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Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole —^ signifie "A SUIVRE". le symbole V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d drcite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes bu.vants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 > i « .1 / i ) ! ■ 1 PILGRIM PRIZE SERIES. {81X VOLUMES.) " ■ ■ ItOSE AXn THORN. [First Prizv.] Hy Katlmrine Lee Sales. A TITLED MAIDEN. [Second Prize.] Jly Caroline Atwater M(Mon. THE HERMIT OF LIVRY. liy M. R. Housekeeper. A KNOT OF BLUE. tty Lottie E. Street. Mi' LADY NELL. Pj Emily Wewter. HOW HE MADE HIS FORTUNE, liy Julia A. W. DeWitt. Frkk i'Eb Volume, SI-W. Congjegatiooal snuday-Scliool and PQblisiilDg Society, H08T0N AND CinCAOO, 1 » The olil iMiiii leiiiK'd wpjirily ajTMlnst the cn.s,-. l.nt tlir l.-.y stooil cn-ct on tho liij:li..>t step, iiii.l. iukiii« oir lii.s cap. |„.;r.,„ ,„ ^j„j, j,, a clear, xwx-H voice. I'a^c lo. 4 C •0 6 PRIZE SERIES, 1889 MY LADY NELL AN ENGLISH STORY OF THE OLDEN TIME BY EMILY WEAVER " God is with our armies; He the word has given; He is watching o'er you, messengers of heaven." BOSTON AND CHICAGO CangrtBotional »ttnDaB«*tl)oal anU PttbU«f|inB ^orietg I i< te PS ^5¥S COPYHKJHT, lf89, BT CONORBaATIONAL SUNUAY-SUIIUOL ANU PUHLI8HINO SOCIBTT. Skettotyped and Prinieit 6y Siunuel Usher, 171 DevonMre Street, JiostoHi TO OUR SfarijblUc JTdenlig, m MKMORY OF THEIR KINDNESS TO US "SttangttB in a ^ttanfle Lanb." E. w. k CONTEN i'S. OHAPTBB PAGE I. Thk Pin Pkddler 5 II. Lady Tiiuostlkwooo 29 III. Mastbr Omrr 61 IV. Thk Yulk-tidk Revbi.8 69 V. Hugh Goes to Oxford 88 VI. The Eari/8 Death 101 YII. Nell's Grandmother 118 VIII. My Lady's Kravrries 140 IX. Master Denver 165 X. The Red Witch 184 XI. The Hut in the Forest 202 XII. Nell Defends her Friends 227 XIII. The Secret Chamber 250 XIV. Sir Ralph Overby 273 XV. Kate 287 XVI. Kate's Message 804 XVII. Lady Throstlewood's Secret 319 XVIII. Hugh's Return 835 XIX. Good Queen Bess 361 MY LADY NELL. CHAPTER I. THE PIN PEDDLER. TT was u summer afternoon, more than three hun- dred years ago, and the bright sun shone down on a long stretch of the rough clay road that led into Southauden, a little town in the north of England. It had been cut into deep ruts and holes earlier in the season, but was now so hard and dry through the excessive heat that it seemed more like rock than clay. There were grain-fields on either aide, but neither oats nor barley were yet ready for the reaper's sickle. The hay had been cut and carried, and in all the wide landscape no living things were visible save the young calves in oueir distant pasture and an old man and a boy on the dusty road. The old man's hair was gray, and so was the beard that almost reached his waist ; his figure was beat and feeble, and as he walked he leant heavily on the stafif which he carried in his hand, but his eyes were dark and bright as ever. He was dressed in a shabby gowu 6 My Lady Nell. of rusty black that came within two inches of the ground ; his head was covered with a liood or cowl ; and from his girdle hung a string of wooden beads and a little iron cross. His companion was a bright-faced, dark-eyed lad with a straight nose and a well-cut mouth and chin. He also was meanly dressed in a cap, a doublet, and hose of coarse, dark cloth, but he walked less wearily than his older friend, casting quick glances of eager curiosity at every bird or inaect that crossed their path, and often looking backward or forward along the tedious road as if i»npatient at the slowness of their progress. At last he broke the silence, saying, " Have we far to go, good father? " " My sou, I know not. When we gain the top of yonder little knoll, I shall, perchance, be better able to inform you. By my reckoning we should have reached the town ere noon." A quarter of a mile beyond the little rise was passed, and then the travelers found themselves enter- ing on the outskirts of the town, for the mud-huts — ■ of which they had hitherto passed but one here and there — were now clustered thickly together in irregu- lar, straggling rows, and by-and-by they gave place to more pretentious structures Iniilt of wood. As they advanced farther into the town they passed through streets of shops, gay with the painted signs that did The Pin Peddler. duty instead of the names of the proprietors. Look- ing back through such a street the eye of the passen- ger was caught by the quaint successioi' of red dragons, blue lions, golden candlesticks, and Sara- cen's heads that swung backwards and forwards in the breeze. Another strange fashion of the times was the custom of building these shops with the lower stories open to the street and the outer air, while the upper stories (in which the shop-keeper and his f-imily lived) overhung so much that the houses on o[»uosite sides of the way were often scarcely more than a yard apart. This plan had its advantages perhaps iu forming a protection to the wares exposed for sale in the open stalls below, which would otherwise luivo been endangered both by sun and rain, but it made the streets and houses wofuUy dark and close. On a hot day like that of which I am writing not a breath of air seemed to be stirring in the streets, and the atmos- phere was heavy and smothering with the varying otlors proceeding from the different shops. The scent of leather and cheese and onions, of fish and beer and glue and many other things, seemed to pervade the town in a strange combination that was by no means pleasant. But, happily, Southauden was not a large place, and in the center of the town was a good-sized open space surrounding an ancient stone cross, so that the towns- 8 My Lady Nell. . people had not far to go for fresher air than was to be obtained in their dwelling-houses. On summer even- ings the square was the favorite resort of all, both young folks and their elders, and very gay it used to look, with its merry groups of laughing, talking people, in the warm light of the sunset. But even on those summer evenings it had never looked gayer than it looked when the old man and his young com- panion entered it after their quiet walk through the shady streets, for it was the day of the midsummer fair, and all the country people had come in to sell their eggs and butter and poultry, and to buy new gowns and thread and ribbons. The peddlers had set up their stalls round the steps of the old cross and were driving a brisk trade, crying their wares in loud, importunate tones, and compli- menting or haggling with the country dames who hovered longingly about tiicir tempting displays of finery or luxuries. " Come, now, my pretty mistress, there 's a kerchief for you ! " cried one. " 'T would set off your bonny black eyes and your handsome green kirtle. Scarlet 's your very color, mistress. You shall have it for a tester." "Lady, lady!" cried another, "here's the finest stock of lawn and camlet and ribbons and laces and kerchiefs and caps ever s ,eu in these parts. Look at Tlie Pin Peddler. 9 my lawn. Did you ever see the like of that, mistress? Fine as silk and white as snow, is n't it, lady? Nay, you can but look ; I charge naught for that. Camlet, did you say ? What color, mistress ? Here 's a piece of tawny, and there 'a crimson, and yonder 's blue. Take your choice, mistress." "Necklaces, bracelets, chains, brooches! — who'll buy my necklaces ? " a third called, making himself distinctly heard above the rest. " Amber and silver; who '11 buy ? who *11 buy ? Needles and pins ! Per- fumes and pins ! Who wants pins? Pins, the same as Her Grace the Queen's Majesty uses ; and the Lady Princess Mary, and the Lady Prince^- Elizabeth ! All the court ladies buy my pins ! Needles and necklaces, bracelets and pins ! — who '11 buy ? come buy ! " The pins were an object of great curiosity to the country folk, for they had never before seen such things ; and all day long the crowd was thickest at this clamorous peddler's stall. But, for the most part, they only came to look ; for silver necklaces and bracelets, and perfumes and pins were for the quality to buy. A ribbon or a kerchief was enough for such as they ! The groups of people round the stalls looked won- derfully cheerful in the sunshine, for all had donned their best attire for the fair, and those who could afford it, men as well as women, wore bright colors. 10 My Lady Nell. Crimson, green, and purple seemed the favorite hues. The poorer people wore gray homespun or russet clothing, but even they had contrived to relieve the sobriety of their apparel by the use of gay caps or kerchiefs. In strange contrast to the crowd of noisy, laughing merry-makers round the old cross, were the sadly dressed, silent pair, who had taken up their station in the very shadow of the stone-work, and in the very center of the bustle. The old man leaned wearily against the cross, but the boy stood erect on the high- est stept ^Qd taking off bis cap, began to sing in a clear, sweet voice, that hushed the crowd at once, though they could understand nothing that he said, for he sang an ancient Latin hymn, and his hearers were ignorant and unlearned men. But the music thrilled tlieir souls, and when the last notes died away, there was a long hush before the noisy barter began again. Then the lad stepped down among the crowd, and with his cap still in liis hand, began to beg them of their charity, to help him and the father on their way. They were hungry and weary, he said. Some dropped farthings into his cap ; some scowled and turned away ; a stout country lass gave him from the basket on her arm a thick slice of dark rye-bread ; and a gayly dressed young man held out a little silver The Pin Peddler. M penny, saying, " Sing us some merry song, my lad, and this shall be yours ! " " What shall I sing?" said the lad, eying the coin eagerly. " What you choose. Do you know the ' Merrie Laye of the White Witch and the Ladye ' ? " The lad shook his head. " I know the ballad of ' The Vengeful Knight,' and the ' Song of King Harry's Flagon.' Both of tl' 'se are right merry songs. Which will it please you to hear, good sir?" " Whichever is best, my lad. I care not." The boy began to sing again, but before he had reached the end of the ballad, the clamorous vender of necklaces and pins began to cry his wares more loudly than before. The by-standers cried " Shame! shame, man ! " for they were interested in the advent- ures of Tho Vengeful Knight, and wished to hear the end of the story ; but the irritated peddler only made the more noise, and the crowd began to join in the outcry, some demanding that the little lad siiould be allowed to finish his song in peace, the rest insist- ing that the peddler was justified in refusing to listen, if he did not care to hear. " He had a right," they said, " to cry his wares in the market were fifty grown men singing, instead of one little lad." So the argument waxed hotter and hotter, and by- and-by the combatants began to call each other evil 12 My Lady Nell. names, by way of strengthening their assertions. And from insulting each other, some of them went on, I scarcely know how, to mock at the ways of " their betters," their lords, and the king, and the Pope. Till that moment the old monk had been a silent spectator of the scene ; but at the last name he roused himself, and exclaimed : " I bid you, by all that is most sacred, to insult His Holiness's name no more. Be not so rash ! Know ye not that he is answerable to heaven alone? Presume not to speak evil of him who is above all princes and potentates, who is " — "What!" cried the pin peddler, "do you dare to say that the Bishop of Rome is above His Grace the King? " The monk paused, and then answered distinctly, " I do." "Old man! are you mad?" exclaimed the youth who had asked for a merry song. " Do you know that you speak treason ? " The old man shook his bead. "Nay," he said, "I am but true to my master." "To jail with him! to jail!" cried the peddler. " Down with all traitors ! " "I am no traitor," cried the monk indignantly. " Ye are the traitors, who at the bidding of an impi- The Pill Peddler. 13 OU8 king have cast away your faith and sliaken olT your obedience to the Holy Fatiier of all Christen- dom." He paused a moment, l)ut, awed by his daring words, the crowd kept silence, and he spoke again, this time in a tone of gentle entreaty. " Think what you are doing, good friends. Sell not your souls for the sake of comfort and wealth in this present evil life. Return to your true allegiance, and His Holiness will forgive and forget your disobedience. Even now he waits with his hands upraised, ready to bless the penitent. Leave your misguided king to reap the fit- ting reward of his iniquities. He has sinned, and he must suffer. Beware lest ye also persist in error and come to utter destruction, as he will surely come, unless he repent, and alas ! alas ! he, I fear, has sinned past hope ; but ye, poor, blind followers of a blinder guide, there is hope for you. Take heed now ; repent, turn back ; remember that the Holy Father is still willing to forgive. Beware how you insult his mercy." The monk spoke with a wild, pathetic energy which was not without its effect upon the crowd, for many among them believed that when King Henry had defied the Pope and denied his right to be considered head of the Christian Church, he had cast away his own hopes of salvation. Thus the old man's words troubled the consciences of those who still believed in 14 My Lady Nell. the Church of Rome, and they feared that they too were endangering the safety of their souls, and they turned pale and trembled as they listened. But some of the people thought more of what the king com- manded than of what the Pope had said, and soi:ie believed that they were answerable only to One higher than either King or Pope — the great God in Heaven (but of these last there were very few at that time in Southanden, for the people had not then been taught that the only way to heaven is through faith in Christ Jesus) . But most of those who heard the old monk's words were afraid that some one might report them to the king, and so bring them into trouble for listening to treasonable and seditious language ; therefore the monk had scarcely finished speaking, when a great outcry arose. Some cried loudly that the old man was right, and some (among whom was the peddler of pins and needles) were for dragging him otf to prison. At last three or four strong fellows threw themselves upon him and, to show their zeal for the king's honor, began to belabor him unmercifully with sticks and cudgels. The little lad screamed, and running to his side, received a heavy blow intended for the poor old monk, and fell down senseless at his feet. At this, all the women cried " Shame ! " on the ruffians, for ill-treating an old man and a little boy. The Pin Peddler. 16 and a stout farmer, muttering something about " fair play," went to the lielp of the monit, knocliing one of liis ussailauts down, and giving another so severe a beating tliat he howled and ))egged for mercy. Somehow this so excited the onlookers that one after another joined in the fray, and soon half the rough fellows in the town were fighting hand to hand, without very clearly knowing why. Several stalls were upset with all the finery displayed upon them, which so enraged their owners that matters began to look very serious when a diversion was caused by the arrival of a new actor on the scene. This was a tall, fair-haired, handsome gentleman, magnificently dressed in dark crimson velvet with a jeweled cap of the same material adorned with a white feather. He rode quickly into the center of the square, exclaiming in a tone of authority, — "How now, my masters! What mean ye by this shameful brawling? Are ye mad or drunk, or what? John Symonds and Harry Carter, if you strike another blow, I '11 have you before the justice for breaking the king's peace in this unseemly fashion. Master Granlyn, what is the meaning of all this? " " My lord, it is all along of yon old man and the Lid," exclaimed the person appealed to, pointing out the monk, who was kneeling on the steps of the cross, wiping the dust and blood from the pale face of the 16 My Lady Nell. boy, who had got badly bruised in the ecuflle, as indeed had the old man also. " Who is he, and whence comes he? " inquired the gentleman. " Nay, my lord, I know not," replied Master Granlyn, who, by the by, was a barber much esteemed in the neighborhood for his skill in surgery and for his knowledge of men and manners, for he had but lately come north from the capital, and was therefore an authority on all concerns of State or fashion. " If it please your lordship," he continued, " I will inquire of them and bring your lordship word. " " Nay, good Granlyn, do thou rather see to the hurts of that poor child. It were a shame to our good town to let him go in that piteous condition. I myself will speak with the monk, who also hath, I fear, been roughly handled." " As you please, my lord. Shall I bring him hither?" " Nay, nay, man ; get you to the child ! " So saying, the Earl rode on a few paces nearer to the cross, and the people pressed closer to him with explanations and apologies for the unseemly Hot that had taken place, but he sternly commanded silence, and asked the monk for his version of the affair. The J\n Peddler. 17 Quietly iiiul lospectfully \w gave u true accoutit of all that had piiHsed. The Earl frowned aH lie spokt! of the king, and when he finished said impatiently : — " It is the part (jf a fool, Sir Monk, to talk treason in the market-place ! " The monk smiled. " Better V>c ft)ol than liar, my lord." The Earl made no answer, hut turned to meet a gay company oked up suddenly and thanked Hugh for liis song. The boy, fearing that he had displeased him, was beginning to murmur some apology, when Lord Rocksbridge stopped him. " Nay, my lad, you are not to blame ! " he said. " Your song was but too good, that is all. You know not yet how such sad music stirs the heart and wakes bright memories within the soul, that so mock the (lai'kncss of the present with their own sweetness as to make the very past seem painful. You know not this, 36 My Lady Nell. and yet you sing as if the words came from your heart. How it is, I know not ; but let it pass, only tell me how and when and where you learned to sing." "My lord, unless it were in the convent, I never learnt. I have heard singers in the streets and in the churches ; that is all." "What, boy ! dost mean to tell me thou hast learned both words and tune from the strolling minstrels of the streets? Canst thou remember word for word a ballad, with but hearing once or twice? An thou canst, 't is passing strange, 'tis wondrous strange, but I much fear me that thou hast told me less than truth ! " " Nay, my lord, I would not lie unto your lordship for the world. I know nothing but what I have remembered ; for, alas ! 1 am poor and ignorant. I can not read a line, and who, my lord, would trouble themselves to instruct a poor lad like me ? " "What! did the good father with whom yn:. came hither teach you nothing?" "He taught me a couple of the holy psalms in the Latin tongue, but, my lord, he was an old man, and weary, and oftentimes he found no fitting opportunity wherein he might learn me of the Church's hymns and prayers." ^ " Do you know what the good father desired me to do for von ? " Lady Tlirunlleirood. 37 "To bind me ton trade, may it please your lord- siiip?" said tlie lad, a little sadly. " Ay ! or rather, to take you to my good neighbor, Lady Throstlewood, and beg her to protect you and put you in the way of earning an honest livelihood. Dost remember aught of her?" inquired Lord Rocks- bridge. " Nay, ray lord, except that that the good father told me of her charity unto me." " Thou hast grown strong and well, hast thou not?" " Yea, my lord, thanks to your gracious kindness towards me." "And yet," said the Karl, smiling, " meseems thou art scarce thankful for thy recovery, after all. Shalt thou not be glad to learn an honest trade whereby thou mayest live in comfort? " The boy hung down his head and made no answer. " Wliat ! dost wish to live in idleness? Shame on thee, lad, I had thought better of thee." "Nay, my lord; I am ready to do whatever your lordship pleases." " 'T is well; on the morrow, then, we will to ray Lady Throstlewood ; perchance she will help thee. Cio, now ; the rain has stopped, get you out into the sunshine. My Lady Nell is waiting for her play- fellow." The day after the above conversation was remai'k- as My Lady Nell, ably fine, and Ix)rd Kocksbridge fulfilled his promise of taking Hugh to Throstle wood Hall — a new and mag- nificently furnished mansion, built in the midst of a fine park of oaks and chestnuts, and so lately that workmen had been engaged upon it until within twelve months of the time of which I am writing. Hugh, for the first time in his life, rode a handsome palfrey, and was well dressed in a quiet-colored suit of brown, which circumstances would ha,ve given him great pleasure except for his anxiety as to Lady Throstle wood's reception of him. She was a young, handsome, dark-eyed lady, dressed in silk and lace, and richly adorned with jewels, and she had one son and several little daughters. Her husb.nud was away at sea, but she received her visitor graciously in a saloon hung with tapestry representing the conquest of England by the Normans, which had been wrought by several generations of the fair ladies of Throstlewood, and Lord Rocksbridge, after the usual polite inquiries after the health of all the members of the family, introduced the object of his visit. To his surprise, Lady Throstlewood turned pale as death when he mentioned the lad's name, but, after a moment's hesitation, denied any knowledge of him. "The good father must have been mistaken," she said. "I am sorry for your trouble, my lord, but I know nothing of the lad." Lady Throstlewood. 39 " He is u bright, clever boy. I brouglit him with ine, thinking tiiut it might please your ladyship to see liim. He sings, too, wondrous well for such a child." Lady Throstlewood tinkled a silver hand-))eri that stood beside her on a table, and when the servant entered she bade him, "Go fetch the lad my lord of liocksbridge brought hither. Tell him I would speak with him." Hugh made his reverence to her ladyship shyly and ratlier fearfully, but she spoke graciously enough, though coldly. "So this is tlie lad," she said, looking at him with a curious scrutiny tiiat abashed the child. " How old are you, my l)oy ? " "May it please y(jur ladyship, I am nigh on twelve." " My lord tells me you desire to learn a trade. What have you done iiitlierto?" " Any thing, ray lady, that people would set me to, It was not much. " " For what reason have you come hither? I fear you may find it little less dillicult to earn your living liere than in London. Nay, there must be more work there than here for a lad like you." " But, my lady, the good fatlier said " — " The good father made a uii^tuke, my lad. I am not the lady that he supposed. I never heard your name or saw your face before ; that I kiiow." 40 My Lady Nell. She spoke very decidedly, and Hugh looked from her to Lord Rocksbridge entreatingly. The iiarl said nothing, however, and after a time she spoke again. "I am sorry for your disappointment, child, and that ye may be in no worse case than ye were before, I will, at the first opportunity, send you back to London." " But, my lady, what should I do there? " he asked in a tone of bitter disappointment. "What did ye there before?" she inquired some- what sharply. Here the Earl interposed. " Nay, my lady, leave the child to me. I promised the monk that I would see that he was suitably instructed in a trade whereby be might earn his bi'ead, unless it pleased your lady- ship to make provision for him." Lady Throstlewood was visibly ill-pleased. " But, fair sir, are you bound to keep that pn mise, now that ye have learned that the monk hath lied to you? Doubtless he was weary of the charf;es which he was put to on the lad's account, and so, forthwith, he must needs invent this lying tale to throw the burden upon you or me." "Mayhap you are right, madam," replied the Earl carelessly ; " but an you are, it had been a crying shame to leave so fair a child to the care of such a frontless rogue." Lady Throstlewood. 41 " Nay, then, my lord, an you are content, 't is well. I did but warn you." " Accept ray thanks, then, lady, for thy courtesy," replied the Earl, rising and bowing low over the hand which she extended to him. "Good-morrow, madam." " Good-morrow, my lord. I fear me nuicii that you have undertaken a thankless task. After all 's said yon child is but a vagrant, and they are ever idle and mischievous rogues. Be ruled by me, and send the lad about his business. I know these lazy vagabonds too well, and the good lord, my husband, has often warned me against their lying tricks and deceitful inventions. That child, fair-seeming as he is, will grow up like the rest, an arrant thief and liar. He hath the marks of it already in his face." Lord Rocksbridge turned the lad towards the light, saying, " Madam, an I know aught of faces, this lad is neither thief nor rogue. I thank you for your counsel, but your ladyship must forgive me for following mine own judgment. At the worst mine error will do little harm. If he be idle and mischiev- ous I shall soon perceive it, and then I can but follow your ladyship's advice." " Ail, well, my lord, I have said my say. On my conscience I could do no less than warn you. But none the less I wish you well to your undertaking. I sliall be very glad to hear that the lad is doing well by your lordship and his master." 