his excellent humility and -notable affection for my unworthy self, which I doubt not, my dear -instance, shall draw water from your eyes. Mine yield no moisture now. -Methinks these last griefs have exhausted in them the fountain of -tears. - -"'Mine own good wife, I must now in this world take my last farewell -of you; and as I know no person living whom I have so much offended as -yourself, so do I account this opportunity of asking your forgiveness -as a singular benefit of Almighty God. And I most humbly and heartily -beseech you, even for his sake and of your charity, to forgive me all -whereinsoever I have offended you; and the assurance I have of this -your forgiveness is my greatest contentment at this present, and -will be a greater, I doubt not, when my soul is ready to depart out of -my body. I call God to witness it is no small grief unto me that I -cannot make you recompense in this world for the wrongs I have done -you. Affliction gives understanding. God, who knows my heart, and has -seen my true sorrow in that behalf, has, I hope, of his infinite -mercy, remitted all, I doubt not, as you have done in your singular -charity, to mine infinite comfort. - -"Now what remaineth but in a few brief sentences to relate how this -loved husband spent his last hours, and the manner of his death? Those -were for the most part spent in prayer; sometimes saying his beads, -sometimes such psalms and prayers as he knew by heart. Seeing his -servants (one of which hath been the narrator to me of these his final -moments) stand by his bedside in the morning weeping in a mournful -manner, he asked them 'what o'clock it was? they answering that it was -eight or thereabout, 'Why, then,' said he, 'I have almost run out my -course, and come to the end of this miserable mortal life,' desiring -them not to weep for him, since he did not doubt, by the grace of God, -but all would go well with him; which being said he returned to his -prayers upon his beads again, though then with a very slow, hollow, -and fainting voice; and so continued as long as he was able to draw so -much breath as was sufficient to sound out the names of Jesus and -Mary, which were the last words he was ever heard to speak. The last -minute of his last hour being come, lying on his back, his eyes firmly -fixed toward heaven, his long, lean, consumed arms out of the bed, his -hands upon his breast, laid in cross one upon the other, about twelve -o'clock at noon, in a most sweet manner, without any sign of grief or -groan, only turning his head a little aside as one falling into a -pleasing sleep, he surrendered his soul into the hands of God who to -his own glory had created it. And she who writeth this letter, she who -loved him since her most early years--who when he was estranged from -her waited his return--who gloried in his virtues, doated on his -perfections, endured his afflictions, and now lamenteth his death, -hath nothing left but to live a widow; indeed with no other glory than -that which she doth borrow from his merits, until such time as it -shall please God to take her from this earth to a world where he hath -found, she doth humbly hope, rest unto his soul." - -The Countess of Arundel is now aged. The virtues which have crowned -her mature years are such, as her youth did foreshadow. My pen would -run on too fast if it took up that theme. This only will I add, and so -conclude this too long piece of writing--she hath kept her constant -resolve to live and die a widow. I have seen many times letters from -both Protestants and Catholics which made unfeigned protestations that -they were never so edified by any as by her. As the Holy Scriptures do -say of that noble widow Judith, "Not one spoke an ill word of her," -albeit these times are extremely malicious. For mine own part I never -read those words of Holy Writ, "Who shall find a valiant woman?" and -what doth follow, but I must needs think of Ann Dacre, the wife of -Philip Howard, earl of Arundel and Surrey. - - -After the lapse of some years, it hath been my hap to have a sight of -this manuscript, the reading of which, even as the writing of it in -former days, doth cause me to live over again my past life. This lapse -of time hath added nothing notable except the dreadful death of -Hubert, my dear Basil's only brother, who suffered last year for the -share he had, or leastways was judged to have, in the Gunpowder Plot -and treason. Alas! he which once, to improve his fortunes, denied his -faith, when fortune turned her back upon him grew into a -virulent hatred of those in power, once his friends and tempters, and -consorted with desperate men; whether he was privy to their counsels, -or only familiar with them previous to their crimes, and so fell into -suspicion of their guilt, God knoweth. It doth appear from some good -reports that he died a true penitent. There is a better hope methinks -for such as meet in this world with open shame and suffering than for -secret sinners who go to their pompous graves unchastised and -unabsolved. - -By his brother's death Basil recovered his lands; for his present -majesty hath some time since recalled the sentence of his banishment. -And many of his friends have moved him to return to England; but for -more reasons than one he refused so much as to think of it, and has -compounded his estate for £700, 8s. 6d. - -Our children have now grown unto ripe years. Muriel (who would have -been a nun if she had followed her godmother's example) is now -married, to her own liking and our no small contentment, to a very -commendable young gentleman, the son of Mr. Yates, and hath gone to -reside with him at his seat in Worcestershire; and Ann, Lady Arundel's -god-daughter, nothing will serve but to be a "holy Mary," as the -French people do style those dames which that great and good prelate, -M. de Genève, hath assembled in a small hive at Annecy, like bees to -gather honey of devotion in the garden of religion. This should seem a -strange fancy, this order being so new in the Church, and the place so -distant; but time will show if this should be God's will; and if so, -then it must needs be ours also. - -What liketh me most is that my son Roger doth prove the very image of -his father, and the counterpart of him in his goodness. I am of -opinion that nothing better can be desired for him than that he never -lose so good a likeness. - -And now farewell, pen and ink, mine old companions, for a brief moment -resumed, but with a less steady hand than heretofore; now not to be -again used except for such ordinary purposes as housewifery and -friendship shall require. - -[THE END] - - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Constance Sherwood, by Lady Georgiana Fullerton - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONSTANCE SHERWOOD *** - -***** This file should be named 40151-8.txt or 40151-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/1/5/40151/ - -Produced by Don Kostuch - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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