42 My Lady Nell. > I " You hetir lier ladyship, Hugh. Giv« her your thanks for her gracious wishes for you," exchiiuiecl the ICarl. " I thank your ladyship, may it please you, for" — "Tut, tut, boy!'' interrupted Lady Throstlewood impatiently. " I desire not ycjur thanks. Learn to be silent and respectful in the presence of your betters." She spoke to Hugh, but her eyes were on Ix)rd Rocksbridge, who, however, said: "Since it luitii pleased you, fairest lady, to take so kind an interest in the lad, I shall take heed to let you know an he turns out ill, according to your fears." " (rOod-morrow, my lord," said tlie lady angrily; and with another low bow tlio Earl left her. On the way home ho asked Hugh what trade he thought he would like best, but could get no answer beyond " Wiiatever your h)rdslup pleases." " But, my cluld, I Avish you to choose for yourself. How would you like to be a carpenter? " " Ay, my lord, doubtless 'tis a good trade." "Or a baker?" " I care not, my lord." " Or a mercer, or a saddler, or a tailor? " " Indeed, my lord, I wisli only to do as you l)id me." "But, sure, a little lad like you must sometimes think what you would wish to be. When you were Lady Thrustlcwoud. 43 with the good father and saw the gay 'prentice huis in till! towns, did you never thiuli how pleasant it woiihl be when yon were a 'prentice too ? " "Nay, my lord." "What! do you never thinli or dream of being a man, my child?" " Sometimes, may it please your lordship." Tile Earl paused a moment, then said slowly : " Once upon a time there lived a great magician, — that is, Hugh, one who has more power and more knowledge than other men, — and every one who wished for what he had not, and every one who dreamed of happiness beyond his reach, went to this great magician for his iielp." Again hu paused, and Hugh asic of white adorneil witli silver, Mud wealing on lier curling, golden hair a silvery and star- like crown. 'I'hey drew her into the center of the hall at the lower end, far from the glowing lire, and then the quaint llgures of the maskers ranged themselves on either side of her throne. For a moment she sat silent, then she rose to her feet and sang in a clear, sweet voice : — " A lonfi-nxpoctod ojuost. I come. Now bid nio welcome, welcome home, For Christmns Joy's my name. Lo ! 1 bring :i message glorious : Satan now, uo more victorious. Lies in deptlis of sliame. In badness deep our race doth lie, But Christ deseendeth from on high. That eartli no more may mourn. Hark I tilt' angels' song liarmonious Rings through heaven and earth symphonious, Christ the King is born 1 " Slie ceased and descended from her throne, while strains of music sounded. Father Christmas led lier up the long hall, towards tiie Earl's chair. Her sweeping robe and silver crown glistened like frost- work in the candle-light, and very sweet and fair she looked as the two moved slowly up the room, followed Tim Yule-Tide Revels. 11 ill qtiuiiit proct'ssion by the gay maskers playlu<^ on their iustnuueiits. She stopped l)esicle her father aiul again began to sing : — " Thus through every land I rove, Telling sweet of hope and love, And nierey infinite, G "3 good gifts from heaveti to ciirth. Christmas joy brings h.iUovved mirth, And iM'a('<> and pure delight. Christ the T.ord hath sent nie here, Bidding y(! his name who tear To take me in to-night." Again there was a moment's silence, and the P^arl said aloud, " Ay, my fair Clu'istmas ,loy, tliou art risrlit welcome ! " She made no answer, for tiiere was a great burst of joyous music, and all together the minstrels sang : — "Rejoice, O I<}arth! Make haste to bring Oifriugs meet for (Jhrist your King, In manger horn this day. Pitying d('('[) our woes terrestrial. He hath left his throne celestial, Praise him then for aye ! " Loud and triumphant tlie music swelled through the hall in glorious and exultant strains, but of all tlie singers there the voice of Father Christmas was most full and sweet; and the F '•' smiled kiut'ly as he 78 My Lady Nell. listened to the pleased comments of his guests, for he knew that the quaint disguise of the bent and aged man concealed Master Omer's promising pupil, Hugh Denver. When for the last time the music died away, the Earl rose and thanked the maskers graciously " for their fair minstrelsy ; " but he called Hugh to his side, saying, "These fair dames and gentlemen wonld tiiank you for your melody and tlie rare and quaint devices of this niglit's fair show. But take ye off your long gray beard and hair, tliat they may see to whom tiieir thanks are paid." Hugh obeyed a little shyly, for he felt boldei- under the concealment of his disguise ; but as the Karl de- sired him to remove it he could make no objection. His embarrassment was increased by the fact that he had no sooner revealed his own handsome face and dark, curling hair tluin many of the gentlemen and almost all the ladies exclaimed at liis beauty ; for manners were freer then tli:in now, especially towards any one who was regarded as an inferior. They paid so many compliments to his face, his voice, and his good management of the show that Hugh blushed and stannnered, and would have been glaa to be allowed ' . retire ; but the Earl, tliough always kind and con? t- erate, did not give liini the required permission to dejiart, and he was ol)liged to stay among the fine company at the u{)per end of the hall. The Yule-Tide Revels. 79 Meanwhile, Nell iat on her father's kuee, chatting merrily about tlie eveut& uf the night. "Father," she said, "Master Omer made the verses, and Lucy and Bess and Jane made the dresses, and Hugh made one of the tunes aid taught us to sing them all." " But whose idea was it at first?" " Mine, just at first, to have sonietliing, and tlieii I told Hugh and he devised this show, and we both told Master Omer. I am so glad it pleased you, father dear." "Yea, sweetheart, it did indeed please me; and, little one, you must try ever to be my ' Christmas joy,' and not mine only. 1 would have you always be Christ's messenger of hope and love and mercy. I would have you carry the fair message of the Saviour's birth and death for men wherever the good hand of our (iod may guide you." Nell made no answer, but her blue eyes were raised toward her father's face with an eager, ques- tioning, thoughtful look. At last she said : — " But, father, can I be a messenger for the good Lord?" " Ay, my child, none better, an ye will but learn the message from the lips of Christ himself." " Wliat mean you, father?" " I mean tiuit they who would carry .lesus' mes- 80 Mu JauUj Nell. sage must believe it true themselves. You must love and trust the Saviour ; you must ask him to forgive your sins ; you must know how fair, how patient, how tender he is, and then you will be a fitting messenger from Christ to the i)Oor lost souls who fear to trust him. For sure, a sinner who hath washed his soul in the blood of the Redeemer should be able to make known his cleansing power. Dost understand me, sweet? " " Ay, ray father, I think I dc." " Then think well on it, little one, and pray your Lord that ye may be found fit to bear his message. Better be poor and wretched and despised by men, if thou art Christ's servant, than the noblest, richest, fairest queeu that ever wore a crown, and did not obey him." Nell looked very sober, for she loved to be ma/le much of, and to wear fine clothes and to live in a handsome house. "Father," she said, -"do you really think that if you had to choose wht-ther ytju would be ])oor and his servant, or rich without him — do you think you could be poor ? " " My little Nell, many a man hath . Iiosen even death rather than deny his Lord, and by God's grace, I trust that he would keep me faithful through all temptation ; but thus far, my child, I have not had 27te Yule-Tide Bevels. 8i to make the choice between my Master and the good things of this life. Yet, sweetheart, think again of your question ; you asked nie would I prefer gold and lands and title here, for the short time my life shall last, or glory and ha[)pine8s untold tiu'ough all eternity? Little one, you put this world on the one side, and the infinite love and righteousness of God on the other. My darling, I pray God daily that you may make a better choice than that." Lady Nell sat silent and thoughtful, with her golden head against her father's shoulder, until the minstrels struck u[) a lively tune, and thi; Karl whis- pered in her ear : — "• Wilt thou dance this night witii Hugh?" " An thou wilt, father." " Hugh," said the Earl, " here is a fair partner for thee. Let us see if thou canst dance :is well as thou canst sing. Cousin Reginald, get thee a partner." " Naught would please me better, my lord," said that young gentlemen, choosing, not one of the noble dames beside iiim. but a pretty, rosy, country lass from the lower artnerti ; oven the Earl himself led out the stout country dame of one of his tenants. After the dance they played various games, in which 82 My Lady Nell. the same disregard was paid to all distinction of rank, for on Christraas-eve the lord and his servants en- deavored to meet on equal terms, without the for- malities that usually marked the intercourse between them. The festivities ended with merry feasting on all the dainties of the season, and when at lengtli the good folks departed, it was with deep and heartfelt blessings on their generous lord and his fair daughter and uoble, courteous guests. CHAPITER V. nUOlI (JOES TO OXFORD. rpWO years or more passed by. during which time both Hugh and Nell had learnt a good deal from books and a little of life, for though they lived in a peaceful country place, the Earl took a keen interest in the events of the great world outside their little one, and had many learned and traveled friends to visit him, who told the wondering lad and his little friend strange tales of countries beyond the seas and of the people who dwelt therein. Hugh had grown tall and manly-looking, but Lady Nell was still small and slight, though almost prettier than ever ; and a very quaint, old-fasiiionod child she looked, from her curious habit of wearing dresses as near as possible in cut and style to those woin by the grown-up young ladies of her acquaintance. Her father let her have her way in such matters, never offering more than a faint remonstrance over any of her whimsical costumes, and generally not even doing so much as that. As time went on, Hugh began to feel the difference in their ages more strongly, and Nell's imperious ways 84 M;i Lail'i ?^ell. tried his patience sorely, but Iin ahviiya treated iier with the saine respect and gratitude which lie iiad paid her when she was a tiny child, and he a poor, unprotected beggai' lad ; for he never forgot that he owed every thing to her kindly fancy for him, and that, if liis position was changed, it was through her influence. He was sitting one morning in Master ()m(!r's room, when the Karl eutered and, seating himself beside him, said : — " Master Omer tells me, Hugh, that thou hast done well in all that he lias taught thee, and that ho thinks thou art now ready to go to Oxford. We shall all miss thee, lad, especially my little Nell, but it is best for thee to go." " My lord," began Hugh, " I shall never be able to repay your kindness toward me." " Tut, tut, my child, I want not repayment for aught I 've done for thee. Thou hast been ever faithful and obedient, and 1 trust that thou wilt so live and teach, that my slight aid to thee shall be a great help to the cause of my Master." " My lord, God helping me, I will be Christ's true vassal evermore," said Hugh earnestly. " God helpeth all who ask him. My son, I do well believe that you will not shame the confidence T have of you. Yet the great world is full of all tempta- Hugh OuKH to Oxford. 85 tions, uud lutiuy luivi! fallen into «iii luid iliiiiiud their Saviour, wlio went into tiie Itattle witii I'iiir iiopes of cloiiijf him good sei'viee. "V is not tliat 1 would discourage you, l)Ut I would Jiavc you warned and watciiful ; for tiie world to whieii y(! go is filled witli evil Hucii as you have never dreamt of ; ay, and evil that puts on an angel face and fair-seeming robes, to deceive, if it be possible, the very saints of (!od." There was a long pause, and then Hugh asked : "My lord, when am 1 to go'r'" " In two or tiu'ee weeks, if you can be ready so soon." The time passed very quickly, but at length all his preparations were made and farewells said, and the last morniug had come. It was very early, for Hugh was to start almost as soon as it was liglit, but Master Omer and the good Earl, and even Lady'Nell, were all up to see him olf . In those days tiiere were no railways and no coaches, and the roads were by no means good, so that a journey from Southanden to Oxford was (juite an important event. Hugh was to go ou horseback ; and lie expected to be several days upon the way. He vas di ;:3sed for the journey in a jerkin and trunk-hose o/ dar!:-gray cloth and a long traveling cloak of black. His attire was sober, as best bititted a scholar, but his garments were new and of good material, for the i>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) II A {/ ^ ^i.. ^"j^ Sii.^ :/_ I I.I 11.25 |jo *^^ HBH I. ^ 1.8 U III1IK6 - 6" — » V2 /,. '/ #^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WfST MAIN STRKT WCBSTH.N.Y. MSW (7U)a73.4503 .ii rtigod againHt tliu I'rututituntH. At tlu' tiiiiu of wliicli I iiiii writing tliat pcrBuciitiou had not eoinnicncwl, fnv Mary hud only l)ut>ii on tiie tiu'onu a little nioru tliaa a year. King Kdward diod at the ago of 8ixu, in .Inly of the year ir»53, leaving hiH crown, by v,ih, to a distant (uuttin, Lady Jane Grey, wife of (iiiildfonl Dudley, and therefore (hiiighter-iu-Iaw of the auiltitioiis Ouiie of Northumberland, wiio, it waH generally believed, bad exercised undue iulluence over the mind of the young king in order to ensure the succession of Lady Jane to the throne. It is, however, unnecessary for the purposes ot this story to give a tletailed account of the rising thi.t took place in her favor immediately after the king's death. It will be sufllcient to state that it and a subsequent rebellion under Sir 'J'homas Wyatt were equally unsuccessful, and that Mary held poBsessiou of the throne as long as she lived. Lady Jane Grey and her husband were imprisoned in the Tower until after Wyatt's rebellion, when they were both executed. Suspicion of treachery to her royal sister fell on the Princess Elizabeth, who was also imprisoned in the Tower for a time but was afterwards permitted to live at Hatfield House, free in name, but under so strict a watch that she was a prisoner in reality. Elizabeth was much more popular than her elder sister, and perhaps it was partly jealousy that caused Mary to treat her harshly. 98 My Lady Nell. On her accession Mary had promised to tolerate the Protestant form of worship, and for some little time it seemed probable tliat she iniglit prove a just and humane sovereign ; but her marriage with Philip of Spain caused the reformers much uneasiness, which unhappily was but too well founded. Many notable men among them left the country, but others con- tinued boldly to preach and teach as they had done in Edward's reign. Hugh Denver returned to Oxford as he had desired to do, and there met with many young men who were of kindred spirit, and did but strengthen him in his intentions of fighting manfully the battle of the Lord against popish inicjuity and idolati'v. He did not for- get the Earl's desire that he should preach the gospel to the poor, and, like Wesley and Whitefleld of after times, went out into the fields and gathered the rough- est and lowest of the wretched peasantry about him, while he told them the story of God's free love for sinners. His simple eloquence touched their hearts, and often and often the sin-stricken, sorrowful, down- trodden men and women wept and prayed to the tender Christ of whom he told, that they might be washed and made white in his blood. Hugh's rich voice and beautiful singing were a great help to him in thesu little outdoor services, for often when his audience would listen neither to prayer nor Hugh Goes to Oxford. preaching, one of his glorious hymns aided him in catching their attention, and when once gained, he well knew how to hold it to the end. The Earl had judged well in thinking that he could speak to the hearts of the poor, for in his childhood he had known deep poverty and sorrow ; and even now, though he had studied nmch and had lived chiefly among gentle- men, he counted himself one " of the common folk," ana had thus an advantage over many of their teach- ers, who tried to stoop, tiiat tiiey might be understood by the poor and vulgar. He spoke to them with sim- ple, plaia directness, and his honest, earnest., manly words were rarely without effect ; thus the Earl's kind- ness to the lonely little orphan became, as he had hoped, a great blessing to numbers of peop^3 whom he had never seen. To how many can not be told, because some of the words of truth spoken l»y Hugh Denver "fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." If Lord Kocksbridge h- ^ despised him, and let him starve or grow up as he could, he might aever have known the way of life or the love of Christ tlie Saviour. But now he did know, and liis hearers took away the precious seed in their hearts, and in their turn became sowers ; and perhaps some one even in our own time is sowing seed that sprang Irom the help that the Earl gave to the poor orpliau 100 My Lady ^Nell. three hundred yearH ago. Who can tell how great a harvest may be reai^ed at last from some tiny seed that was scarcely noticed as it fell ? It is as true that our good deeds live after us, as that our evil ones do, and more true ; for good is as immortal as the God it comes from, but evil shall one day, we trust, pass out of existence. The wheat is gathered by the luord of the harvest into his garner, but the tares are bound up in bundles to be burned. Yet we know neither the amount of ill that one little seed of evil can bring forth, nor the amount of good tiiat may spring from a single seed of good ; so we ought to be very careful ibout the kind of seed we sow, asking God always to help us to sow to his glory and the benefit of our fellowmen. CHAPTER VI. THE KARL'S DEATH. "VTELL," said the Earl, one afternoon late in the autumn, " I wisli you would bid Thomas go down to Southanden for Master Granlyu. I have not been well for many days, and I fear that I am worse to-night." Nell came and put her arras round his neck and looked anxiously into his face, which seemed ])ale and gray in the fading light. "I will send .it once, father," she said, " but why did n't you have him before? What is the matter with you?" " I know not, my child ; percase Master Granlyn can tell me. Be not anxious about me, I am not very ill." By-and-by Master Omer came in, and they all sat together in the great drawing-room ; Nell softly touching her lute, while the Earl, declaring that he felt better, [)layod his usual game of backgammon with Master Omer. But Lord llocksbridge played with less than his usunl skill that night, and at length he rose, saying that he would retire to his room, when his face grew white and he tottered so much 102 My Lady Nell. that lie would have fallen but for Muster Omer's help. Lady Nell called out loudly to the servants, and Mas- ter Ouier went to fetch a cordial, which appeared to do the Earl good, for with his servants' assistance he got to his ])ed, where he lay as if very weary, scarcely seeming to hear or heed what was said. Nell sent again to Master Granlyn, bidding him come without delay, and at length he arrived, making many excuses for not having attended to the first summons, and laying all the blame upon the messen- ger who had been sent to fetch him. Nell listened impatiently, for she was thoroughly frightened about her father ; so she sharply ordered him to be silent now he had come, and to go immedi- ately to his lordship's chamber. lie did so, and shook his head very learnedly and rather despondently over his patient, but Lady Nell could gain little information from him as to his state. " Is he seriously ill? " she asked. "I fear, madam, that his lordship is not by any means well." ''Of course not," said Nell; "but what I want to knoy is whether he is in any danger." " Nay, my lady, 't is scarce so bad as that, I hope," responded the old man. " But I 'U do all I can for his lordship, your ladyshij) may trust me for that ; " and he forthwith proceeded to bleed and blister him Tlie EarVs Death. 103 in a manner that would have been trying to the health of a strong man. And afterwards he administered, by way of medicine, a series of nauseous decoctions, each of which would now be considered too loathsome and disagreeable to be given at all. In spite of all his exertions, however, the Earl grew decidedly worse from day to day, and at length Nell took the reconunendation of one of the servants and sent for a man living at a distance of twenty miles away or thereabouts, who was popularly supposed to be able to cure the sick by the use of " art magic," as it was called. This step was against Master Omer's advice, for such a proceeding was not ^.iily illegal, but irreligious, according to his ideas. But poor little Lady Nell was desperate and in- sisted on sending for the magician, who, as might have been expected, did little good, or it would ))e more correct to say none at all. Then she heard of a famous London leech who was in the neighbor- hood, and sent for him. He was a kind-hearted and skillful old man, and for a time his medicine seemed to arrest the progress of the disease and Nell believed that the Earl would now recover. She was sitting by his bedside one day after the physician had left him. watching him earnestly as he slept, when he woke and spoke her name. The golden morning sunshine strayed in through the 104 My Lady Nell. window, from wliicli the heavy velvet curtains had beeu drawn back, and a beam of light fell on the pale, wasted face of the Earl and on his daughter's golden head, showing both in relief against the violet and pale-blue hangings of the huge bed furnished with velvet canopies and satin quilt and counter- point. A brilliant footcloth, or carpet, covered the floor, and the walls were hung with tapestry represent- ing scenes from IJible history, wrought in brilliant colors and exquisite woriimanship. But amongst all this magnificence the Earl lay dying. " Nell," hr said, " my little Nell, I have much to say to you." "But, father, dear, the leech said you were not to talk," said Nell. " I must talk, Nell, for the time is getting very short, and 1 am better able to speak now than I may be again. Sweetheart, have they not told you that I am dying ? " "O father, father!" she wailed, "I can not, I will not let you go ! " " Hush, little one ; we are in God's hands, and he has called me home. It grieves me to leave you, sweet, or else I should be glad to go. But, Nell, I trust you will come to me and to your mother. We shall be waiting for you in the other world ; not lost, my child, only gone before." TJie Earl's Death. 105 "Father!" moaned Nell, "I am not good like you. I shall never find the way to heaven alone ! " " My darling, you will not be alone; God himself will be with you. He maketh the orphaned and the fatherless his own especial care. He can guide you home, my child, without my poor aid." " But I can't believe in Christ ! " sobbed Nell. "Oh, if you die I shall never, never see you again. Oh, let me send again to the leech ! Did li tell you that you were dying ? " " Ay, my sweet. He told Master Omer yestere'en that I had not many days to live. Hush, Nell, my little girl. Don't weep so ; it grieves me, sweet." Nell quieted herself by a great effort, and kneeling down beside the bed took her father's wasted hand in both her own and said, " Look, I am quiet now, father, dear ; say what you wish." "That's my brave Nell! 'T is this I would tell you : When T am gone 't will not be fit for you to live here alone ; yet I should be loath to have this house shut up, so 1 have written to your grandmother, Madam Statham, to ask her to come here to live with you. I trust she will be able to do so, but an there be any difflculty, I have given Master Omer directions how to act. Nell, my child, I hope you will try to make the old lady happy, for doubtless 't will be a great sacrifice to leave her home to come here for your sake." 106 My Lad;/ KeJL "But, father," sobbed Nell, "need she come at all? I am sure I could do very well without her." " Nay, my child, you are too youug to be alone. And, Nell, dearest, remember that it was my dying wish that you should be kind and gentle to her." " I will try, father," promised Nell. " That is right, little one," said the Earl in a feeble voice ; and after that there was a long silence, till he slept, or seemed to sleep. When he awoke again it was late in the afternoon, and he asked abruptly, " Where is 'Hugh, Nell? 1 want him." Master Omer answered, " We sent a messenger to him yesterday, my lord." " Ah, I had forgotten ! " murmured the Earl. "And Reginald, did you send for him too?" " Nay, my lord, for he hath gone to France." The Earl turned his face towards the fading light. " It is growing dark fast. I think the night cometh on apace. Tell Reginald that I sent him my dear love and" — What followed was spoken in so low a tone that they could not catch the words, and he seemed to sink again into a stupor which continued all night and all the following day. Nell scarcely seemed to understand the sorrow that had come upon her ; and as time went on and the Earl still lived she began to hope that he would recover after all. The physician did his utmost to save him, The Earl's DecUh. 107 and Master Omer and his servants, all devoted to him, watched night and day beaide him. Towards evening on the day after his conversation with Nell, he seemed much more like himself, and Nell felt quite cheerful, but the more experienced servants and Master Omer only feared that this temporary improvement was but the beginning of the end. " Has Hugh come yet?" asked the Earl again. " Not yet, father, but he will soon be here now. We bade Thomas make haste." "If he comes not to-night," said Lord Rocksbridge, "'twill be too late. Master Omer, call in the serving-folk ; I should like to say good-by to them before I go." Master Omer did as he was requested, and the Earl said a few words of farewell to them ; but he seemed so much exhausted after they had left the room that Master Omer feared that the exertion of speaking to them would hasten the end. For many hours he and Nell sat beside the dying gentleman, and still he just lived. The stately room looked very dark and gloomy, and the wind wailed round the silent house and among the great trees in the park most mournfully and sadly. For a long time they had heard no sound but the sighing and sobbing of the wind, when suddenly the quiet was broken by the quick tread of horses' feet, 108 My Lady Nell. and then a low knock sonnded on the door. Tt was opened gently, and the listeners in tlie room above presently heard the sound of hushed footsteps in the corridor, and in a moment more Hugh entered. The servant had met him at some distance from Oxford, and they had ridden night and day to reach Southanden in time. " He still lives," said Master Omer, softly. " He asked for you again to-night " Hugh could not trust himself to speak ; he threw himself on his knees beside the bed, and poured out a passionate but silent prayer to God for tlie life of his best friend. It was not to be granted in tlie way that he desired, for God answered it by giving him eternal life. Nearly two hours after midnight the Earl spoke again, saying, without seeming to be in the least surprised to see him, "Is that Hugh?" " Yea, my lord." "I am glad you came to say good-by. Once, Hugh, you said that you owed me something. Now promise me" — he stopped, as if forgetting what he had meant to say. " What, my lord ? " asked Hugh. " I will promise any thing." " Promise me that as I helped and comforted you, ye will aid and take care of my little Nell as far as f ( The Earl's Death. 109 may be. She saith she hath no one now to show her the way to heaven. I leave it to Muster Omer and to you. Poor little one, it breaketh my lieart to leave her." Nell was still beside the bed, but sho had fallen asleep througli sheer exhaustion. " God will take care of her," said Master Omer. "Ay," said the Earl, " I leave her in God's hands and to your care. Poor little one, where is she? lift me up, Hugh." Master Omer gently roused the child, and Hugh Denver raised the Earl in his young, strong arms. "It is dark and cold," he said. " Nay, look, 'tis growing lighter. Nell, Hugh, Master Omer, the dawn hath come at last." To the watchers beside his bed the darkness seemed deepening, but the Earl's face was bright with the light of heaven. "Nell," he said again, " look to the light. Lo ! there the Saviour waiteth. O Nell, he holdeth out his hands to thee ! My child, he calleth thee. O Nell, Nell ! sure now thou wilt not say thou seest not the way to heaven." " Father," said Nell, " I will come, if he will help me." The words seemed to reach the Earl's dying ear, for he smiled, and murmuring his daughter's name fell asleep like a tired child, and long before the morning came his soul had passed into the presence of no Mil Lwhj Nvll. the Saviour. He had exchaiiyed tliis world'M midnight dai'kuesB for the full and glorious ligiit of the eternal day. He was laid to rest, not among his fathers, in the distant and magnificent fane of Uoekshridge, hut in the little humble church of Southanden, where ho and his fair young wife had worshiped, and where the little Lady Nell had been baptized. He would lie, he had told them, in the place and among tlie [)i'ople he had loved best on earth ; ho would take his last long rest where his little daughter could sometimes come and think of him. He wished to lie near her home, and in lloeksbridge she would be all ])Ut a stranger ; so he was laid in the stately tomb that he had built for his gentle wife, there to rest until the resurreutioa morning. He had gone to peace and glory ; and so they tola his daughter, ))ut she refused t(j l)e comforted, and mourned and wept from morning till night. Poor passionate, broken-1 ear ted little Nell ! It was her first deep sorrow, and she gave way to her grief as she was used to give way to all her feelings. Master Omer was much distressed, but could do !iothing with the child, and Hugh's attempts at consolation were equally unavailing. At length the time came when he was to return to Oxford, and as he intended to depart early on the The. EarVs Death. Ill following morninfj;, lio wIhIiccI to hid good-by to Liuly Nell ovLTuiglit. Hilt lu! Houglit for her ull over the house iiud could not find hor. It was funt growing dark, but none of tlio serviints knew where she wuh, until at length old ]i(!HM remembered that uhe had been seen walking in the park during the afternoon, and it fMicurred to Hugh tliat siie had perhaps gone to visit her father's grave. The church lay about half a mile beyond the park gates, and stood alone at some distance from Southan- den. It was built of dark-gray stone, and though small, was very ancient ; its heavy pillars and round arches evidently dating from tijc Norman times. Around it was a graveyard, fidl of headstones and monuments, and on a piece of rising ground behind was a thick, dark wood of oaks and horse-chestnuts. It looked dismal and lonely in the twilight, and as Hugh passed tiio gloomy mere beside it from which the mist was rising in cold gray clouds tliat half ob- scured its surface and confused the outlines of the willows on its further side, he ccmld not help thinking of the stories which he had heard in his childiiood of the ghosts which were supposed to haunt churchyards. In those days most men believed in the existence of such beings, and Hugii was no exception to the rule ; but he also believed that " the Lord reigneth," and is always willing, us he is able, to take care of his 112 My Lwly Nell. people. So lie weut on, and passed under the little wooden porch that over-shadowed the gateway, and walked up the narrow path and under the shade of the great yew-tree to the door. It was not locked, so he turned the handle and went in, but was startled by a terrible cry, though only for a moment, for he knew that the voice was Nell's. " 'T ia only I, Hugh Denver," he called, as he went up the aisle. " Lady Nell, Lady Nell, where art thou?" She made no answer, and he felt his way into the little chapel, which was partitioned off from the rest of the church by a light wooden screen of carved work, and in the center of which stood the marble tomb built by Lord Rocksbridge, that gleamed white even now in the darkness. "Nell! my Lady Nell!" he said again. "Speak to me if you are here." Still there was no answer, and he began to wonder whether it really had been her voice or not, or whether his ears had played him false altogether. But he proceeded to feel his way cautiously round tiio chapel, and at length his foot touched something tliat felt like part of a dress, and looking closely he could see Nell's figure lying full length on the ground upon lier face, Avith her head and ears smothered i:: the heavy folds of her velvet cloak. The Earl's Death. 113 He feared tluit she had fainted, and raised her gently from the ground, but as he touched her she again cried out, whether in pain or fear he could not tell. " Are you hurt, my lady?" he inquired gently. " Who is it?" she asked breathlessly. " Don't you know me? Hugh Denver." "O Hugh! I am so glad you have come. Oh, take me home, take me home ! I have been so fright- ened ! T thought you were — oh, I don't know wiiat." " How you shiver ! Are you cold, my lady ? " " Not very. Let us go out of this dreadful place at once." Hugh wrapped her up carefully, and they went out pa>* the shadowy yew-tree and tlie dark, misty mere, and Nell often trembled and looked over her shoulder, and then clung tightly to Hugh's arm. But he no longer thought of the churchyard and those whose graves were there, for the sorrowful, lonely child took uj) all his attention, and he only thought of her deep grief and how best to comfort her. At lengtli the dark lanes and the shadowy clumps of trees in the park were all ])ehind them and they stood at tlic great hall door, which, when it was opened, sent forth such ii flood of glowing light into the dark- ness, that, for the first time since her father's death, Nell thought it looked cheerful and bright. 114 My Lady Nell. A ])lazing lire wua buruiug on the hcurtli, ami cuii- dlt'H shoue ill the sconces uu the walls. So siie sat down beside the fire to warm and dry herself while Hugh sent a servant for the refreshment which she so much needed. Bess ])rought in a tray furnished with bread and hot milk and sweetmeats, and Hugh was glad that it was not refused. When she had finished, the old nurse suggested that she should retire to rest, but Nell dismissed her, saying that she nmst first have some talk with Master Denver. "What made you come to look for me, Hugh?" she asked, when tliey were alone again. " They had seen you in the park in the afternoon, and I could not lind you anywhere in the house, so I was afraid you must have gone to the (ihurch." " It was kind to take so much trouble about me, Hugh." " 'T was nothing, my lady. I am ever glad to be of service to you. Besides, I must be away to Oxfonl ere dawn to-morrow, and I would not willingly depart without bidding your ladyship farewell. 1 am sorry that my going in frightened you so much," he added. "Ay, but I am glad you went there. 1 think I must have died of fear if I lit had to stay there all night long. I was thinking of my father, and I forgot all about coming home until it grew dusk, and then Hie Earl's Death. 115 I dared not pass the churchyard and the mere alone. Hugh, it was dreadful, alone there by myself ! " " My poor little lady ! " said Hugh. '• I am sorry 1 did not seek for you earlier." Nell made no answer, and she sat silent and thoughtful by the fire for many minutes. At last she said: "I had a letter from my grandmother, Madam Statham, Hugh. She cometh, all being well, on Friday ; she and my cousin. Mistress Kate." " I am glad of that," replied Hugh. " It is very lonely for you now." ' Ay," she said quickly, "■ ])ut strangers do not make the heart less lonely, and, truth to tell, Hugh, 1 doubt I shall not love my grandmother. She is a ' precisian,' they say. I know I shall never please her." " But, my lady, your father must have thought well of her, or he would never have asked her hither." Nell felt some penitence for her prejudice. " I know that she is good, Hugh," she said. " But I shall never be happy again. What does it matter who comes or goes, now? O Hugh, Hugh, you loved him, I know, but you don't know what he was to me ! " " My dear lady, I, who have been fatherless from my earliest years, can not know that ; but 1 loved 116 My Ladi] Nell. my lord better than any one on earth. I would have given all I have to save him, even my own life ! " Hugh's voice trembled, and Nell raised her hand to stop him. " Say no more," she said. '■ I caii't talk about him yet. O Hugh, I want to be brave ; I want to do as he would have wished, but I can't, I can't ! " and she hid her face in her hands and sobbed till Hugh was quite unhappy about her. "My lady," he said at last, "may I call Bess? Had you not l)etter go to rest?" " Nay, Hugh," she said, raising her tear-stained face. " Let me stay here with thee yet a while. 'T is our last night, an thou wilt go to-morrow." " I must go, I fear," he said; adding, " My lady, dost thou know what my lord hath done for me? Has Master Omer told thee?" " Nay, Hugh, but my father spoke of his purpose of leaving thee a sulHcient yearly sum to permit thee to follow thy present fashion of preaching to the poor and wretched without receiving aught of them. Is it that thou wouldst tell me ? " " Ay, my lady. God grant that I may carry the message as he and the Saviour would liave me. I think that the thought of my lord will ever aid me to speak to the poor souls the l)etter, for ho hath taugiit me that of the love of God in heaven, by liis fair life The EarVs Death. \l\ and gracious ways, which I trust I shall never forget." "Ay," said Nell thoughtfully, " he was most good and true ; yet, sure, Hugh, 't is very hard to be good. I promised him that night that one day 1 would go to him in heaven, but how can I ? How can I learn to be good without him ? " " My lady," said Hugh reverently, " God lives, and thou shalt be taught of him." Nell rose from her seat and, giving him her hand, wished him good-night and a fair journey, but after she had left the room, returned to beg him to come again as soon as he could, for he and Master Omer were her dearest friends. Hugh promised, and before she awoke in the morning he was far on his way to Oxford. - I : ■;■(- CHAFrER vn. NP]LL'S GRANDMOTHER. TT was about eleven o'clock on Friday morning when Madam Statham and her granddaughter arrived and were ushered into the great hall, which was hnng witli black cloth, as were most of the principal apartments in the house, in sign of mourning for the Earl. It was a gloomy, wet morning, and the travelers were drenched with rain, and we-^ry with their long journey, for they had traveled on horseback, and the roads were in a most wretched condition. Both ladies were dressed in black cloth kirtles, riding-cloaks, and close-fitting hoods, and all their garments were plain in material and simple in make, besides being much soiled and bedraggled with mud and rain. When their attendant knocked at the great door, it was immediately flung wide open. The servants were all assembled in line on either side the hall, and down the long room Lady Nell advanced in state to meet them. Truth to tell, the old lady was impressed more strongly than agreeably by the stately welcome I Nell's OrawhnoHier. 119 given her. For m moment she stood still on the threshold, almost stiirtled by the magnilicencc of the hall, the number of the servants, and, above all, by the imposing nature of the attire worn by their mistress. For Lady Nell, or, as she would have styled herself, Lady Eleanor Vane, was clad in a kirtle of white satin, I'ichly quilted and embroidered about the hem in white silk, over which she wore a robe and train of black velvet. Round her neck was a partlet, that is, a sort of close-fitting cape, fastened to the dress and finished at the throat with a narrow ruff of the finest white lawn, and her curling golden hair was drawn up under and partially covered by a tiny black velvet hood, ornamented with a frontlet adorned with black jet beads. This head-dress was by no means as unbecoming as it would have been if lier tiring- woman had succeeded in her purpose of drawing all her hair smoothly back from her neck and brow, for it had escaped in many little rings and curls, which softened tlie outline of her fair, little oval face, with its beautiful blue eyes and coral lips. She was slight and small in stature, and her figure looked still less in her handsome tliough rather heavy dress ; l)ut, nevertheless, she looked very *' pretty in her quaint stateliness, as she came down the hall with a bright-eyed, lilack-robed damsel 120 My Lady Nell. bearing her long velvet train. A step or two behind her walked her father's gray-haired chaplain, Master Omer, with a sad but half-amused smile on his lips, as he glanced at the little lady in her "braveries." Slowly she passed up the hall, and at length her grandmother, shaking off her astonishment with an effort, advanced a step or two to meet her. "Madam," said Nell, "I bid you welcome here; and you also, fair cousin." The old lady looked at her for a moment searchingly and calmly ; then her faci^ changed suddenly, and she took the little damsel in her arms and kissed and blessed her with tears in her eyes. " Poor little one," she murmured. "Poor little orphaned laml) ! Father- less and motherless, God help me to do my duty by thee faithfully." The tender words touched Nell's heart, and tears came to her eyes also, but she forced them back and, taking her grandmother's hand, led her towards the fire saying, " Thou art cold and wet, madam. Permit me to relieve you of your cloak." " Nay, nay, my child. 'T would spoil your brav- eries to touch it," said her grandmother, with a glance at her silk and velvet apparel. ' ' The serving-wench shall aid me." "Bess," said Nell, "assist Madam Statham with her cloak ; what mean you by standing idle in that Nell's Grandmother. I manner ? Jane, help Mistress Katharine yonder ! " Then turning again to Madam Stathara she con- tinued : " I have ordered dinner to be served in half an hour's time, madam. Will that suit your conven- ience, or shall I command them to put it back? " " Nay, child. Kate and 1 can be ready by that time," replied her grandmother. '• Perhaps you would prefer to retire to your rooms," continued Nell. " You will find tires there, and you must be weary with your long journey. Bess, show Madam Statham to the great red chamber, and Jane, do you take Mistress Kate to that prepared for her. Thomas, bid them serve dinner within half an hour." So saying Lady Nell retired to her own room till dinner was ready. It was served in the great hall, the cloth being laid on a very long table, in the middle of which was set a huge silver salt-cellar, wrought in the shape of a many- towered castle surrounded by ramparts and bastions. At the head of the table sat Lady Nell, with Madam Statham on her right hand and her cousin on her left. Master Omer sat next to the old lady, and below him on the one side and Kate on the other were ranged the servants in the order of their rank in the household. Those who were of least consequence sat below the salt, regaling themselves with fare which, though ample in quantity, was a little coarser in quality 122 My Lady yell. thtiii tliat set at the upper end of the board. My Lady Nell had ordered au especially sumptuous repast to do honor to the travelers, hut, unhappily, the rich display of venison parties, roast and boiled fowls, •rauie and fish and meat of all kinds, so distressed Madam Statham with a sense of the terrible wasteful- ness of the feast that she could scarcely eat at all. To no purpose did Nell press her to "taste this" or " try that; " for of all the rich meats and drinks she partook but sparingly, and even then of the very simplest articles of food that the table contained. In those days neither tea nor coffee was used, and people drank chiefly either ale or wine, according to their cir- cumstances. Now in Lady Nell's household the ale was confined almost entirely to those below the salt. Jt was the same when the sweatmeats came on the table. At that time sugar was perhaps the most expensive article of diet, but it had evidently been used freely in the preparation of the dinner with which Madam .Statham was now regaled. So she sat in silent disap- proval through the meal, vowing in her own mind to take better order with the household now that it was to be under her control. For a few days, however, she permitted things to run on in their ordinary course ; and Nell continued to direct the servants and to treat her as if she were a visitor. At length, however, it occurred to her that NeWa Chandmother. 123 a continuance of this passive state on her part would endanger her future authority, and slie resolved to make a stand and assert herself a little more. On the Thursday following her arrival, therefore, she required the steward of the household to bring up his accounts for her examination, but instead of doing 80 he sought out Lady Nell and, informing her of what had taken place, demanded her orders. Nell went at once to her grandmother and said : •' Madam, is it true that you desire to see Hardy's accounts ? " Now, though this speech was not intentionally dis- respectful, Madam Statham expected resistance to her will and was therefore prepared for a contest. She was used to .unquestioning sul)rais8ion from the young to their elders, and according to her ideas Nell's dar- ing to speak to her on such a subject at all " was unseemly." So she answered a little sharply, " A3', child, 't is true enough. I intend to take better order with the serving-folk than hath been hitherto. To my thinking, there are men and maids enow in this house to serve the queen's majesty." " But, madam," suggested Nell, " there are no more now than my father always had." " Nay, child, I trow that well enow, but by my poor judgment thy father wasted his living sore by keeping twice as many idle knaves about him as would have J 24 Nil Jjudij ^'etl. 111! woll Hiilliced. lieHides, Kletiuor, 't is time you learned tluit your father liatli been uiial)lc to leave you all that he hiiiiHelf poHsessed. Know ye not that all the Kock8t)rid<;fe estates were entailed, and therefore descended to your cousin Reginald?" " My father told me, years agone, that he was forbidden by law to leave all he had to me," said Lady Nell. " I knew that my cousin Reginald was heir l)oth to my father's title and the greater portion of his estates. But, madam. Master Omer told me that my father had straitened himself ever since my birth that I might live as he had done, in comfort and plenty." " Ay, child, I hope thou wilt never forget thy father's generosity ; but 't is needless and would be foolish to live in waste because thou art not poor." " Waste, i.iiidam ! " rei)eatud Nell. "1 have stud- ied to uurturi; iiiy household in the manner my father approved. VVaste, grandmother, there hath not been, to my thinking." "Heyday! little one, what have we here? Under- stand, child, 1 will not brook contradiction. Thy father hath spoiled thee, I fear. Little maidens should be silent and respectful to then' elders. Go down uow and bid Hardy be ready with his papers when the clock strikes the hour. I will come to him in the brown parlor at that time." Nell'n Grandmother. 125 Nell had been spoilod, uh Madiiin Stiitham said, and she felt deeply hurt and insulted at her grandtnother'a manner towards her. Siie stood for a moment irreso- Inte, then thinking of her promise to her father she said, with a stately eivility by whieh she unconscionsly annoyed the old lady almost as mnch as she had been annoyed by her tone of authority, " Certainly, madam, since it is your pleasure, 1 will give orders to Hardy to wait upon you with his books." Afterwards she wont to Master Omer's room where he sat writing, but when she entered he laid down his pen, saying cheerfully, " Can 1 d(j aught to serve thee, ray lady? " " I wanted to talk to you for a little while," she said, "but will it hinder you too nnich?" " Nay, ray fair lady ; 't is long sinee thou hast paid a visit to my den, methinks, but thou art ever welcome. What wouldst thou ask of me? Hast come to a dillicult passage in thy translation of the Greek, or is it thy French exercitation that troubleth thee?" " Neither, good sir. I have scarce touched either Greek or French since the sorry day my father fell sick. 'T is only — Canst thou tell mo, Master Oraer, was it my father's will that Madam Statham sliould rule the household?" Master Oraer looked a little grave. " Ay, little one, it was ; but wherefore do you ask ? " 126 My Lady Nell. " Because she demands to see Hardy's accounts. She saith that we spend too freely and are wasteful here. But oh, Master Omer, I have but done as my father did in these matters. 'T was ever his desire that we should live meanly iu nothing. What can I do?" " Naught, little one, but have patience. Thou knowest that till thou art grown the law doth not allow thee to command, even in thine own house ; thou art bound, therefore, to submit thyself to those who ure appointed to rule ovjr thee. Besides, sweet, it was thy father's will for thee that Madam Stathara should be thy governess, and for his sake, sure, thou wouldst be content to do even that which liketh thee n'ot ? " "Ay!" she said, "yet 'tis hard. Master Omer. Then 1 can not help myself, but am bound to be guided by my grandmother in all things, whether I will or no?" " Yea, my lady, 'tis even so." " Ah, Master Omer, I would that I were of age ! " The old man looked fondly at the child, but only said : " That wish is scarce a wise one, sweet. Youth is a joyous time, as thou wilt learn when thou art past it. But, ray Lady Nell, did not thy father on his death-l)ed bid thee think kindly of thy grandmother and strive for her comfort? 'T is a little hard for thee, I know ; but endeavor to please her, and think Nell's Ordudmutfier, 127 not of thine own wishes, iind by-tmd-hy thou wilt find obedience easy. Bethink thee by thus doing thou wilt keep thy fatlier'a command, and more than that, thou wilt please the Saviour, Christ in heaveu." "But, Master Omer, she misjudgeth me sorely. This morning 1 meant not to treat her disrespectfully, but she spoke as no one hath hitherto spokeu to nie. My father never did so." "Ay, little one, and yet I doubt not Madam Statham loveth thee right well. She told me yestere'eu that thy face romiuded her of thy mother's, and she wept as she said it ; for, ]uy little lady, she loved thy mother dearly. Nathless, she thinketh thy life hath hitherto been something of the freest, and would therefore train thee, even now, in the fashion which, as she thinketh, best befits a maiden." "Think you, Master Omer, that my behavior is uncomely?" asked Nell, after a pause. " Little one, I am an old man, who hath lived among books all his life ; sure, Madam Statham is a better judge than I can be of what is fitting for a high-born lady." " But," said Nell, " she also hath lived in seclusion for many years, they tell me. She hath little wealth, and hath been forced to live meanly. Can she, then, judge for me?" "Think not too much of wcaltii and high estate, 128 My Lady NaU. little one," said the old mini gently, '• for even in this world there are many things higher and nobler, and in the world beyond there is no place for tliem. My little lady, I wish not to grieve yon, bnt wot yo not that thy poor serving-wenches, so they be tl'itifi ' »o their Father in heaven, may take a higher br i/i.t . than many a noble dame who would now think scorn of them? Ah, Nell, rank and wealth have great temptations for those burdened with them. Pray to thy Saviour that thou mayest so live through this life as not to lose the life eternal." Nell's face was very grave, but she only said, "Master Omer, I will pray." " And pray," he added, " that thou mayest have grace to be willing to take a humble place. Pray that he make you obedient and respectful to Madam Siatham. Pray that he make you content to be ruled and governed." There was a long pause, for Nell sat in silence, apparently thinking over what had been said, but at last she asked, " Master Omer, have you a clear remembrance of my mother?" " Ay, my child. Wherefore do you ask? " " Is Madam Statham like her?" "Yes; she is rather like her in feature. My lady Kocksbridge was, as she is, tall and slight in figure. but her hair and eyes were more like yours. Madau; Statham iiath been nuich ilarker, I fancy." Nell's Orandmother. 129 •'Was she a precisian?" asked Nell again, " and did she wear plain, dark dresses, like my grandmother? I always fancy her decked with silk and jewels, like the picture in ray father's room." "That picture gives a very true impression of her, my lady. She used to wear jewels sometimes, but I think she cared less for them than many a noble lady doth. She was very lovely, little one, but, better than that, she was most sweet and good ; she was ever courteous and gentle, and willing to please others rather than herself." *'0h!" said Nell, "I would she had not died; perchance I might then have found it easier to be good." " Twas God's will, ray lady, and the fight with evil is alway a hard one, and one tiiat wo must light alone, saving for the good aid of God our Saviour." "Ah, well, I will try," said Nell, "to be kind to my mother's mother." " That is right, my lady, and think you not that you might also do somewhat to promote the comfort and happiness of thy cousin. Mistress Kate? She is a stranger, Nell, and lonely and an orphan like yourself, and yet, raetliinks, you have treated her coldly, as if she were an unwelcome guest." " Master Omer, I have been very naughty, I know full well. I will neglect her so no more." 130 My Lady Nell. Kate Statbam was a graceful, slender girl, nearly two years older and several inches taller than Nell. Her hair and eyes were rather dark, and her face refined and pale, generally wearing an expression of sadness and melancholy, wiiich was perhaps owing to the troubles that had over-shadowed her earlier life. She dressed very soberly in a plain, black stuff gown, and wore her hair parted on the forehead in plain bands and drawn up under a cap which concealed its beauty and luxuriance. Her education, unlike Nell's, had been confined to reading and writing, a very little arithmetic, and a great deal of spinning, sewing, embroidery, and housekeeping. When Nell left Master Omcr's room, she went at once to seek her cousin and found her sewing busily at a long white seam. She looked up as Nell entered the room, but her fingers kept on moving as quickly as before. "How fast yon work!" said Nell adrairiDjrly: "and how neatly! What are you making, Kate?" " A night-rail for grandmother," she replied, begin- ning to put the sleeve into tlie night-dress as she spoke. " You are very clever with your needle," said Nell, " but I came to ask wlutlu'r you would not like to ride down with me to Soutlianden. I want to get some satin for a new kirtle at the mercer's, and 1 should Nell's Grandmother. 131 like you to help rae choose it, an yon will be so kind. Will you come ? " "Thank you, cousin, but I know not whether I may spare the time." "What! is it thy sewing that troubleth thee? Come now, lay it down ; I will bid one of the maidens finish it for thee. Let us get ready ; I am impatient to be gone." " I can not go," replied Kate, " until ray grand- mother giveth me leave, and she bade me finish this sleeve as my morning's task. Look, there is still much to be done." " What ! is she so strict? Flow old are you, cousin Kate?" " I am sixteen, Eleanor." " Sixteen ! and she still treateth you like a little child ; setting you tasks of sewing, and forbidding you to move without her leave? I am but fourteen, Kate ; think you that she will treat me as she usetli you? Oh, she must be a hard taskmistress, ay, and a tyrannical." "Nay," said Kate, "she is most good and kind. You know her not, an you judge her thus." " Well, well, in faith, I hope you are right concern- ing her, else have my good days passed away. Sure, she will scarce force me to stitdi and sew when there are so many idle serving-wenches waiting to be 132 My Lady Nell. employed," said my Lady Nell, in some alarm. "But come, Kate, get you down to the brown parlor, where our grandmother is at present, and ask her leave, since you may not go without it, to bear me company." " She would be ill-pleased at my presuming to trouble her about a matter so trivial," said Kate, still patiently sewing. "Leave me; don't trouble about me, Eleanor, and take your ride without me." " Nay, not so, fair cousin. Since you dare not ask leave, I must e'en do it myself." So saying, Nell left the room and went down to the brown parlor, where Madam Statham was inspecting the accounts. Upon Nell's entrance she looked up, saying sharply, " What do you here, child? " Nell's cheeks flushed, and the steward looked aston- ished at the unceremonious address, but she answered quietly, " I came, madam, to request your perraipcicr for my cousin to accompany me to Southanden. She hath not yet seen the town, and she would like ^.he ride, an you have no objection to her going." " Hath she finished her task ? " " No, madam, not (juite ; she would not come with- out your leave on that account." "Without my leave? I should think not! And what mean you by going to Southanden, T sliould like to know? In future " — but here she interrupted her- Nell's Gi'aiLdinother. 133 self, adding, " Tell Kate that you may both go this time, although she hath not finislied her work. She ia a good child, and deserveth to have a little pleasure." A very few minutes later they were riding briskly towards Soutiianden, accompanied by several servants and a gentleman-in-waiting. Kate was astonished at the ninnl»er of attendants her cousin considered suita- ble, but her amazement reached its climax when they alighted at the mercer's ; for Nell not only bought black satin for one kirtle, as she had declared her intention of doing, but purchased a second supply of satin and enough l)rocaded silk to make a handsome robe, besides buying hoods and gloves, and partlets and frontlets, all of whicli seemed to Kate to be of unnecessarily good quality ; and when they had once more mounted their palfreys, and were riding briskly home, she ventured to suggest as much to J^ady Nell, who replied carelessly, '' 1 never buy mean stuff; Bess saith they don't wear, and 1 like to have things hand- some." " Be not angry with me, cousin Eleanor," said Kate, " but wliat want you with so many new gowns? I liad thought your apparal strangely handsome already." Nell laughed merrily. " Know then, fair cousin," she said, " that for myself I bought naught but black satin for a kirtle, which indeed I am sorely iu need 134 My Lady Nell. m 111 of," she added sorrowfully, " since my gay kirtles will not serve with mouruing robes. The other satin and the brocade I had designed for you, sweet cousin, for I am minded to see you in a handsome gown, and a becoming. I pray you to accept it and the other trifling matters I purchased for you, and, an ye will take my poor judgment, you will have the maid- ens make the robe with a train curiously embroidered in gold or silver. The hood and kirtle should be wrought to match ; but when we reach home we will talk to Bess concerning it, and she shall set the damsels to work upon it. She hath a rare taste in such-like matters." " But," said Kate, " such a fine robe would be most unmeet for me. It may be right for you, a noble lady, to wear such braveries, but for me they would be far too grand and fine. Thank you all the same, Eleanor, for your kind thought of me." " Nay, but I will have you wear my gift to prove that you are not angry with me for offering it. Besides, you are my cousin, and 'tis unmeet that 3'ou should ever be clad in stuff and I full oft in satin. I like not your robes of taffetas and serge ; they are not becoming to you, cousin Kate, and they remind me of the fashions of the papist nuns, with their dark stuff gowns and black veils. To pleasure me you will surely don the robe when it is finished with fair embroidery." Nell's Orandmother. 135 "Dear Eleanor, 'tis very kind of you, and I deny not that to my carnal vanity 't would be a pleasure to wear so rich a gown," said Kate; " ))ut 'tis written that we must mortify the flesh, and methinks 1 have therefore no right to pamper my pride by bedecking myself with gauds and braveries as ye would have me. Besides," she added after a pause, " I doubt not that were I willing to so dizen myself, that my grand- mother would straitly forbid it. She misliketh greatly all vain pomp and show." "Doth&lie?" said Lady Nell with a little sigh. " 1 fear me much, fair cousin, that she and 1 will ne'er agree in such close neighborhood as chance hath thrown us into. But leave this matter of your gown to her. An she thinketh it wroug she will make little of forbidding thee to wear it." " So be it, then, sweet Eleanor." "Call me not Eleanor, cousin mine," said Lady Nell. " I love not the name. My father ever called me Nell, his little Nell. Ah, Kate, it soundeth sweeter far to me than the cold, formal name of Eleanor. I would my grandmother would call me Nell ! " "Yet," said Kate, "she loveth well thy name of Eleanor. She says it was thy mother's name, and she hath often told me of my fair Aunt Eleanor. She says she was more good and sweet than 136 My Lady Nell. tongue can tell, and that her prayer for yoii is ever that you may grow up gentle and gracious as she was. Ah, cousin, from our grandmother's lips Eleanor falleth more sweetly far than the name you love of Nell." " I remember not my mother," said Lady Nell. " She died, they tell me, throe days after I was born ; and my father laid her in the white tomb in yonder church, where he now lieth beside her. Dost thou remember thy mother?" "Ay!" said Kate. "My mother was sweet and good, but until she died, from the earliest time I can remember, a cloud of sadness rested on her spirit that no light could pierce. VViiat her grief was I knew not then ; but I have lately learned, and I will tell you, Nell, that when you think our grandmother harsh and over-proue to command, you may not judge her wrongfully." "Then," said Nell, "you do admit that she is harsh and over-commanding. You said but now, methinks, that she was ever kind." But at that moment she glanced at her companion, whose habit- ual expression of melancholy was deepened into one of utter misery. "Nay, then, Kate," she said, "I meant not to hurt you. Forgive my reckless words." "Tis not your fault, Nell," she said. "But I can never think of my father without grief." NelVs Grandmother. 137 " Poor Katharino, dear coiiHin, thou knowest tlmt in that grief I can sympathize with you." " Thank God, Nell ! " replied Kate, witli sudden energy, "■ that yon know nothing of my grief. Your father lived a noble, gentle, useful, Christian life, while mine " — " Nay, Kate, an your tale be so mournful, distress not yourself by telling it," said Nell kindly, as her cousin stopped abruptly. " 1 will not give way to such weakness, Nell," replied Kate firmly ; and she told the following story in slow, measured accents that almost concealed the speaker's bitter pain : — " Thou knowest, Nell," she said, " that thy mother and my father were the only children of our grand- mother. But thou mayest think it strange when I tell thee that in those days she thought as thou dost that it is cruel to rule children strictly, and these two she permitted to grow up almost as it liked them, without correction and almost without reproof. Thy mother received little injury, as thou knowest, but my faMer grew up wild and careless, vain of his fair looks and intolerant of advice ; for his father had died in the wars, and his mother (God comfort her now) feared to give him pain and forbore to chastise him for his faults. He married young, and for a time he seemed like to make his happiness in the joys of his home. 138 My Lady Nell. But 1 told you he waa vain of his fair face and mauy accoinplishmoiits, for he could read Greek and Latin, play the lute and virginals, sing like a thruuh, ride like an ancient knight, and talk with wit and wisdom, like the Hebrew king, Solomon ; and folk (lattered him and at length drew him away to the court, where (alas, that I should tell the tale of him, my father ! ) he quickly learned all the ill-doings of the idl al- lanta who gather there to pass their lives in f( d riot. What he learned matters little. Our home was broken up through his waste and extravagance, and my mother and 1 went to take shelter with his mother. But even that injury was too little. He still haunted us and tormented her for the little that she had saved to keep us all from poverty. And at length he came home for good ; he had been concerned in some shameful brawl, and maimed and half-blinded he had fled in peril of his life to her for aid in his extremity. She hid him for many years, for it was believed that he was dead ; even I knew not of his existence. But two years since he died, repentant and remorseful on his death-bed for the life-long wrongs he had committed." "Is that the reason, then," said Nell, "that you and my grandmother would never visit us ? " '• I believe so," said Kate. " Truly our grand- mother hath had a hard time of it; for she ever Nell's Orandmother. 139 blamed herself thut she bad not ordered biin better in bis youth, and saved bim from so wicked a life and so woful an end." " Yet sure she was not altogether to be blamed," said Nell. " Bethink you my mother had t\\\ same training. My father hath often told of her goodness, and they were brought up together." " 1 know not how it is," replied Ivate, " but, as I tell you, our grandmother thinks that had she ruled him with a firmer hand his life would have been nobler. Since I heard this tale I have understood her better, and I think have found it easier to submit to her will, knowing that she meaneth her sternness for my eternal good, and I have told it to you because I fear you are not willing to bo guided by her as yet." " I thank you, cousin, for your kind intentions, but our grandmother, raeseems, now hasteneth to the other extreme, and erreth on the side of strictness," said Nell. "We are scarce the best judges of that," said Kate. Nell made no answer, but she feared more than before that a change had come over her life, and that, as she said, " her good days were gone." ever CHAPTER VIII. MY LADY'S BRAVERIES. Q IRANDMOTIIER," said Nell, as Master Omer, JMadaiii Statham, and she were sitting together after Ijreakfast in the room known from tiie color of its hangings as the brown parlor, " Hardy hath Ijeen tolling nie that you intend to dismiss some of the servitors ; but, madam, I beseech that you will permit the household to remain as it ever was in my father's time." " Hardy hath no business to speak to you on the subject, Eleanor," rpolied Madam Statham, "and you must uiiderstaud that 1 am obliged to use my own judgment, without consulting you. When I desire your opinion, i will ask for it; but until I do ask, it appeareth to me that it is impertinent on your part to give it." " I crave your pardon, madam, but the serving men and maidens are in nuich alarm at your decision, and I promised to intercede for them. I pray you, dear grandmother, t) let them stay ; for I know that my estate will well afford the charges. Au I were poor, the case would be different." My Lady's Braveries. 141 "Were you possessed of twice as imioh as you are, Eleanor, the case would be the same. 'T is not that I grudge your serving-folk meat and drink and wages ; it is that I hold it to be crying shame to keep so many idle grooms and wenches about the place, when there is scarce enough to do to keep them out of mischief. That is the reason why I would dismiss them." "Yet, madam, bethink you," said Nell, " what can they do to earn their bread if you send them away? Alas ! theiy say the counti-y-folk ure even now most miserable, through scarcity of work. I should be loath to turn away my servitors to starve ; nay, perhaps to die." " Child," said the old lady sternly, "■ think you that I would turn them away to starve ? " "Nay, madam, but perchance you know not the wretched ciouditiou of this part of the country," said Nell. " My lady saith right," here joined in Muster Omer. " Since the monasteries we-e destroyed and the large farmers began to rear sheep instead of growing grain, there liath been a great incre >3e in the misery of the poor. For the farmers now employ not half the men that in former times they required for the proper tillage of their lands ; and when any now fall into poverty they liav(! no longer the monasteries to look to for relief. And 't is the same in the towns : 142 My Lady Nell. those that labor with their hands are ever sinking into deeper wretchedness." " What, then, is your advice, Master Oiner?" aslced Madam Statham. "Madam, in my poor judgment, 'twere best keep the same number of servitors as lieretofore, an my lady may well bear the expense of so large a house- hold, but so to order them that they may have less leisure for gossip and frivolity." "Ay," said Madam Statham, "but there's the difficulty ; to my thinking, there is not work enow for them. Howbeit, I must e'en do the best I can." On the whole, Lady Nell was well satisfied with the success of her expostulation, and in her gratitude for her grandmother's concession of this point, was for several days remarkably docile and easy to manage ; but, unhai)pily, it was but tlie calm before a storm, and ray Lady Nell's intense dislike of being ruled and governed broke out more violently than before. It happened in this way. Kate, for some reason best known to herself, had omitted to mention her cousin's purchases to her grandmotlier ; perhaps she had expected that Nell would do so herself. That young lady had, however, no intention of doing any thing of the kind ; and so it came al)out that Madam Statham was not told any thing about them at all. Nell, on thinking the mutter M>i Laih/a Tiravenes. 143 over, came to tho conclusion tlmt lior cousin would find it far more ditHcult to refuse her gifts if tiie robe and kirtle were made up to fit her ; so, without further talk with Kate, she set Bess and some of tiie maidens to work upon them. She had directed tliem to cut them by one of Mistress Kate's gowns, and to embroider the robe cunningly iu silver ; and much to Nell's satisfaction, all was finislied with the utmost speed and secrecy. Then she had it carried to Kate's room when she was out walking in the park, and she herself went out to meet her. " Kate," she said, when they roached the hall, " come with me to your chamber. Iiave something there to show you." Kate looked a little alarmed, 1)ut follow v>i her cousin up-stairs without a word. " There ! " said Lady Nell triumphantly, pointing to the finery displayed upon the bed. "Now put them on, and let me see if they fit you properly." " O Nell ! " said Kate, "you really should n't have done it. What will grandmother s.iy?" " Nay," said Nell, " troui)le not yourself about her now. Come, h^w like you my taste? Do you like the silver trimmings, or would you have preferred gold?" "Oh, it's lovely, Nell, l»ut T can't wear it, and I am only sorry you have taken so much trouble and gone to so much expense for me ! " -, mmmi H4 My Lady Nell. "Nay, think not of that," said Nell, "only put it on. I am desirous of seeing you well dressed, sweet cousin, and I am sure that this gown will be becoming to you." " But, Nell, I tell you plainly, my grandmother will never permit me to wear it, so 't is little use for me to try it." " Yes, it is. Come, put it on for my sake. What! will you not even do so much for me ? 'T is but a trifle." Thus urged, Kate slowly began to remove her stuff gown, and Nell proudly arrayed her in the handsome kirtle and long-trained robe of black and silver. Not content with tliat, she further adorned lier witli a small fine rutf, trimmed at its edge with silver, and a cap with a silver frontlet. Kate looked half- frightened at lior finerj', but Nell clapped her hands and ex'laimcM "You are splendid, cousin Kate I You look lovely. Now walk slowly up the room. I want to see the effect of your train. I do wish I was tall like you. Your gown fits you heautifully. Upon my word, I think I '11 call grandmother in to look at you. I 'm sure she 'd let you wear it then." "Nay, nay, Nell. Oh, 'tis very wrong of me! I deserve to be punished foi d giving way to my wicked conceit. Help nie to unfasten this ruff, Nell, please. I must put my own gown m again." My Lady's Braveries. 145 ! I icked ease. "There's no harm in a liandsomo ilress, Kiite. Don't be in such a hurry. I wish granclinother could see you," she repeated, laughing merrily, as she tried to unfasten the refractory ruff. '• I can't undo it, Kate ; I will call Bess to help us. Oh, here she is, I hope ! " she added, as the door handle rattled. " I bade her come to see if the gown needed any alterations." But it was not Bess. Nell stopped talking and Kate turned pale, for it was Madam Statham herself. " Kate ! Kate ! ' she said sternly, " what have we here? I had hoped you were above sueli sinful and carnal vanity. Take those gauds off at once, and leave not this room until I give you leave." " Kate was not to blame," said Nell. " 1 bought the stuff and had the gown made without her knowl- edge, and then I begged her to let me see it on, for, meseems, 't is scarce meet for her, my cousin, to be dressed so meanly." "Say you so, sirrah? Know that I am the beat judge of what is fitting for both of you. I can tell you, child, that your vanity and love of dress grieveth and misliketh me sorely, but, please heaven, 1 will take such order with you that these faults of yours shall be trampled down. You are riglit that 't is unmeet that you should be decked out like a popinjay, while Kate ever weareth the soberest and plainest. Come UQ 31 y Lady Sell. now, we will to your chamber, aiul you shall show me your gowns tiud kirtles." Madam Statliam looked them over with a sorrow- ful counteuauce. " O child, child," she said at last, " know ye not that the spirit is of priceless worth compared to the body, and yet you spend all your time and care in decking out the flesh that will perish in the grave?" Nell made no answer, for she felt very angry ; and her grandmother continued, " Cost wliat it may, 1 will correct thy vanity for thee, and for this end the maid- ens shall speedily make thee a gown of coarse black stuff, which I will have thee wear continually until 1 give thee permission to change it." Nell threw back her liead and compressed her lips, but said nothing, and IMadam Statham departed to give directions for the making of the garment she had mentioned. Kate was kept in her imprisonment all day, with Nell's handsome gift before her eyes, " to weary her with the sight of it," as Madam Statham said to herself ; but Nell was allowed to go free, and she marched about the house in a very defiant mood towards her " governess." After she was in bed that night, Madam Statham herself brought to her bedside the black stuff gown, which was neat but excessively plain, and l)ade Nell put it on in the morning, and wear it until My Lady's Braveries. 147 she gave her leave to change it. Nell looked at her for a moment, then turned rouud and settled herself as if to go to sleep, lying perfectly still, with her golden head half-buried in the bed-clothes, until she thought her grandmother had left the room. Then she could contrd herself uo longer, and began to sob and weep In a wild, passionate way ; but she was startled to hear a voice at her bedside say softly, "Little one, 'tis for thy good, though I seem hard. The lesson, perchance, is bitter to you, yet 'tis even bitterer to me. Dear Eleanor, I have seen much of vanity and lovo of display, and alas ! I know too well whither it leadeth. Take thy punishment meekly, and pray to God, as I do, that it may be blessed to the good of thy soul." " You are unjust, madam ! " Nell cried passionately. " What have I done that deserveth punishment at all?" " Is it a small thing, little one, that thou shouldst be vain and proud thyself, that thou triest to lead Kate also into tlie selfsame sins?" " I meant to give her pleasure, madam ; sure, there was uo wrong in that." " Wherefore, then, didst thou keep thy plans so secret from me ? Didst not thou know tliat I should disapprove of thy wasteful and rash purchases?" Nell made no answer, and when her grandmother 148 My Lady Nell. bent down to kiss her, .suying, " My child, pray for a new heart; and now, good-night," she pushed her away and said not a word. In the morning she arrayed herself exactly as usual, and went down to breakfast with soniii secret uneasiness, which she veiled with an air of half-defi- uut and rather exaggerated indifference. She was going to her usual seat when Madam Statham rose and, going to meet her, said, " Put on the gown which 1 commanded you ; return to your room immediately, Eleanor." Nell would ranch have liked to refuse to do so, but there was something in her grandmother's face that made her obey in spite of herself. 80 for half an hour she sat in her own room, wondering what would happen next, until her grandmother came in and said, " Now, Eleanor, I will not have any more nonsense. I shall return in five minutes, and if you have not changed your dress and put on the one 1 told you, I shall whip you." So saying she went away again, and when she returned the dress was changed, as she expected ; but, to her astonishment, Nell burst out with passionate reproaches at her cruelty. " Child," she said, "you little know the pain you cost me ; but I am determined to do ray duty, and I will not permit you either to disobey or to insult me." Mij Ladif'fi Braveries. 149 So Hiiying, she .stopijud to the door and, calling one of the maid-servauts, sent her for a cup of water and a slice of dry bread. With tliese in one hand, she took hold of Nell's arm with the other, and led her down a long passage, at the end of which was a small closet containing a few boxes. It was almost dark, being lighted only from the i)assage, and Nell's pride almost gave way when ,she saw what was in store for her. If she had not had the fear of a whipping before her eyes, she would have resisted ; as it was, she sub- mitted to her fate witliout a word. The door was locked upon the outside, and she had begun to wonder how long slie would have to stay there, when it was opened again, aud her grandmother passed her a thick, warm cloak, saying signilicantly, " Methinks, Eleanor, thou inayest be glad of this." For a long time she neither wrapped herself in the doak nor ate the breakfast which had been provided for her, but at last cold and hunger conquered her pride, and she did both. She had nothing to do and the hours dragged by heavily. At first she occupied herself with meditating on her grievances, but by-and-by she began to think of Kate's story, aud to wonder whether her grand- mother really meant to do her good ; and when she came at dinner-time, she was so far subdued that she begged her pardon for her naughty words, and Madam 150 My Lady Nell. Statluim kissed lier, and for a tiino there was peace between them. Poor Lady Nell had cherished a secret hope that if she humbled herself in time, she might be spared the crowning disgrace of going down to dinner publicly in a dress " tliat would be mean for a waiting-woman ; " but Madam Statham intended that she sIkkiUI wear it until she got used to it and tliought nothing of it, so Nell was obliged to submit to her fate. For a week she wore it every day, excepting on Sunday, when Madam Statham gave lier leave to wear one of the plainest of her ordinary gowns. Certainly the old lady could hardly have taken a surer way to mortify her vanity, anri harsh thougli tiie lesson was, it taught her some things she never forgot. One day she and Kate were walking in the park in hoods and cloaks as plain as their gowns, when passinv; round a clump of trees they came upon two shabby, lumgry-looking men who were slowly making their way towards the house, and Nell forgot her "mean garb," and asked impulsively, "What make you here, and who be you?" "Nay," said one of them, "who be ye? Some serving-weM<'h, I reckon. Our business is with your mistress, the Lady Eleanor Vane. Such as ye can do naught for us." "Hush, hush, Jim, what need to vex the lass? My Ladi/s Braveries. 151 Maybe she will aid us, an we speak, her fair, to gain speech of her mistress. Folk say it is full oft a ditlicult task to gain a noble dame's ear." " I tell you, Hal, 'tis folly to stay talking with a couple of serving-maids. Are they better than we? Will a noble dame, as you say, take heed to them more than to us? 1 know better." "Yet," said the other man, addressing the girls, "heed him not. I pra}' you, fair mistresses, to beg the Lady Eleanor to hear us." " What want you of her?" asked Nell. "Tut, tut, my lass," said tlie mau called Jim. " 'T is ill-work enow to be ever ))owing and humbling oiu'solves to our betters. But you, I reckon, have caught the grand airs of your mistress. They say she is ever proud and vain, but pride and vanity are not for such as you, and I for one will not submit to being questioned by a lass like you." Nell's face flusiied, and she said, "I tell you, man, that an you want speech of the I^ady Eleanor, you were wise to speak me fair." "Ay, truly!" said Jim. " 'T is spoken like a serving-maid." "Mistress, my good mistress," exclaimed Hal, "heed not this fellow's rude tongue. Do thou be so kind as to entreat thy mistress to hear us ; tell her that we and our wives and children are starving, and that a word from her would give us bread." 152 My Lady Nell. " But what mean you?" repeuted Nell. "How can I tell a tale I uuderstaud not ? " " 'T is this, fair mistress. The Lady Eleanor hath much laud, thou knowest, iu this neighborhood, wliich until lately hath been tilled and sown, and hath yielded living to many a poor laborer ; but since i.is lordship the good Earl's death orders have been given to pull down the fences and throw the lields together into vast pastures for sheep. They say such manner of farming giveth a larger profit to the owner ; but sure, 'tis hard on the poor." "1 know it, I know it," said Nell quickly. "It shall not be done, an I can prevent it." "Ay, thou, my lass!" exclaimed the man called Jim, with a disagreeable sneer. " Hist ! " said the other, " me thinks this damsel will do her utmost to aid us. Fie on thee, man ; art grown too proud to take help from this kind maid because she seemeth poor. But, prythee, fair mistress, an it be not asking too much, wouldst thou do our errand now to thy lady ? " "Ay," said Eleanor, " 1 will do that which lieth in my power. Come, Kate." They met Master Omer taking his morning's walk, and he went with them to Madam Statham, who promised the men, iu the name of her young ward, the Lady Eleanor, " to take order" in the matter, and, ut My Lady's Braveries. 153 Nell's request, bade the servants to care for the men and give thera a good meal hoforo tlioy returned home. That uight she again visited Nell's cliumber, saying, " Hast learnt, little one, what thy gay gowns did for thee in time past? Seest tiiou how easy it is to be mistaken for a ser' ing-wench, even thou, the Lady Eleanor, when thou art dressed in meaner garb tlian is thy wont?" " Ay," said Nell in a melancholy tone. " T blame them not ; I know it uiaketh me look like a serving-maid." " Bethink thee, then, little one, how oft the praises given to tiiee and to thy wondrous fairn'^ic and gracious manner were not earned by tlu-e thyself, but by thy rich dress and gay palfrey and gallant company of serving-men. Canst thou remember this if I again permit thee to wear thine own robes? " "I will try, madam," said Nell, to whom it was a new and by no means gratifying thought. "Well, then, little one, I g'lvo thee leave, only deck not thyself too handsomely ; for remember that thou art only a little maid, and that such splendor as thou delightesl in is not meet for thee. Now, good-night, little J^leanor ; " and this time Nell did not shrink from her embrace. From that time Lady Nell dressed, as she thought, very quietly and plainly, though to Kate it still 154 My Ladxj Nell. seemed that her garments were unusually handsome and fashionable, liut what was perhaps stranger was that little by little Madam Statham modified lier own and Kate's attire so far that though still plain and sober it was no longer remarkably coarse or *' mean," as Nell phrased it. Indeed, after a consid- ei'able time had passed, Kate was even permitted to wear the unfortunate robe that had been the beginning of so much contention, for she needed a be^t gown, and Madam Statham could not find it in her heart to waste so much good stuff. To do the old lady justice, however, it is necessary to add that she first required her granddaughters to undo almost all the embroidery with which it had been adorned, and she also caused the train to be altered to a more seemly length ; so that Nell would scarcely have recognized it for the handsome gown on which she had lavished so much meditation and such great expense. Nevertheless, it was still the richest robe and kirtle that Kate had ever possessed in her life, and she wore it with a fear that her doing so was a concession to carnal vanity, in spite of her grandmother's permission. But though the dilliculties about their manner of dressing were thus gradually and happily settled, my Lady Nell and Madam Statham continued to find other points of dispute, and the dark closet was put into requisition more tiuui once !\s a means of subdu* My Lady's Braveries. 155 ing the refractory young mistress of the hall ; and I must admit that it seemed to serve its end well enough, for Nell generally cai?ie out of it penitent and humble. One great cause of contention was Madam Statham's firm determination that she should be taught to spin, to knit, to sew, to embroider, to make sweetrapata, aad to do other delicate cookery. Now all these useful arts were heartily despised by my lady as being quite unnecessary for a damsel of her rank, and conseciuently she would not take pains to master them. " "What is the good of all this sewing and cooking?" she said, "Surely, grand- mother, we have m.Jds enow to do such work." " But," said Madam Statham, " I wish you to learn these things tliat you may both l)e able to employ yourself with tliat which is useful, and that you may be capable of ordering your waiting damsels aright." " Craving your pardon, madam, I believe I already know enough of them to order my serv'tors rightly, and as for employment, I have my lute, madam, and ray Latin and Greek." "Ay, child, and supposing .misfortune were to fall upon yo, as it hath done up >n many a one, what would you do then? Verily, little oiu;, there is scarce a more pitiable object to my mind than a noble lady who hath ever lived in idleness, when she can no longer afford to be waited on ljy grcjoms and maids. 156 My Lady Nell. Who can tell what may chance ? 'T is best to be pre- pared for all hazards. And in faith thou shalt be, an it rests with me. Think not to melt me, Eleanor, with tears or prayers, or to turn me from my purpose by fits of passion or temper. Thou shalt continue to learn these things until thou canst do them well ; so be wise and trouble me not witli this continual and wearisome contention. Sit down beside thy cousin Kate, and she shall show thee how to fit that seam." Nell complied a little sulkily, if the truth is to be told, and Kate kindly and patiently endeavored to explain all that was difflcult in the task. A little later INIadara Statham left them, bidding Kate to take heed that Nell took small stitches and sowed neatly. She had scarcely gone, when my lady exclaimed, ♦' Do 3'ou think she is right, Kate?" " Peace, peace, Nell. Remember 't is not our part to call our grandmother's ways in question." " Then you agree with me that siie is not riglit?" " Nay," said Kate. " If you must needs have it, I think she is." " Ah, 'twas useless asking thee," replied Nell, a little rudely. " I might have known that thou wouldst say that she was right. 'T is ever thy way. Thou wilt not, or thou canst not, judge for thyself. She is evoi- right and I ever wrong ; the matter brooks not thinking of." My Lady's Braveries. 157 part Kate Wiis silent for n moment ; then she said, " Me- thiuks 't is scarce Kind to speak to me in this fashion, cousin Nell. Yet, an tliou carest to hear, I will tell thee wlierefore [ think she is right." " Ay, speak on. I would gladly have good reasons for that which it seeraeth must be, couu; what will." " In brief, tlien, cousin, kuowest thou not that we who are Protestants are helil in light favor by the queen's majesty ? For she ever leaneth more and more toward tliem of her own faith, and now they say she is like to attempt the conversion of those who differ from her by strong means. King Philip's grace, 'tis said, hateth naught so much as heresy (for so they term it) , and to [jleasiu'e him the queen's majesty is fain to break the oatli she swore that she would meddle not with the religious freedom of her subjects. So, Eleanor, we are like to have sad work of it in England, and it may )>e that even you, so ye ki!ei) the faith, will yet be thankful for our grand- mother's determination that you sliould learn all that is useful f')r a woman to know." "Keep the faitii I " repeated Nell. "What mean you?" " Dear cousin, in times like these they who are highest fmd not life the easiest. I fear that, an things go on as they have begun, 't is like that they will strive to persuade or force or terrify all folk to 158 Mil Lady Nell. return to the siaa ami superstitions of papistry, and sure tliey will make the greater effort in the case of those who are rich or nol)le. Dear little Nell, pray God to hold thee firm ! " " Bnt, Kate, ye talk of force or terror. Snre, in our free land of England these tilings are not to be. Our prince hatli limit to his poAver. I have read full oft in history, fair cousin, liow the noble lords and barons of time j)ast, mine own valiant ancestors among the number, have again and again curl)ed the tyranny of their king, and clieckcd his exorbitant demands. Ay, sometimes at the sword's point have they won from his niggard hand the liberties and charters that have made fair England the riciiest and most joyous land beneath the sun. Ay, cousin mine, sometimes you repeat to me the unmannerly scoffings of the mean against the great, but 1 tell you, for I have read it in a noble book, and Master Omer voucheth for its truth, that in none other country, be it far or near, are the common folk so well fed, well housed, and well clad as in Merrie England ; and 't is to their lords against wliom they rail that they owe both plenty and free- dom. Therefore, dream not, Kate, that the nobility and gentry will submit to oppression for a moment. I tell you that thoy will never stoop so low. They will defend their rights to the uttermost." "Ay, but Nell, an you are right about the times My Lady's Braveries. 159 i:ast, tuul perchance you are, for I know that you are full learned iu tlio history of ancient days, the times have changed, and that which was true is true no longer. They say our princes nowadays are ever willing to huml)le the great lords, and sure we know ourselves that the couiinon folk bear not too deep a love toward them." " 'T is false, 't is false ! cousin Kate. Think j'ou so much of the idle railings of a handful of niisproud and malapert varlets like those who have dared to break the peace with their riots and clamoring here- about? Look ye rather at our faithful servitors and tenants. Think ye that aught would persuade them to desert us in extremity ? I tell yc nay ; and there are many like-minded scattered thickly through the country." " God grant yc are right ! " said Kate. " But now the more pressing danger riseth not from the common folk, but from the queen's grace herself. Tiiey say that for love of her own will and conceit of her own opinion she is equal to her father. King Harry himself." " Ah, well ! " sai«'. Nell, " an the evil i,'mes come we must e'en make ♦ne best of them ; but till they do, I tell you franklv, cousin Kate, that I am willing rather to enjoy myse'f while I may." '•Ay, but ve nuist prepare ourselves, that we may be ready for ail," said Kate. 160 My Lady Nell. " And so," returned Nell, " thy homily all cometh round to the point it started from, mid I must learn to sew, forsooth, in ease I be stript of lands and money, and maids and all, by tiie queen's most gracious majesty, in order that I may learn to think that which I do not think. Sure 't is a quaint conceit of thine, fair Kate, to prove that my grandmother hath ever large and foreseeing motives for that which she pleaseth to (Uj, Itut I know better." " Nay," said Kate, •• I am assured that I have told thee only truth." " [ deny not that to the best of thy knowledge thou hast told but truth, but hear me now and I will show thee how I look upon the matter. To my think- ing, it all l)ecometli a question of who shall rule betwixt us. I like not to be eluded and punisheil and treated like a child here in mine own house, among mine own servitors, and ineseems 't is unfitting that Madam Statham siiould ever degrade and humble me in their eyes, who am their mistress. But she tliiuk- eth that she is my governess, and she loveth her own way as much as I love mine, which I do not deny is right well ; she knoweth also that her autiiority will end when I come of age, and to all this thou must add that she judgeth my education and Itringiug up to have been totally neglected, so she loseth no time of the little that remainetli ere 1 shall be grown, and sparetli My Lady's Braveries. IGl and inong that u me liak- owu iiy is neither my feelings nor her authority, l)ut bindeth mo down to tasks like this sewing, partly, perchance, because they are useful, l)ut tlie rather that they are utterly distasteful to me." "O cousin! O Nell! how can you be so luijust, so unkind ? " "I am neither, sweet Kate, for I still endeavor to think tliat she doeth all for tlie discipline, forsooth, of my mind and, as she saith, the mortification of ray vanity, of which, fair cousin, I deny not some share; but truly, I am full oft provoked to wish, as now, that she took a less sincere interest in my welfare, since it taketh with her so disagreeable a form. Credit me, cousin mine, she maiccth me less than happy, and I regret it the more, as meseems she will never make me good, despite of all. Alas ! I fear me muub that she rather arouseth all the ill that lieth liid within me. Sure, Madam Stathain provoketh me daily to evil that methinks had not otherwise haunted me. Till she came hither, I knew not that I was passionate nor disrespectful, and yet, Kate, I do believe that my father also labored for my eternal welfare, and an it were not that 1 promised him tliat I would ever strive to ])e matle fit to join him in the fair heaven above, I would try no more. It seemeth to me a well-nigh impossible task, and oh, 't would be so much easier to give it all up." 162 My Lad'/ Nell. " Easier, Nell, to give u\) the strife for heaveu ! " exclaimed Kate. "Ay, easier! for I am not as tliou, sober, patient, and devout by nature. Tliank heaven, Kate, for thy meek and quiet spirit; thou wilt not miss thy road." Kate hesitated how to reply, for that spirit of " carnal vanity " against which she was always striv- ing prompted her to tell Nell of her own unseen struggles and bitter temptations, ])ut the momentary desire passed, and she answered calmly : " I trust in the Lord our guide that he will keep me to the end ; but, Nell, that hope is full as gieat and sweet and strong foi' thee ; none need wander from the path, for his hand is ever raised io point the way." "Ah!" said Nell, "so they wlio love the Master ever say. But I And no guidance, no help, no com- fort. Ah, Kate, I do strive to be good, but what does it all end in? Naught but failure." " Sweet Nell, pray for his gracious Spirit to lighten thy darkness, and an the answer come not quickly, pray till it doth. It will come surely, so be patient, and cease not, even in thy darkness, to strive to obey the commands of the Saviour." Nell sewed on at the wearisome white seam, but she thought of her cousin's words, and then of her cousin's life, and wondered whether she ever would attain to being good like her, and like Hugh and the good Earl her father. h^ d(j My Lady's Bravenes. 163 She did not think of Madam Statharu, though she believed her to l)e good also, because her form of goodness was unattractive and ungentle, and because she made the mistake of being a little too fujvero, though with the best motives ; and being rather t(,«o fond of driving, when she might have done better if she had tried to lead instead. I tiiink Madam St;i- tham forgot sometimes the gentleness of Christ; Iml those who follow most nearly in his footsteps lui,;; always the greatest power with the weak and wickt'd and erring. Many a soul that is but hardenuil l)y the terrors of the law will melt at once in the gentle- ness of the gospel. All through time and all over the world, love is a greater power than fear, and love, we trust, will at length conquer all things, even sin and death. Yet Madam Statham loved Nell, and her mistake' was that she scarcely ever permitted her to see it ; for all the little influence that she had over her depended on the child's belief, often shaken though it was, in her affection. If that had failed entirely she would have found her hard task of governess ten times harder. " Kate," said Nell at last, " I fear my wild talk hath shocked you. I mean not, despite of all, to doubt my grandmother's desire for my good." " In truth, dear Eleanor, you both shock and puzzle 164 My Lady Nell. mo soiuetimert, iiiid I would that you talkiMl iiimi! gently of our graiulmother. She hath been ever kind to me." " Ami yet," said Nell, " you look ami move in her presence as if you rati' r feared than loved her. Is it not so? Hath she noi trained thee so harshly that love is impossible?" " Nay, sweet cousin, I do love her, and 1 trust tiiat thou wilt also love her in time." " Ah, well ! perchance I may ; lot us hope so. But i' faith, I think my affection will have a better chance when I am free from her iiuthoritv. Ilciaho ! how many of these hateful white seams shall I sew, I won- der, ere I am of age? Thinkest thou, cousin, that this sewing of mine will be permitted to pass ? " Kate looked at it and shook her head. " I fear, Eleanor, that thou must have forgotten thy work in thy conversation. 'T is a i)ity ; but she ever requires great neatness, and this is scarce neat." " I guessed as much, fair cousin mine," replied Nell, in a tone of resignation tiiat astonished Kate. " I '11 e'en make a virtue of necessity and take my stitches out again. IJut blame not my conversation, for 't was thine, Kate, that made nie forget my work. I fear that I sewed something too fast for an inex- perienced ueedle-womau." CHAFrKR TX. MASTER DENVER. TT^ATR! Kate!" criiui Nell excitedly, us they sat fit work on tlie foll<»win' and knitting, and Ihc like, solely that I may he tmal)le to do that which I desire. Nay, I protest to you, Hugh, that [ scarce have time to continue my studies of (heek and Latin, of which you know lh:ii my father approved full well ; and iis for my lute, I fear she hateth it as ' vanity,' and will one day altogether forhid my touching it. Oh, I am weary of my life ! " "Hush, hush! my lady. Strive after patience." "Madam Statham is utterly unreasonahle, Hugh. Now, as to my dress; think you that for my I'ank I used to go clad too richly? Sijcak out. I desire an honest and plain answer." " An you desire it, 1 will answer plainly. I do think that you erred on the side of over-richness." "lint now; wiiat tliink you of mine attire at present?" asked Nell half-impatiently. "It appeareth to me, my lady, that thine attire oweth something to thy grandmother's intluence. It is somewhat plainer than it used to he." " It doth indeed owe something to her intluence," 174 My Ladi) Nell. suid Nell quickly. " Why, Hugh, sliu penuitteth mo uot to t'lumge my Jiood without licr consent. But she calleth this gtirb liunilsome, and hadst tliou seen luy robe a week ago, even thou wouldst liave termed it plain and mean. She forced me to dress in a kirtle of coarse, black, woolen stuff tov uuiny days ; all, forsooth, because I would have given my cousin Kate a handsome gown. Wherefore, think ye, that J for- merly dressed too richly? for sure, I couKl right well afford it." " Ay, my lady, but an; not many of tiie folk around you poor and in misery? and think ye not that to them it might seem hard if thou shouldst go ft)rth shining in gold and jewi-ls, while they lack bread to eat and clothes to put on?" " Percase it might; and yet, Hugh, would the difference in mine attire ))e any comfort to them? Thougii of course, an I gnve them the greater aid, they would be the gainers of it," she added thought- fully. *■ Ay, my lady, ami why mightest thou not aid them ? " "• I fear, Hugh, that I am slow to think of these things." " An thou hadst l)een where 1 have, thou wouldst ue'er again f<.»rgi4 tlie woes of poverty. Mut, my lady, an thou wilt try to aid the wretched, consult with Master Denver. 175 Miuhim St:ith;iiii or Master Oiner how and wliat to give. At times, thou iiiayest do well to rd C'urwiu of thine is a noisy, turbu- lent brawler, ever to the fore when l)low8 are to be struck and rash deeds jittempted. Beware of him, lad, an thou wilt avoiing man ; we desire not thine help." So saying, she tcwk the horses by the rein and began to hol>ble up the hill, thus leading them towards the Hall. She had not j)roceeded far, however, before a cavalcade of horsemen swept down the road to meet them and formed themselves into a guard about the litter. Then Hugh rode on towards the top of the hill, where he expected to find Nell and her cousin await- ing him ; but they were not there, nor did he overtake them until he reached the common. Hie Red Witch. 191 "Hugh," said Nell, " nrt Kiife, my friond? Tis not my fiuilt that 1 waited not for tlico an I i • lined ; for Thomaa took my bornc's Ijridle and fore;;! ub hither." "He did well, ray lady. I have had t-i ifli anxiety for your safety. Yon foil* are wild and lawless, aud I dreaded that they might strive to rob yon also." "What of Lady Tlirostlewood ? " asked Nell eagerly. "Who was with her?" " Her servitors had fled affrighted ; she was alone," said Hugh. " Hnt is she hurt? " asked Nell. " Nay, nay, my htdy, she is naught hut frightened ; though, but for a strange accident, she came well- nigh l)cing murdered, as she hath been robbed ; and through her own rash folly." " Her own rash folly ! Do you speak of '..e Lady Throstlewood in such unceremonious fashion, Hugh?" asked Nell, ever mindful of the respect due, as she considered, to her own order. " Ay, ray lady, of none other than she ! " he answered quickly, for he was not too well pleased at Nell's rebuke. " An blie come to hurt by such mad doings, her blood be upon her own head. It was rank folly for a woman in her position to dare to defy a herd of hungry, starving wretches like yon." " Lady Throstlewood huth good courage, I well 102 My Lady Nell. wot that," said Nell, to whom she was something of a heroine. " Under favor, my l^dy, so hath many a brainsick creature who is judged fitter to dwell in a madhouse than rule in a great mansion. Courage is well enow, but sure it may be better displayed than in refusing aid to a crew of hungry men and women like yon. The Lady Throstlewood, raeseems, beareth no good- will to the poor and lowly ; she hath ever a proud look and a haughty, insolent manner. For my part, I wonder not that the tenants and villagers yonder were provoked to do her evil." Nell had chosen to consider Lady Throstlewood under her protection, and she replied with more warmth than discretion, "• I trow, Hugh, that you have never forgiven her for the cold manner in which she received you when you were " — At that moment she stopped, for she felt ashamed of having stooped to taunt her friend with his humble origin. " When I was a stroller and a vagrant, you would say, my lady," he continued for her. " Neither hath my Lady Throstlewood forgotten it. She scarce deigned to receive protection from one so humble ; and, mayhap, madam, you like not" — But Nell interru'"*t'(i him impulsively, exclaiming, " O Hugh ! what have I said ? Forgive me, forgive me ! I meant not to hurt you. Sure, after all these years, The lied WUch. 103 you should know that. Now, Hugh, say you forgive me!" Hugh bowed a little stiffly, for the events of the moruing had annoyed him deeply. '^ Nay," said Nell, " that is no forgiveness. In time past thou wert ever ready to forget an offence. Come, tell me in plain words, an you do forgive me. Sure, Hugh, we must not quarrel, you and 1." Hugh gave her the assurance she required, a little ashamed of himself for having made so much of what was in reality so little ; but, if Nell had known it, Hhe touched a sore point when she I'eminded him of that unlucky interview with Lady Throstlewood. "What meant you. Master Denver, when you spoke of an accident to which the lady owed her escape?" asked Kate, with an amiable desire to turn the conver- sation from such an awkward topic. " The folk were all gathered round my Lady Thros- tlewood's litter, tearing the gold and jew( ' Trom her dress, when a feeble, ugly old woman came up and bade them depart, and at her command they fled." " Whp-t looked she like?" said Nell, with interest. " ls>he was very small and old and bent, and wore a scarlet cloak and hood. 1 marketl not the rest of her dress ; indeed, to say truth, 1 looked on her as little as I could, for I have rarely seen a being of more repulsive aspect." 194 My Lady Nell. " Sure," said Nell, " it must have beeu Madge Trimmer, the Red Witch of Throstle wood." " I judged that she must be a woman of magic ; but wherefore, think ye, my lady, that she exercised her power on behalf of the Lady Throstlewood ? " " I know not certainly, but 't is said that she hath oftentimc practiced with the Red Witch for the recov- ery of her son Frank, who is ever weak and ailing. Mind you. Master Denver, I know not the truth of the story. 'T was from the serving-maids I had it, and they tattle too oft of that they understand not." " Ay, but an it were true, old Madge did wisely to guard so rich and powerful a patron, raethinks," said Hugh. " Hath her skill done much for the health of this Frank, ray lady?" " Nay, as I said, I know naught with certainty, but mescems his health is changeable. 'T was but the other day lie told me that he desired to join my lord his father on the seas ; and now he lieth at home sick and like to die. It grieveth uio much to think on him ; for it is an ill thing for him to lie there awaiting deatli in his youth." " Ah," said Kate, " there are those to whom death Cometh but kindly, even in youth. It may be that God willeth he should hnvc release from all his pains." The Bed Witch. 195 Meanwhile Lady Throstlewood and her escort had reached the hall, and the Red Witch, though obviously disliked and feared by the servants, entered with them, and sat over the fire in the huge kitchen, until, as it began to get dusk, she was summoned by Lady Thros- tlewood's waiting gentlewoman to her room. " Madge," began Lady Throstlewood as soon as the door had closed behind her maid, " thou hast deceived me, I fear. My son is rather worse than better. In faith, I trust thine art less than the leech's skill." The old woman muttered and mumbled indistinctly, and Lady Throstlewood exclaimed impatiently : — " Come hither, woman, nearer. 1 hear not what thou sayest. Thou promisedst me that .an I followed thy directions, my son should have good health by Yule-tide ; but now 't is nigh on Lady -day and he hath lost the little strength he had." " Ay, my lady, but the charm worketh not upon him because he trusteth it not. Bethink you, lady, I warned you that it might not aid him ; but an it pleaseth you, I will see him again." ''Ay, come then," said Lady Throstlewood, rising from her chair and leading the way down a broad passage to another room, gayly and handsomely furnished with all that love could devise or money could buy to make the place tolerable to the restless lad who looked upon it as a prison. It was Master 106 My Ijady Nell. Frank's private room, and here he now hiy on a couch covered with cushions of green and gold brocade, playing chess with his eldest sister, a bright-eyed, fair-haired girl a year or two younger than himself. A strangely fashioned chandelier hung from the middle of the ceiling, and threw a good light into every corner of the room. The walls were draped with tapestry representing hunting or fighting scenes, and over the oaken fire-place was suspended a large sea-picture, representing Lord Throstlewood's ship, the Mastiff, engaged in battle with a pirate vessel. This picture was well painted and handsomely framed in gilt, and was the pride and delight of poor Frank's heart ; for he admired no one so much as his father, and felt a sort of passionate exultation in the brave deeds which he desired yet dared not hope to imitate. There were a few books, and many curious weapons and strange shells, and other things which Lord Throstlewood had brought home from his distant voyages, but Frank could not reconcile himself to spending so large a portion of his time within its four walls, in spite of its many attractions, and he grew pettish and irritable in his confinement, espe- cially to his mother. ""Who is that?" he asked, as Madge Trimmer paused at the door. " 'T is the wise woman who hath been to see you Thi' lied Witch. 197 before. But, Maud," she added, turning to her daughter, '' we want thee not. Go to thy sisters." The girl left the room witliout a word, and the old woman was proceeding to repeat incantations over him, when he exclaimed : " Get ye hence, old woman ; 1 will have none of 3'our magic." "What! my son," returned his mother. "I had thought that thou desiredst to grow strong like thy father." "Ay, that I do; but this old dame can do naught for me, I trow. Have I not been worse ever since she came hither to see me? Father John saith that it is a deadly sin to practice witchcraft or enchant- ment, and perchance this sickness hath come upon me as a judgment." " My son, the good dame telleth me that she only failed to cure tliee heretofore because of tliiue un- belief. Let her try her skill once again." "Nay, nay ! her presence is hateful to me. An she goeth not down out of my sight at once, she shall rue it. Old woman, an thou wouldst not hear more of thy magic than thou likest, depart ! " Instead of leaving the room she hobbled towards the couch, and pointing w'th her withered finger at the sufferer, screamed : — " I curse you, lad ! May you never have a moment of health or strength from this hour till your dying 198 My Lady Nell. day ! " She paused a minute, then added in a quieter tone: " I go now, as you desire, but the time shall come wlieu you will call for me, and I shall not return. 1 go, ungrateful boy, and never more will I darken these doors. I go, yet dread me. This very day thy mother's life was in ray hands, and I spared her. Henceforth I show no mercy to you or yours." Thus speaking, she turned and left the room, look- ing all the more hideous in her anger ; and as she passed on her way, she muttered curses on the Dalton family, and even when she had gained her louely hut under the sliadow of the woods beiiind the village, she still continued to call down evil on their name. After she had departed from Frank's room, those she had left behind gazed at one another in dismay. Then Lady Throstle wood bowed her head and burst into a fit of weeping. '• What hast thou done? " she sobbed. '' My child ! O my child ! " "Ay," said Frank, "'twas mad, perchance, to risk her anger. She is ever malignant and evil- minded, they say. And yet she did naught for nic, and 't is not lawful to use magic. O mother, why did you bring her here? miserable old wretch that she is ! " " Peace, peace! my son. Say naught ill of htr;" and here she dropped her voice to a whisper. " Thou knowest not what she heareth and learueth of. Let The Red Witch. 199 us send a message to her and ii j)re8ent, and entreat her pardon." "Mother, I like not to humble myself to her in such fashion. Sure, it is scarce meet that thou or I should so stoop as to beg forgiveness of Madge Trimmer. How knowest thou, moreover, that she will receive our present? Like enough she will take cour- age at our fears, and scorn us." ' ' O my son, my son ! why hadst thou so little patience? I brought her hither thinking that her skill might avail thee, but now I fear *hou hast undone us all." " Yet even now methinks she worked me naught but ill," replied Frank. " But, mother, what meant she by saying thy life had been in her hands? Hath she tried to injure thee ? " "Nay, my son, but the villagers were insolent and robbed me, and had also tlireatened my life, when Madge Trimmer came to my aid and sent them about their business." " Where were the servitors? " " They had fled, base knaves, like arrant cowards, as they be ! 1 had, meseems, fared ill to-day except for Madge's timely aid." " Thank heaven, mother, you are safe ! " "Ay, fair son; but none the less it hath been an evil day for us. The tenantry have robbed me sorely, 200 My Lady Nell, and thou bust made an enemy for us, whom I fear more than all the wild varlets that over rose against their lawful masters." Lady Throstlewood said nothing about Hugh, because she disliked him herself and knew that her son was inclined to like him, but before many days had j)assed he lieard the whole story from one of the servants who had heard it in the village. Lady Throstlewood sent a message and a present to the lied AVitch, but the envoy was received most discourteously. All proposols for peace were treated contemptuously, and the lady in the great mansion lived in hoiu'ly fear of the wretched old woman's revenge, which might come in any form and at any moment ; but strange to say, as the spring advanced, Frank grew ])etter instead of worse, and she began at last to believe his assertion that the witch had done him more harm than good. A few days after the events recorded in the earlier part of this chapter. Lord Throstlewood unexpectedly returned home for a Icjng visit, and it was fortunate that he did so, for the tenants liked him much better than his wife, and his appearance did more to tran- quilize them than any possible condescension of Lady Throstle wood's would have done. Of course the insult to her could not be entirely passed over, but Ix)rd Throstlewood was a typical sailor, generous, Tlip Red Witch. 201 open-handed, and kind-hearted ; and ho forgave the rioters more readily for their ill-behavior because he knew that they were, as they had said, almost starving ; and while he was at home the destitute! were sure of help in some form or other, so that Throstlewood became almost a model village for a time. Under his influence most of those who had been concerned in the robbery of Lady Throstlewood returned their booty, to that lady's great consolation, for though she was wealthy, she had a natural objection lo losing her property in such a fashion, and, moreover, her jewels were rare and could not easily be replaced. To the utter amazement of the wrong-doers, her forgiveness appeared to be as complete as that of her husband, for from that time she wisely endeavored to cultivate a little popularity ; and when liOrd TIu'os- tlewood returned to the fleet, for Frank's sake she strove to follow his fashion of ruling the servants and tenants with less rigor than formerly had been her habit. CHAPTER XI. THE HUT IN THE FOREST. IVyTADAM STATHAM had acceded to Master Onier's request iu ihe case of Lady Nell, and permitted her to take daily lessons iu history and languages under the tutorship of the good chaplain, but she would not allow Kate to share this instruction, for it was only on account of her father's wishes that she gave Eleanor leave to continue her studies. She herself thought that time was better spent iu working curtains and hemming sheets, but if the Earl had wished his daughter to be learned, she had nothing to say against it. It was ever her desire, she said, to train her in the manner that her father would have approved. So Nell was made happy, for she was not only permitted to continue her studies with Master Omer, but she was also allowed to spend some portion of each day in practicing on her lute. But Kate sewed on as hard as ever, and Nell pitied her with all her heart. " Kate," she said one day, when she had been playing over some new tunes to her cousin, " will you that I teach you to play also ? Methinks I have 77ifi Hut in the Forest. 203 skill enongh to teach yon for awhile, and Hugli, when ho returns, will give us l)oth a lesson." " Nay, nay," said Kate. " I thank you, cousin, and I love to hear you play, hut such things are not for me. T am not rich or noble ; indeed, my grandmother saith I shall be poor." " That shalt thou not ! As long as I live, thou shalt share with me of all," said Nell impulsively. " Thou art too sad and melancholy of mood, Kate. What availeth it, distressing thyself now about the future? 'Tis less than wise, I promise thee. Come now, wilt thou learn of me to play the lute or not ? " " Thou art ever kind, dear Eleanor, but I will not learn ; thanks to thee, all the same." "Ah, well, do as thou art minded, fair cousin. I desire not to force myself upon thee as a teacher." " There, Nell, now have I vexed thee, I fear," said Kate quickly. " I am right sorry so to requite thy kindness, but, dear cousin, I know my grandmother would be angered an T asked her to permit me to do this thing. She thinketh me light and vain enow already, T wot." "Thou light and vain, Kate!" exclaimed Nell in surprise. " Why, good my cousin, to my mind thou art the soberest and severest damsel of all whom it hath been my fortune to chance upon. An thou art light and vain, what am I, prithee?" 204 My Lady Nell. "'Tis written," said Kate soberly, "'Judge not, that ye be not jiuigcd.'" " Ay, but knowest thou not, my most sage Kath- arine, tliat tliou hast in that saying of thine given me my answer? In faith, T know well what tiiou thinkest of me ! " exclaimed Nell, in a tone of some little irritation. "Then, Nell, an thou knowest, wherefore dost thou ask my opinion? " returned Kate. " I would have thee speak out in words what thou meanest. T like not these hints and insinuations. Sure, thou hast naught in thy mind too ill to bear speaking out plainly, hast thou, Kate?" " Nay, dear Nell ; but since thou desirest my opinion so earnestly, I do think that thou livest too mucii for this world and carest more than is well for what folks say and think of you." "Ay," said Nell, rather unfairly, seeing that she had insisted on Kate's speaking out. "I am no precisian. I love not therefore to run against folks' feelings for naught better than figuring as a saint. I tell ye plainly, Kate, that an I can do it with an easy conscience, I desire to please folks instead of vex them. Ay, I like to be admired, and I dare to say so plainly." "What have I done, Nell, that you should treat me thus? Is it what thou thinkest my unkindness about learDiog the lute?" The Ilut in the Forest, 205 ♦♦ Nay, 't is not, or rather, not entirely. 'T is thy ways altogotlier tiiat irritate ine. Thou art ever good, ever htiniblo, ever inihistriouH ; and yet, Kate, in mine iieart, I do believe that tiiou art fond of praise as I am; ay, and fond of tliine own way." "1 deny it not," said Kate; "but wherefore speakest thou thus?" " T is naught, only thy goodness exasperateth rae at times till I can scarce endure. Grandmother and Master Omer, ay, and Hugh also, tell me ever that an I would take pattern by thee, my ways would be better, and in faith, Kate, I know it well enow myself. Perchance it is tluit that angers me," she finished, in a sudden lit of penitence. " Wilt thou forgive me, Kate? " Kate scarcely knew what to say or do, for her cousin's annoyance appeared to be so unreasonable and ill-founded ; and Nell continued to heap abuse on herself and entreat Kate's forgiveness in the same impulsive fashion in which the offence had l)een given. "Ay, ay, Nell, I pardon thee, doubt it not; and try to bear with my ways, sweet cousin. I am staid and grave by nature." " And I wild and wayward. Ah, sweetheart, is it strange that we quarrel?" " I know not that we have quarreled," replied Kate. 206 My Lady Nell. " Nay, that we have not ; for it taketh two to make a quarrel, they say, and thou didst not thy part. O Kate, I would I were like you." '• Wishes are idle," said Kate, " but in many things I would I were like you." "In 'many things,' my prudent cousin? Is it a saving clause to except my faults? Well, well, I trow there are enow of them. But now, Kate, let 's to our walk. Grandmother bids us return early, so we have no time to lose. I would gather some primroses, an they have come out yet. There should be plenty, meseems, in the wood towards this side of Throstle- wood common, and violets too. Primroses and violets are lovely. 1 promise you, Kate, they are my favorite flowers. I will make you a wreath if we find enow of them." The beauty of the fresh spring day and the number of wildttowers they found made even prudent Kate forget the time, and they wandered farther and farther into the wood, after the rich stores of moss, ferns, and primroses that grew there, and (juite forgot to consider how they were to return. As a rule, Nell went about attended by several servants, but on this occasion she had chosen to go alone ; and Kate i\ad always been accustomed to walking by herself, so it did not occur to her that her cousin was doing any thing unusual when she refused to allow any of the servitors to accompany them. The Hut in the Forest. 207 "Kate," said Nell suddenly, "are you not very tired?" " Nay, I never saw such a lovely place as this. Are you tired ? " " Ay, that I am ; let us sit down and rest." " Nay, Nell, it is growing dusk. We ought to return at once. Grandmother will be frightened, I fear." " But, Kate, I must rest awhile ; I am so weary. I would I had allowed Thomas to come with us," sighed Lady Nell. " I would T had my palfrey." Kate waited with what patience she could muster for some minutes, then she said decidedly, " Nell, I am eoi'i'y for thee, but we must be going. Give me thy flowers and lean on me. I am not weary." Nell rose without making any more objections, but her 8tr(.ij!gth seemed to have deserted her, and she was quite unimpressed with the necessity for speed. She clung to Kate's arm, and dragged herself wearily and listlessly iiloug ; but she was suddenly awakened to an interest in their fate by an exclamation of dismay from her cousin, who stopped short as she spoke. "Nell, Nell I " she cried. "Dost thou remember that?" and she pointed to a little hut carelessly built of boughs, plastered with mud and roofed with straw. "Nay, nay," said Nell. "Alas! Kate, we have lost our way. Oh, what shall we do? Whatever shall we do?" . 208 My Lady Nell. Ill those (lays thoro were woods even in iMigland in wiiich it was easy to get lost, anil tlioiigii the one of which I am si)eaking was not of very great extent, the two girls h:ul no idea where they were, and hoth were a little friglitened. Nell sank down on the gronnd and wept and soblu'd dismally ; bnt Kate knocked boldly and londly at the door of tiie hovel. After ;i long delay it o[)ened and the liideons old woman known as the Red Witch appeared. Kate nuuinnred a prayer, and Nell shrieked, but tlie old woman stood in silence, waiting for them to speak. At lust Kate snnunoned up al! her courage and asked if she would direct tiieni to Clough Hall. " Is yon the Lady Kleanor?" slie asked. "Ay, good danu'," replied Kate, "and we have lost our way, and she is young and weary." "Come ye in, then, and rest awhile. What! art thou afeard of iiu-i' Come in, girl; I mean ye naught but good, (io, bid my lady yondiT enter my poor house and rest Jiersi^lf, an she be not too proud." Lady Nell's terror at the sudden sigiit of the witcii, added to her previous exiiaustion, was too nuieh for her, and her face grew whit<' and sin; fell back fainting. I' [ion seeing this, tiu old woman raised her gently in her arms, and without more ado carried her into tlie hut, whither Kate followed, determined to see the end of the adventure, in spite of her fears. "Ay. ;.'o()i| (laiiic," rcplicil Kate; "and wo liavc Ileanor nor Mistress Kato neither ; and, BO saying, shut and barred the door again. .So Hugh returned to search the woods and the com- mon till the dull gray light of morning hrok(! coldly over the laud, and then a messenger came to him from 222 My Lady Nell. Throstlewijod, entreating liiin to come down again to "'H'ak with Madge Trimmer, for she liad news which 'uld gladden his heart for him. Tlie little lad who had been sent t(3 summon him could scarcely keep pace with him, for he fancied and hoped that the news might be of the lost ones ; indeed, at that moment he could think of no other news that would gladden his heart. Madge seemed very weak and almost too ill to speak, but she told him that my l^ady Nell and Mistress Kate were at her hut, and she feared they would be lonesome, since she had been unable to return to bear them company. Hugh waited for notliing more, but taking the lad with him to act as guide, hastened to the cottage in the wood and, to his intense relief, found that the old woman had spoken truth. He sent the lad to Clough Hall for the palfreys, bidding him lose no time, that Madam Statham might hear of the safety of her grunddaugliters witiiout delay. And in truth he could have had no swifter messenger, for the boy was equally impressed with a desire to be the first to bear the good news to the Hall, and with a wish to get away from the domain of tiie Red Witcli as soon as possi- ble ; for even in daylight lu' had a superstitious dread of these dark and solemn woods in which she made her home. The Hut in the Forest. 223 lad When Hugh reached the hovel Nell had just awak- ened from her long sleep much refreshed by it, but half -frightened to think she had passed the night in Buch a place ; and when he knocked she shook Kate violently by the shoulder to rouse her, exclaiming, " Oh, do get up, Kate ! Listen ! there is some one at the door. I dare n't open it. O Kate, listen ! " Kate opened the door cautiously at first, but she recognized Hugh even in his soiled and stained dress, and cried out joyfully to Nell, " O cousin, it is Master Denver ! " " Nay, it can't be Hugh ! " said Nell incredulously, thinking that it was perhaps an apparition, and there- fore being more frightened than pleased ; but Kate boldly opened the door wide and invited him to enter. " Good-morrow, my lady," he said. " How came you hither ? " " We came into the wood to gather primroses and lost our way. I know not the rest, for I was terrified by the Red Witch and I fainted," said Nell. " Kate will tell what happened next." "Dame Madge used us kindly and courteously. She laid Nell to rest and gave her of a cordial that seemed to be marvelously beneficial to her. Master Denver ; and then of her own good-will she offered to go forth to send tidings of our safety to our grand- mother, but we have since heard naught of her." 224 My Lady Nell. Hiigli told them all that happened to her, and how she lay so sick that she was not like to recover. "How earnest thoii liither, Hugh?" asked Nell. " What has happened to thy dress?" " I came home thinking to spend a day or two at Southanden, and I found all the servitors assembled ready to search for you and Mistress Kate, my lady, so I went with them." "And hast thou been out all night long, Hugh?" asked Nell. "Oh, I would we had not wandered so far ! I am very sorry, Hugh. Thou must be ready to sink down witli weariness. 'T was wrong of me to bid Andrew return. I am very sorry." "Ah, well, m}' lady, thank heaven that thou art safe ! And an thou wilt be guided by me, go not beyond the park unattended in future. There are more dangers than thou knowost of in these long journeys." " I promise you I will not again do such a thing as this. I am very sorry, Hugh. You are as white as on the day I first saw you." " 'T is naught. I am well, my lady," replied Hugh. But it Avas no wonder ho was white, between anxiety and exhaustion. They sat in silence waiting for the horses, until Nell exclaimed suddenly, " Oh ! what will grandmother say? Was she very angry ? " " 1 know not, my lady. 1 waited not to see her last night." Tlie Hut in the Forest. 225 " Was Master Omer afraid something ill had hap- pened to lis ? " "Ay, my lady, and all tlie serving-folk. They thought of the quicksands," " The quicksands ! O Hugh, that would have been horrible ! " cried Nell. "Ay, my lady. Wander no more alone on the common, T pray you." " We will not, Hugh, we will not. Did I not prom- ise you ? " • Madam Stathara's eyes were heavy with sleepless- ness and weeping, but she forced herself to receive them sternly, and sent them both to their rooms, where she kept them all day in solitude, that they might have time to think over their wrong-doing. Hugh did not forget to ride over to Throstlewood, as he had promised, to reward the old woman who had shown kindness to Madge Trimmer. The Red Witch (whom, however, we must call so no more) slowly recovered, but strange to say never returned to her cottage ; for now that it had been proved that she had no supernatural powers she feared to dwell alone in the forest, which she still firmly believed was peopled with fairies and demons. She rented a tinv dwelling- house at the end of the village street, and lived chiefly on the products of her garden. For a long time her neighbors were very shy of her, but contrary to her 226 M]i Lady Nell. former custom she now took pains to make friends and to keep herself and her cottage clean and tidy ; and her evident desire to live in a new fashion at length gained her the friendship of the more respectable women of the village. Besides, her skill was great in the healing of the more common forms of disease both among human beings and cattle, and her medi- cines were cheap as well as efficacious, being chiefly concocted from wild herbs and roots. So in one way and another she contrived, though already grown old, to live down the evil reputation which had formerly been hers. She practiced " art magic " no more, and in time her empty cottage in the wood crumbled into ruins and her identity with the dreadful Red Witch was almost forgotten. She lived to be very old, but as she herself had become confused as to the year of her birth, it is not certain at what age she diec'. It was generally supposed, however, that she was more than a hundred at the time of her death, which took place nearly twenty years after the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the throne. CHAPTER XII. NELL DEFENDS HER FKIENDS. r^ OOD-MORROW, Hugh," said NeU, as she entered the hall the morning after the events recorded in the last chapter. " Art thou rested, my friend?" " Ay, ray lady ; art then ? " " Ay, that I am. Knowost thou not that Madam Statluim would not permit me nor Kate neither to loavo our bed-chambers all yesterday? She treateth us ever as children, Hugh. Ob, I would that I were of age ! I told her I was sorry for our misadventure and the trouble it had caused. What more could I do, and what use was there in keeping me shut up there when I wanted to talk to you? I asked her to leave our punishment until you had gone again, but she would not." " Ah, well, say thy say now, my lady. On the morrow I must go." " Ah, 't is ever so," said Nell. " No sooner hast thou come than thou goest again. Why canst thou not find or make more time to spend with me? 'T is scarce kind or friendly of thee, Hugh, to go again so soon." 228 My Lady Nell. " My sweet lady, I dare not stay idle here, for many reasons. One is, that my lord thy father left me to deliver the good message to the people, and if I tarry here or waste my time, the Earl, an he still knoweth of these things, must blame me, judging that I falsely use his bounty for my own comfort instead of for the good of the Avicked and wretched." " That is but one reason," said Lady Nell, pouting. "Thou saidst many." "Did I, my lady? Another, and a strong one, is that they to whom T go are miseral)le and sinning, and dying for lack of the knowledge of the Saviour who lived and died for them. They know naught of Christ, naught of his love and grnce and pity for them ; and think you that it were fitting in me, his ambassador, to pass my days in pleasure and luxury and idleness, while tiie poor souls to whom I am sent perish for want of the knowledge which I trust in God to take at least to some of them ? " " But, Hugh, 't is little that one man can do, at best." " Art sure of that, my lady?" asked Hugh. "What! dost thou mean that it is not little, Hugh?" " Nay, for an you look at one man's work beside the thousands who need aid, it is and must ever be so poor and small that even Christ's holy apostle Paul Nell Defands Imr Friends. 229 might well have despaired, except for tlie free, wide, aud eudleas grace of (lod which offereth salvation to every one of all earth's many thousands. Ay, my lady, in that light one man's work, were he the best and wisest who hath ever lived, is naught in compari- son with the ever-active and uiu-esting forces of evil." " What mean ye, then ?" " I mean this, my lady. L know that thou believest that when the body dieth the spirit still liveth, and will live througii endless ages ; and I know that thou lookest on, after this eartli shall have passed, to a heaven of glorious light and joy unspeakable, for there all men shall be pure and fair and noble, restored to God's own likeness, their sins forever washed away, their hearts full of deep love to (iod and to their fellow-creatures, and their long lives ever devoted to their Maker's praise in word and deed. Thou knowest all this ; thou knowest that Christ died for the poor and wretched aud wicked, and that of such, made white and clean, he will make priests and kings in the city of tlie New Jerusalem. Think on it, my lady ; some now wallow in all filth and iniquity and unclean- ness, who by his grace shall be hereafter so fair and white, through his cleansing blood, that they shall be crowned and throned among the saints in heaven. Yet now they are vile aud foul, aud as far from Christ aud heaven as their own sinful hearts, aided by 230 Mij jMdy Nell. Satan, can take tlioni, iuid tu tiicni the lucHsagc uumt be carried ; tliey niUHt he culled from their evil ways and bidden to wash and he clean. And God hath given this to ns to do. We are his servants, sent to call in the blind, tlie lialt, and the lame to the high courts of our anointed Lord, the Sou of God and of man. Oh, my lady, think you still that it would h( ^ small thing if one poor soul rose ui) and left his and sorrows and found his homo in heaven, his Faiuui in the great God and merciful, who ruleth over all? Would it be small an one poor soul were gained from among the wretched slaves of Satan, to take i)lace among the princes of the Lord?" " Ay, Master Denver, I was wrong," said Nell. " *T would bo a great and nohle thing to gain one soul for Christ." "And gaining one," continued Hugh, "it mayhap that that one also Avill bring others into the kingdom. We know not where the end shall be of our words and actions. It may chance that when we think the eyes of all men are upon us, both words and actions fall unheeded ; oi it may be that that we do or speak when we think naught of our c(jmpany shall be taken up and copied again and again, till years after we are laid to rest we still do good or ill through those who follow us." '' Sure, life seemeth a hard and solemn thing. How Ifell Di'J'eiulti her Friends. 281 can oue HO walk hh to givi; no oiicuHicjii for thcHu ilia you Hpt'iik of ? " "Only l)y walking witli Clirist, nay, in Christ," aaid Hugh. " Wo nniHt give our hearts to him, anil then our lives will be his also." " What ! mean you that Christ's 8erv;intH do naught that is wrong ? " asked Nell. "Nay, only so long as they are with him and in him, they arc ever right. IJut wiien they falter and turn aside, or walk carelessly an, I forget him, then they fall into sin and are, perchance, startled at their own wickedness, and for a time again walk heedfully and wirily." Nell sighed. " Sometimes J do try to follow iiim, Hugh, as my father desired me, but I soon get weary of so closely waichiug my steps." "Nay, my lady, watch thy Master's steps, not thine own. Ever look to liim, and as thou lookest, thou shalt learn to love, and when thou lovest thou shalt surely try to copy him. Sure, my lady, if when thou wert lost the other day, thou hadst had a guide in whom thou trustedst, wouldst thou have watched his steps or looked ever at thine own? Methinks thou wouldst at least have looked away from thine own feet to see that thy guide passed not out of sight altogether. Remember, an thou wilt follow thy guide, he will lead thee where thy steps can not be wrong.'" 232 My Lady Nell. " I can not follow luin, Hugh." ' " Thou canst, ray lady. The Saviour luith spoken to thee. He hath bidden thee to come. He hath promised to forgive thy sins, and will he bid thee do tiiat which is not possible for thee? An he could demand that of thee which thou couldst not do, his eternal word would be broken. He saith that he willeth not that any sliould perish, and tiiinkest thou that he will leave thee to die, if thou askest his help? if thou art even willing tii take it? " "Ah, Hugh, I love the world too well; the Lord will not save me." "He waiteth to be gracious. Oh, ray dear lady, believe him that he hath died for thee, and that he loveth thee. Doubt not the Lord, he died for thee ; and doubt not thyself, for all sinners must take in thee. Believe and be saved, imperfect as thou art, and leave it to thy Saviour to make thee fair and pure, against the "Jay of his appearing." Nell made no answer, for as Hugh finished speaking Kate and Master Omer entered the room ; and on that visit he had no opportunity of continuing the conver- sation. On the next, however, which happened as the dark autumn days came on, they were much confined to the house, and Nell had a good deal of talk with him. " Is it true," she asked, "that the queen's majesty Nell Defenih her Friends. 233 hath slain Mastor Ridley and Master Latimer, for their religion's sake ? " "Ay, it is too true. They were too brave to lie about their faith, and they have died for it." " Art thou safe, Hugh?" asiied Nell anxiously. " Ay, my lady, as yet. 'T is my good fortune that I am poor and little known. Be not anxious for rac. None can harm me while the Lord needeth me, and when my work is done, I may well be thankful an he permitteth me to go straight to heaven. I desire not much to linger on earth after I have grown unfit for aught but death. I think it must be the hardest trial ever sent upon man, to live to such age that sight, hearing, and strength liave gone, and perhaps the very mind hath liecome enfeebled. Were it mine to choose, I would rather face death in the fire than be so forgot- ten of Him." He spoke impetuously, with flushed cheek and bright eye, but Nell shuddered, for to her it seemed likely that he miglit indeed die tnis awful death of which they liad been i.i)oaking It was not to them, as it is to us, something uttrriy remote in time or place ; it was a terrible fact of Uieir present, a horrible danger that might any day become a reality which they would have to face. " O Hugii," cried Nell, " be not rash ! 'T would be a fearfub death ! " Hugh's ftice was pale and set now ; the look of excitement had passed away. 234 Mjj Lad;/ Ndl. Ay, lady. I will ; be presumptuous in seeking the martyr's crown," he replied; "for who kuoweth, an I so ran into temptation, my faith in Christ might fail ; I might deny my Lord. I was wrong to speak as I did but now, for I know that Jesus knoweth what is best." Nell lowered her voice as she said : — "Hath Master Oraer told thee that we have not been left in quiet even here? Hugh, Kate might ;^taDd the trial, and our grandmother, but I — I am a coward ; I know it. O Hugh, Hugh ! " "How long is it since the inquiry was made?" asked Hugh. " About midsummer, I think." "And have you heard naught of the matter since?" "Nay. I can not guess how that may be, for Madntu Statham spoke plainly and roundly, as thou knowest is ever her wont," said Nell ; " unless it be that my cousin Reginald hatli interfered on our behalf." "Mayhap he hath," replied Hugh. "They say he is high in favor with the (jueen's grace, and doubtless he hath both the power and the will to protect you. Cometh he hither ever?" " He came once nearly a month since. He is as gay and handsome as ever, but Madam Statiiam liketh him not. She saith he is light and vaiu. Methinks Nell Dvfends her Friends. 235 she is very hard to please. Try as 1 will, Hugh, I can never go on for two days without doing that which provoketh her to wrath. She is forever making new rules for my behavior." "What hath happened to thee lately?" asked Hugh. " Well, thou must know that lately ray Lady Throstlewood (ah, frown not, Hugh ; I know that thou dislikest her) hath been unusually courteous and kind. Her son Fi-ank is now grown stronger and she liketh him, she saith, to have young folks about him, so she hath made man^ leasaut parties and feasts for him, and to thesi ^lu oftentimes biddeth Kate and me; but 'tis rarely indeed that grandmother permittetli us to go. Siie hath all thy distrust of my Lady Throstlewood ; she saith she •"hinketh of naught but show and vanity, but truly, meseems, she is very kind.'" "Ay," said Hugh, rather bitterly, "1 know her well ; she can be kind and sweet to those who are rich and of good account." " Now, Hugh, I will not have you say such things to the dispraise of my friend. I love her well and I am convinced that you speak too hardly of her. I' faith, with my grandmoilier's bringing up, I am like to know little enow of noble gentlemen and ladies ; but to ray mind my Lady Throstlewootl looketh 236 My Lady Nell. woudrous fair iiud majestic. The other night, to pleasure nie, she doimed her court robes and arrayed herself in all her jewels ; ah, I have seen naught like her for many a long day ! I promise you, mine own attire appeared woudrous mean in such company, although madam ever scoldeth me for wearing over- handsome gowns. Indeed, she will not permit me to wear that I have. T fear that it looketh strange of me to dress in such shabby sort to those who know my condition, but know not the tastes and fantasies of my governess ; indeed, my Lady Throstlewood asked me plainly why I went forth clad so simply." " I hope you told her not," said Hugh. " What mattereth it to her in what sort it pleaseth you to attire yourself?" " Nay. I told her, Hngii, and she laughed and bade me have patience until I was of age." "Shi' is a \:iin and foolish woman. Beware of her, my lady ; she will teach thee naught but ill, an thou lookest not well to lliy ways with her." " Sure, 't is unfair to blame lier for reminding me that I should be my own mistress full soon," replied Nell. " 1 believe you have said the same thing your- self." Hugh made no answer, a I Nell continued gayly : — " Well, we will let her rest for the nonce; yet, an I were permitted to visit iier as oft as she inviteth Nell Defends her Friends. 237 and 3 of I, ail ig me iplied Yovir- me, I should find life less dull. I think even thou wouldst like Frank and his sisters, and, after all, it is with them I have most to do. Content you, my friend ; I will be guarded with Lady Throstlewood. I have no wish to come to ill through her, though, for my own part, I fear her not." " Ah, well, my lady, be careful, that is all," he said. " Say I not that I will, Hugh? Throstlewood Hall is a lovely place, and there are many curious things there which Lord Throstlewood hath brought home from foreign parts. Frank is a clever lad and knoweth all about these tilings ; oh, he telleth such stories of all his fatlier iiath seen and done ! " " Hast thou ever seen his father, my lady?" "Ay. He is a fine, handsome gentleman, broad- shouldered and strong. He talketli somewhat loudly, but his voice is rich and musical, and he singeth well-nigh as well as thou canst. He trcatcth Lady Throstlewood ever gently and kindly, and to my mind he seemeth to have great admiration for her, and yet I think she is never satisfied with him." " My Lady Throstlewood is hard to please, I warrant me." " Nay, Hugh, I think not so. It is this, methinks, that causeth her to feel as though he loved her not ; but I will tell you the story as I heard it. One day 238 My LaiJy Ndl. when Kate and 1 had gone over there — it was on Mistr(!S3 iVIaud's birtliday — we contrived a little mask for tlie pleasure of the company, and Frank and Maud and I had gone up to a ohaiuher at tiie top of the house where there is great store of ancient swords and arms and dresses. And in a dark corner of the room, under a heap of faded hangings, we found a fair picture riclily framed, and Frank carried it to the light that Ave might see it well. Maud shook off the dust, and then Frank said he remembered having seen it before. It was the portrait of a dark-eyed lady, very young and lovely, with curling hair and an oval face. She was adorned with pearls and clad in satin, but the strangest thing of all is that though I can not either iiave seen the lady or tlie picture be- fore, I seem to know her face ! " "Who was she?" asked Hugh. " She was I^ord Throstlewood's first wife, and she died ere she was two-and-twenty. O Hugh ! I wonder not that he mourned for her, for her face is sweet as well as fair. Frank saith she left behind her one son, the only child she had, and that Lord Throstlewood buried her and then went away on his first voyage. When he returned he met and married my Lady Throstlewood that now is, and, after a time, again departed to the seas. While he was away his son died of u dreadful fever, and though another sou was Nell Defends her Friends. 239 born to him, the servants told Frank that Lord Throstlewood grieved over the little lad that died until he was almost sick. All that his wife could do or say did not console him, and at length she was fain to persuade him to go away again and seek better health and spirits in a place and life less dull than that of Throstlewood. All this Frank heard from an ancient woman who had been nurse to the former Lady Throstlewood, and he saith he remembereth once asking his mother who the lady of the picture was, but she told him not, and burst into a storm of angry words for asking that which concerned him not. I wish thou couldst see that picture, Hugh ; I am sure thou wouldst like it well." "I am never like to see it, my lady, as thou knowest, for my Lady Throstlewood beareth rae no good-will. What was done with it?" " Frank carried it back again and covered it up, for he said that his mother would have been angered at us had she known." " Doth my Lady Throstlewood ever come hither?" *' Yea, sometimes. But, as thou mayst guess, she and ray grandmother care not for each other's company, and I think she much preforreth to have me over there." Nell had judged rightly that Lady Throstlewood cared little for those whom she met at Clough Hall. 240 My Lady Nell. She liked neither Madam Statham nor Master Omer, and she had also a positive dread of meeting Hugh, for whom she had conceived a most violent dislike. Yet for some reason she was very much disposed to talk about him, and she frequently spoke of him to Nell. One day she asked her wherefore she so frequently honored him with her company, since he was no gentleman. Nell was just as ready to defend Hugh to Lady Throstlewood, as Lady Throstlewood to Hugh, and she replied, "Nay, my lady, I admit not that charge against him. He is as surely a gentleman as any man whom I know ; ay, as thine own son, for instance." " What ! say you so, my pretty Nell? Yet methinks I well remember him when he was but a little vagrant." "Perchance thou mayst ; yet still 1 hold that whate'er he was, he is now a gentleman, in deed and in truth." "Yet scarce, perhaps, fit company for thee, my lady. Hast thought of that ? Is it right and meet for one who was ere now naught but a stroller to be the chosen friend and guide of the Lady Eleanor Vane ? " " My chosen friend he may be, but my guide? nay, he is scarce that. Perchance it were better for me an he were. My father loved him right well, and I wot that he would have desired me also to treat him with respect and affection." \ Nell Defends her Friends. 241 " Thy father permitted the friendship when ye were both young, but now that thou art growing into a fair and noble lady, I can answer for it, he would no longer have encouraged thee to condescend so low. Thou knowest little of the world, my sweet Nell. I have lived long in courts, and know that which is suitable for ladies of thy condition, and I tell thee plainly that a stroller turned preacher is no friend for thee." " Then I must e'en run counter to the world's opinion. Sure, my friend should be considered before my dignity." Lady Throstlewood laughed softly, a little mocking laugh. " Well, well, my little Eleanor, have thy way. Thou wilt grow more tender of thy dignity in time. 'T is pity for thee that thou wast born a noble lady ; methinks the humbler state of some country wench or waiting-damsel might have suited thine ideas of happiness better. And thou hast scarce begun to feel the full weight of thy position as yet. We who live with the eyes of the great world full upon us must be ever mindful of our dignity." " Methinks, my Lady Throstlewood," said Nell, with a curious assumption of that dignity of which they were talking, " that I have not yet disgraced my station in such fashion that thou shouldst wish me a waiting-damsel. " 242 Mif Ladi/ Xdl. " Nay, luiy, sweet, tlioii iirt too ready to take offence. I merely meant tliat pereliauce for tbiue owu LappiueHB thou feelest it an over-heavy burdeu." "As to that," replied Nell frankly, "•under luy grandame's rule, I scaree feel my rank at all. 1 am treated like a child, and an ill-behaved one. She ordereth, scoldeth, and punisheth me in such sort that the meanest of our waiting-women would instantly rebel, an they had to suffer the like. J may not leave the house, nor read a book, nor see a friend without permission, sith Madam Statham came to bear rule over me. But in my father's day I ruled the serving- folk and ordered myself as J would. He liked to have me happy." " Yet doubtless this Madam Statham meaneth well by thee. Nathless, 't is ignorance of that which is fitting for such as thee that causeth her to err. All this strictness and severity are meant, I doubt not, for thy good." ''So Master Omer saith, and Hugh also; and i' faith 1 try to believe it, but 't is hard to me." " Ay, 't would be hard to any one, my little Nell. 1 pity thee with all mine heart. But listen, I have a pleasant plan for thee. Thou knowest that we intend in a little time to move to London for a while, and thou, an thou wilt, shalt go with us. Ay, little Nell, think on that ! Thou shalt sec fine houses, and streets Nell Defends her Friends, 243 to which all Southanden is not to l)e compared. Thoii Hliult be preaeuted to the queeu's grace, aud 1 prom- ise tliee thou wilt have a gay time and a merry one at the court. Thou art too fair and gay to be ever buried in a dull country town. With thy wealth aud thy beauty thou wilt shine there in the greatest city of the world, among the loveliest women aud bravest men of this proud realm of J^ugland." And Nell, dazzled by Lady Throstlewood's flattery, drank in her words eagerly aud pleased herself with bright visions of her triumphs at court. Was she not, as Lady Throstlewood said, young, rich, and fair? Then why should she not shine among the gorgeous dames and proud beauties of Ijondon? liut her bright dreams vanished in a moment and she said aloud, " My grandmother will not permit me to go with you, my lady." "An you desire it, I think she will scarce set her face against the project, especially when she consider- eth how much 't would be for your advantage," said Lady Throstlewood. " She ever thinketh that I desire that which is wrong," said Nell; " therefore I know full well that I shall not be permitted to accompany you." " Well, say naught of it as yet, neither to her nor to thy cousin, nor to thy friend, Master Denver. Trust me to manage it. When the time comes 1 will 244 My Lady Nell. obtain tlie consent of thy governeHH ; and an the rest approve not, what matters it ? " "An thou canst do it, my lady, thou wilt have well earned my gratitude forever. But 't is little use trying, I fear. My grandmother liketh me not to leave her side for one afternoon ; sure, she woui"! never trust me to London. An there were naught else against it, the queen's grace's religion would give her reason to dislike the idea of my going to the court. She would fear that I might not prove stanch." "To, ray mind thou art young as yet," said Lady Throstlewood, " to trouble thyself about religion. When thou art old and hast naught else to do 't will be time enow for that. 1 like not to have young folks staid and gloomy." "Yet," said Nell slowly, "perchance I may die early. My mother died young, and my father was not old when he died. BesicL.:, I promised him that I would strive to follow Christ, and 1 dare not break my word. I must strive, at least, for his sake." " I marvel," remarked Lady Throstlewood, with another mocking smile, " that in thy house, where so many are religious, and Protestants of belief (I will not say heretic), 1 marvel that there hath been no trouble with the ruling powers. Sure, the good fathers must have overlooked thee and thine, Nell Defends her Frienda. 245 or Queen Mary'a grace perchance liutli withlicld tbeiu from severity." " 1 believe that my lord and cousin, the Earl of Rocksbridge, hath spoken for us. He is high in favor at the court, they say." " Ay, thou hast reuaon, then, to be thankful for so powerful a protector. Credit me, little one, thou wilt need it ere all is done, an ye hold to the Protestant doctrines. Doth my Lord Rocksbridge extend his care to this Master Denver also, whom thou ratest so high?" " I know not, my lady. 1 hope he doth. J think he will, for jny sake and my father's." " He is fortunate then, for an he be not nmch belied, he doeth that which men count ill apart from religion," said Lady Throstlewood. " Speak you thus of Hugh Denver, my Lady Throstlewood?" "Ay, sweet chuck, of whom ehe? Knowest thou not that he is ever busy in my Lady Elizabeth's con- cerns, and that he tratlicketh contiu uilly in dangerous letters and errands? I tell you, love, that tliis right- eous friend of thine is liker to die as a traitor to his queen than a martyr for liis opinions." " 'T is false, my Lady Throstlewood I They who told thee this thing lied basely. Hugh Denver is the soul of honor. How camest thou to suppose tiiese things?" 246 My Lady NeH. " 'T is common report, my lady, that, Muster Denver is not ever employed ubout this business of preachingr to the poor, tinder color of that it were easy to move from place to place without suspicion, and to deliver messages from one disaffected person to another. Such mntters are dangerous things to traffic in ; but the young think little of danger, and doubtless he gets rich rewards. I only trust that he will not draw those who stand his friends into trouble for his sake." "Nay, you know him not, my lady. He is true and brave and generous withal." " Be not so eager in his defence, my <;hild. I say naught to his discredit. I l)ut repeat that I have heard, for I love thee too well uot to give thee warning of thy danger with him. I doubt neither his truth, his generosity, nor his bravery. Nay, of the latter I have had fair proof in his courageous defence of me against the rebellious varlets who strove to rob and murder me. But still be wary with him ; a preacher of heresy and a sower of sedition is no safe companion for a defenceless mtiiden like you, and these times on which we are fallen crave heedful walking.'' As she said, Lady Throstlewood was but repeating vague and uncertain rumors about Hugh, but her talk made Nell uneasy and added to her anxiety about him, for she loved him too well to do as Lady Throstlewood JSfell Defends her Friends. 247 would have recomineuded, aud shut bur doors agaiust him. She would uot leave him to his fate if she could save him ; but she begau to doubt her own Ijowers. " Dost thou thiuk it right, my lady, to bum a mau an he doth not believe in the Pope or the Virgin ? " asked Nell proset.tly. Now this was a question that it might be dangerous to answer st*' ightforwardly, so Lady Throstle wood replied with caution, " I am no judge of these things, fair Eleanor ; 1 must therefore, perforce, leave them to those who are fitted to dec'Je upon them. Yet, little one, to thee 1 mind uot sjiying that 1 would use gentle methods only, when they will by any means suflice. 1 have no desire that even the most obstinate should suft'cr pain if 1 could save them from it. I like not even \io thiuk of these torturings and burningri." Nell shuddered and turned pale, as well she might ; for according to the belief of those in power at that time, she herself and several of iier nearest fricMids deserved to die as heretics, tind for any thing she knew they might be called i pon at any moment to recant or to suffer. Even tlien they were all living under the shadow of that awful peril, and God only knew when the stroke might fall. So far they owed their safety to the precarious chances of young Lord 248 My Lady Nell, Rocksbridge's court favor, and they well knew that his power to protect them might cease at any time, and then they would be helpless. It was no wonder that even light-hearted, thoughtless little Nell looked grave when she remembered their position. "I could almost find it in mine heart," she said at last, ' • to wish that we could become papists without doing a sinful and wicked thing." " Surely, my child, an thou wishest it thou canst join our Church without sin." Nell shook her head. •' I can not so blind myself. I believe that we, not you, hold the truth of God, and I dare not profess a lie. Surely it must be a more dreadful thing to offend the King of heaven than any earthly sovereign." Now Lady Throstlewood was not a very ardent Catholic. She thought she did enough if she followed the priest's directions concerning herself and her chil- dren, and she hoped by so doing to find salvation. Therefore she did not take this opportunity of trying to prove to Nell that the papists were right and the Protestants wrong. She merely let the subject drop and returned to her gay accounts of life in Ix)ndon, which she gave so Avell that Nell's mind was drawn away from all serious tiiought and filled with a thou- sand trivial details concerning dress and jewelry, state feasts and balls, maskiugs and mummings, and " such- Nell Defends her Friends. 249 like vanities," as her grandmother would have called them. She returned home with her imagination filled with Lady Throstlewood's pictures of life in the capi- tal, and she could think of nothing for days bnt her desire to go to court and be there acknowledged as a beauty and an heiress. And I am sorry to add that her conviction that Madam Statham would refuse her consent to Lady Throstlewood's fine scheme made her so pettish and self-willed that that good lady declared that she should not go again to Throstlewood II:)1I at all if she came back in so wayward and disobedient a mood. ) t CHAPTER Xin. THE SECRET CHAMBER. n^HE dark, winter days came on, and Lady Nell found the time very dull and monotonous, AvitU its constant round of lessons and sewing, diversified only by an occasional visit to Lady Tlirostlewood, which Madam Statham permitted all the more readily as Frank had fallen ill again and seemed to find much pleasure during his confinement in the change of society which tiie visits of Nell and Kate afforded him. Madam Statham had little objection to the young Daltons as companions for her granddaugthers, but she both disliked and disapproved of their mother, who, she considered, fostered Nell's vanity and levity, and encouraged Iier inclination to rebel against the lawful authority of her grandmother. She labored to counteract this tendency of Eleanor's visits to Throstlewood Hall l)y increasing the rigor of her punishments and the length of her lectures ; but in spite of all she could do, my Lady Nell's self-will and self-esteem rather grew larger than diminished, and but for her love for the vh'iUl Madam Statham would hwe given up her efforts in despair. She persevered, The Secret Chamber. 251 however, and in time Nell learnt the lesson, but not from her. She was taught bv tlie powerful hand of God what she had so long refused to learn, that vanity and self-will bring terrible consequences upon their possessor, and when she had once learnt this, she never forgot it. It was many weeks since Hugh's last visit, and his friends had heard nothing of him since, and they were all beginning to get uneasy about him. Nell and Kate were sitting in the room in which they usually worked, and Kate was knitting, but Nell was kneeling by the window with her elbows resting on the sill, looking out into the gathering dusk. " I think Hugh might at least write," she said at last. "It is miserable to go on in this way, not knowing what has happened to him." " Perhaps he hath had no opportunity of sending a letter to you, cousin Nell," said Kate. " You see, we know not how far away he may be. Doubtless he can not let you know, or I am certain he would have done so." "I know not. Terehance yc.i are right; but I would I knew M least where he is. Lady Throstle- wood talketh as if 't is well known that »\e tralHcketh in letters and messages among the friends (.f my Lady Elizabeth's grace ; and she saith he is in dai.ger of being arrai ^nod of treasonable practices. I tell her nay ; that Hugh Denver will do naught dishonorable." 252 My Lady Nell. " I am sure of that," said Kate. " But she saith," continued Nell, " that he hath the reputation of it ; and, though she perfectly believeth me when I say he is loyal and true, she fears that he is in (fllnger of coming to an evil end through negli- gence and imprudence." " I," said Kate, " hope that if he needs must die God may honor him by granting him to die for the faith and the truth. I blame him not an he doth carry letters for my Lady Elizabeth, and yet 1 would to God that one so noble might fall, if fall he must, in the glorious strife for the honor of the Son of God. What matters the title or state of any earthly sover- eign compared to His whose honors have been usurped by popes and saints of man's creating? And yet, Nell, I do fear me much that Master Denver hath bo'^n imprudent," she added in a calmer tone. " He tliinketh all the world of my Lady Elizabeth's grace, and he considereth her wrongfully entreated by her sister. Queen Mary's majesty." "When told he ye all this?" asked Nell, still gazing into the darkness. " He told me the last time he came," replied Kate. " Ah, Nell, we can do naught for him but pray. God help him and keep liim ! " Nell looked round then. " I will not believe," she said quickly, " that aught evil can have happened to The Secret Chamber. 253 him. Thou art ever dov/u-heartecl aud despondent of mood, Kate." Kate made no answer for a long time ; then she said : " An lie eometh hither again in safety, Nell, tell him what Lady Throstlewood hath said of him and beg of him to be heedful and wary." "Wherefore shouldst thou not tell him thyself?" asked Nell. " I think that he would pay heed more readily to you than me. Thou art an older friend to him than I, and he oweth much to thy father." " Ah, well, then, an thou wilt, I will give him this warning. Yet, for ray part, I think it would come bettor from you, who are ever staid and wise and good, than from me. Hugh thiuketh me vain aud childish, and therefore my mind misgives me that if I bade him meddle no more with my Lady Elizabeth's matters he would think that I spake of that I knew naught about, and he would continue in his own fash- ion as heretofore. Sure, thou hadst better give him thy sage advice in thine own proper person. I prom- ise you he would at least listen to you, but I misdoubt much that he will pay no heed to me whatever." " Nay, Nell, do thou speak. I am confident he will hear thee, for he liketh thee well." " As to that, he liketh thee also, ray fair cousin. Knowest thou not that grandmother and Hugh and TV -— 254 My Lady Ndl. Master Omer all thiuk thee the pattern of what a damsel should be? I ean tell thee, sweetheart, that there have beeu times when thy goodness, thy gentle- ness, and thy many graces have well-nigh driven me frantic. They all think thee perfect." " Nay, not perfect, Nell. I think that they love me not much in spite of all. They praise me above my deserts, I know ; but heaven hath made me neither fair nor sweet nor gay, and they love me little. Ah, well, I shall be fair and sweet enow an I reach heaven. Till then I must do my duty and live my life as God hath given it, loveless and joyless." " I love tkiee, Kate, an that can count for aught ! " cried Nell. " Hush, hush, dear cousin ; 1 think thou knowest not how well thou art loved. I wot full well that thou hast judged all wrongly. They love thee and respect thee, Kate. Hush, hush ! " And yet Kate was not altogether wrong ; they all respected and admired her, but they did not love her as they loved Nell, with all her heedlessness and vanity. Doubtless Kate herself was much to blame for this, for she was strangely and unwisely reserved, and she hardly ever spoke out frankly and freely to any one except her cousin ; but the effect was painful and unfortunate, and she felt it deeply. To a great extent this reserve was the result of the misfortunes which slie had undergone in her childhood, aided by the severity of her grandmother's rule over her. ^9 T/ie Secret Chamber. 255 Nell scarcely knew what to make of this outburst, but she did her best to comfort Kate, who was much ashamed of having said so much. She had hardly regained her composure, however, when Madam Stat- ham sent Bess to summon them both to the brown parlor, which she habitually used in tluj evenings instead of the withilrawiug room. A stranger was seated there, talking earnestly to Madam Statham with his back to the door. He was clad in russet and looked at lirst sight like a well-to-do peasant, and for one moment my huly wondered to find her grandmotiier talking in such a friendly fashion to a laborer ; but the next minute she saw that it was Hugh Denver. She went forward and held out her hand, exclaim- ing, "Are you so fond of masking and mumming, Hugh, that you come hither in such guise while :t yet wanteth two weeks of Yule-tide ?" Hugh looked up quickly, and she saw that his face was pale, but very resolute and determined. " Nay, my lady, I come on no sucli jovial errand. I am in peril of my life, and I must leave Knghind till some time be past. But I liked not to go without bidding you all farewell." " O Hugh ! what hath happened? " asked Nell. " 'T is naught but what I have long expected. I dare not stay ; my pursuers are scarce three hours 256 My Lady Ndl. t heliind me. Good-by, madam. Furu thee well, Mis- tress Kate; say farewell to Master Ouier for me. Good-by, dear Lady Nell. God bles.s tliee and" — But at this moment one of the servants rushed into the room. "O Mastc ')enver!" he eried, " make haste, hide yourself ! 1 liere is no time to lose. There is a |)arty of armed men coming up throuf^h the gates e'en now. I make no doubt but that they seek you. Oh, sir, make haste ! " " Farewell, madam. I must go, or it will involve you. Can 1 get away ))y tin; back gate, think you, Thomas?" said Hugh. " Nay, worshipful sir. Tlie jtlace is clean sur- rounded. You must hide. Oil, would that Master Omer were at home ! Come aAVii y, sir ! 'T is madness to linger here. We must make wliat shift we can." " Stop, Thomas, I have the plan ! " cried Nell. " Madam," she added, turning to her grandmother, " treat these men with all civility ; order tliem meat and wine, and i)ermit them, an they list, to search the liouse from top to bottom." " What mean you, child? How canst thou hide him?" asked Madam Statham, in mucli pei'tiu'bation. " In the secret chamber. My fatlier told me how to undo the door. Thomas, come hither with ine ! Master Denver, make haste ! " she said, leading the way into the hall. " Get thou caudles and bread and The Secret Chamher. 257 I meat, Thomas ; pcnjliance tlioii luayHt huvo need of them, Master Denver. Hut stay," she added. " prom- ise tliat ye will keep tlie secret of this place from every one ; it may be useful again, for aught we know." Botii gave the required promise and Thomas departed on his search for food and lights, and then Nell tiu'iied to the great mantel-piece and began a careful survey of certain huge flowers tha; wi-ro carved beneath the shelf. One of these, though apparently exactly like the i-est, seemed to be screwed into its i)lace, for Nell turned it round several times, though with some dilliculty, for it had not been touched for many years, until at length it came off in her hand, revealing a steel spring which she pressed down, anil instantly the carved panel above the mantel- shelf slid to one side, disclosing a narrow flight of steps. At this moment Thomas returned, liringing a small basket packed with articles from the store-room, and Nell said to Hugh, " Go on up yon steps ; thou wilt presently find a little room where thou mayst rest till all is safe ; only make haste ! " Hugh swung himself up, and then Thomas passed him a lighted candle and the Itasket. " Good-night to thee, Hugh ; sweet dreams and fair rest ! " cried Nell. " Come not down until I bid thee." 258 My Lady Ndl. So Htiyiug she slipped the puiit'l liack into its place, and Hugh went on up tlie narrow, winding stuirB. They were dusty and seemed to be very long, l)Ut jit length, after turning round anil round till he began to get almost giddy, they were ended suddenly by a little door which opened easily when he raised the latch. Entering he found himself in a small room, furnished with a table, a huge arm-chair of oak, and an ancient couch covered with red leather cushions. Every thing was rather dusty, but the place seemed well ventilated, though it had not been used for so long a time. There were some attempts at comfoi't, and even elegance, in its arrangements. Tlie walls were covered with hang- ings of leather of the same color as the cushions of the couch, which showed some traces of gilding. There was even a fire-place in it ; and strangest of all, a few ancient books, an ink-horn, and some sheets of paper, several of which were covered with writing that had perhaps not been very easy to read in the first place, and was now rendered totally illegible by time. The chair was placed before the table, on which the books and papers were scattered, and all looked as if their owner had left them with the intention of returning to his work immediately. Hugh wondered who the last occupant of this chamber had been and what fate had overtaken him. At first he stood in the middle of the loom, feeling as if he scarcely liked to touch any ]. The HecrvL Chaiuber. 259 1. thing, but, in a monuMit, be conciuered this iiUiii, and Betting down liis ciindlu began to cat some of tiio food that had been prepared for him, and tlien wrapping himself in iiis cloaic lay down (>•> the couch and tried to sleep, for he had been riding and wullving for many hours in succession, and he knew not how soon he might have to set out on his journey again. But though he was weary lie lUd not find it easy to sleep in this strange chamber. In the first place, lie was cold in spite of his cloak, and he had nothing to make a fire of even if he had dared to do so. In the second, he felt very lonely and out of the way. Even where he was ho did not exactly know, for the stairs wound about so much tiiat he had lost liis reck- oning ; but he was certainly far from the rest of the habitable rooms, for not a sound of life could be heard, and the stillness was oppressive in tliat ghostly place. He also felt very anxious aljout the possible consequences of his carelessness to Lady Mell and her friends. He ought not to have come to say good-by at all, it seemed to him now ; and yet he had hoped that he would have had time to see them without drawing them into danger, and he could not under- stand how it was that his pursuers had so nearly over- taken him. But at length, in sj)ite of all his troubles, he fell asleep through very weariness. In the meantime, Nell had returned to Madam Statham, and told her that Hugh was safe. 260 My Lad;i Nell. " Where ? " she iisked. •' Como, Kleanor, I desire to know." " Madiuii, till it please you, I would prefer not to tell you, at least uot yet. Should they come hither (hark! I hear the trampling of horses even now), 'twere better for you not to know. They are sure to question you, and an thou dost not know, 'tis my belief tiiat thou wouldst liiid it easier to confront them. Therefore, grandmother " — At this point she was interrupted ))y a violent knocking at the outer door. " Who Ih! ye?" cried tiie servants from within. " Open, in t.iie (Queen's name! " replied those from without. •'^[adam! my lady! must we open to them?" o.skeil Thomas. " Ay, without delay ! '" cried Lady Nell. The bolts and bars were drawn 1)ack, and wiieii the huge oaken door swung open, u party of armeJ laeii marclied into tiie hall. Their captain turned to Madam Statham, and bowing low, explained that 'lo had !i warrant for the apprehension of one Hugh Denver. "And, madam," he added, •• I will tliank you to give order tiiat I ii'ay l)e shown his place of refuge. " "I know it not," replied Madam Statham; "but an thou wilt, thou muyest search this house for tliy- .V The Secret ^hamhor. 261 self. Trust me, thou :irt mistaken in tliinking to find him here." The cahn, conrageous hearing of Mackini Statham and her lioiiseiiold was astonishing to tlie captain, wiio had certainly expected to find Hugh Denver at Clough Hall ; but now he began to wonder whether he had been mistaken in tliinking it likely that lie would take refuge there, and he consulted with iiis men before ordering tliem to commence their searcli. Tliere was a long discussion liefore tiiey did any thing further, for some strongly recommended him to search the house, as they were there, and others argued just as strongly for making the best of their way to tiie sea- coast witliout further loss of time. After nuicii idle and fruitless talk, however, the captain decided on searching tlie Hall, and it was seardied most thor- oughly from garret to cellar, but they found no traces of the fugitive. Madam Statham ordered the servants to bring bread and meat and wine for the soldiers' refreshment, and they left at last, in liigh good humor, although they had wasted an lunn* and a lialf at the Hall and done nothing. VViieu they reached Fairpool tiiey discov- ered that :i fishing-smack liad left an hour earlier, witli a tall, dark, (juietly dressed stranger on board, whom, from the descTiption, they imagined to be Hugh ; so they returned to those who had sent them, saying that i: 262 My Lady Nell. they had just missed taking; him prisoner hy the merest accident, and that any further pursuit of liim was hopeless, since he ?nust luive rtniclied the Conti- nent in safety. The captain was severely repri- manded for his iieirHgence and dihitoriness in allowing such an iin[)ortant prisoner to escape liim, and lost all chance of promotion for years to come ; l>ut Hugh was still in England, and in hiding at tiie Hall. For several days he lived in the secret cliaml)er, for they were all afraid that his pursuers would return to search tlie Hall again, as soon as tiiey found that lie had never been to Fairpool. But Nell bade Thomas take him up a good store of wood and rugs to make him comfortal)le in the long, chilly evenings, and one day she paid him a visit up in his cliaml)er. " The ])lace feels cold and damp," she said ; " why burn you not the wood I sent ? " " I feared to do so, ray lady, on account of the smoke." " Then thou niayst make a lire without delay ; the smoke will not betray thee. This diinmey joineth the great hall chimney. 'T is so built that they who hide herein may not lack the comforts of light and heat." "'Tis a comfortable little chamber," said Hugh, looking round the room, " and yet, my lady, 1 shall not be grieved when I have leave to forsake it and go on my way. Hath Master Omer retiu'ned yet? " V ' Tlie Secret Chamber. 263 "Nay, and we know not when to expect him. He left us hist Tnesday e'en. A messenger oume to tell liini that his brother lay sick unto death at Notting- ham, and desired to liave speech witli liim. I would I knew how ^e hath sped ! 'T is a long journey, and these are ill times to travel in, as thou too well knowest." "Ay, God keep him and grant him a safe return! Sure, he hath the better hope thereof, that he hath ever lived in peace and ([uiet." " Hugh," said Nell, after a few moments' silence, " 't is time that 1 departed, but I would that thou wouldst make nu; a promise." " What promise, my sweet lady? " " Kate and I were speak j^ of it on the day thou earnest hither. I wanted lier to ask thee," continued Nell, " l)ut she bade me ask. It was that tiiou wouldst carry no more letters for my Lady Elizabeth's grace. Sure, it is si dangerous and jirofitless task, and I would not, nor Kate neitlu'r, that thou shouldst die as for treasonable practices." " My lady, I am pledged in lionor to aid the Lady Elizal)eth in all that a true man may. There be those that would defraud her of her rights, and on such I am sworn to keep watch so far as it lieth In my power. But I can promise, and I do, that i will coitimit no treason to the queen's majesty." ■tL^^\ 264 My Lady Well. " Ah, Hugh, I wish that thou wouldat in thia matter be guidod by me. 'T is a hazardous game that thou art playing, and I fear me mucli that thine enemies will scarce perceive the line that shuts thee out from treason, if it be so finely drawn. There are those even now that scruple not to say that thou hast over- stepped the limit that divideth courtesy to the Lady Elizabeth from treason to Queen Mary. Leastways, 'tis matter of common report that thou tralHcketh in the carriage of letters and messages withal. I would that thou wert more careful. I had it of my Lady Throstlewood that thou wrert in dire peril by such doings." " My Lady Throstlewood is ever mine enemy." " Nay, Hugh, not so. She spoke of thee the other day with mucii kindness. Besides, my friend, saith she not true ? " "An she said that I carried my Lady Elizabeth's grace's letters she said truth, but an she accused me of treason she lied." " Softly, softly, my friend. She said no more than thou thyself allowest to be truth," replied Neil. " But now, Hugh, what meanest thou to do?" " I know not. Would it be safe for me to come down to talk '.vith Madam Statham and with Thomas ? An 1 could learn whether the roads to Fairpool are open, r would endeavor to escape thither to await a Th" Secret Chamber, 265 vessel leaviug for some coutiuentiil port. Dtune .Tard- son would permit me to abule iu her house until I had au opportunity of joining some ship. There are ships leaving the town two or three times a week, for 't is a stirring, lively place. I doubt not, au I can but get there, to make good my escape." "Ay, but how wilt thou get there? That is the question," said Nell. " Listen now. 1 will go down, and do thou be patient here till it groweth dusk, when I will send Tliomas forth as if on some errand of mine own, and be shall see if the way lieth open for thee. An it doth, thou sluilt proceed this night to Fairpool, unless thou wilt content tliyself to bide here until i)etter times come round." '' Nay, my fair lady, nay. I thank thee for thy courtesy, but an my work in England hath ended, there still remaineth that which 1 may do among the exiles in Switzerland and (rermany." " Fare thee well, then, Uugli, till e'en. 1 go now to Bend Thomas on his journey." " Thanks, my lady ; " and then he added, " Knowest thou to whom those belonged ? " ami he pointed to the pile of yellow jjapers which lie had heai)ed together on the floor. Nell came nearer and took them up one by one, but she could read no name nor date nor any thing to show whose they had been. "They were spread out on the table with pen and ink-horn beside them when T first came hither." 2(>C My Lady Nell. " I think," siiid Nell, us she laid them down, " that they must have belonged to my great-uncle Edmund. 'T waa he, at least, that last tooJi refuge here ; but it must be over sixty years since, now. 'T was when I'erkin Warbeck claimed the crown, for iny uncle believed that he was, as he professed, the son of Edwa''d IV. Neither my grandfather nor my great- grandfather l)clieved it, but this Edmund was the eldest son, and so t!>e rebels made mtich of him. After the battle in whi.ii Warbeck was defeated, he fled hither and lived here, in this ciiamber, for many days, and was drowned at last in trying to cross to France. He was little more than twenty when he died, and they say he was tall and handsome, and of a most generous and c babble of the secret thou hast discovered, or it will be the worse for thee ! " " What hath happened, Nell.-'" said Kate. Nell gave a brief account of her morning's adven- ture, concluding, '•'• I would that mine ancestor who built this house had been possessed of greater wit. Nont! but a fool would have made yon secret stair Thii Secret Chumher. 271 open tiiHJii HiK'li a pliice us the great hall chimney- piece." " Perchance lie hoped, Nell," said Katt! soothingly, " that in so strange a place, it might the more readily escape notice." " Perchance he did; but his folly hath undone us all," said Nell impatiently. "'Twere pity," said Kate, "that thou didst not think of setting some one to watch here in the hall, and give thee warning of danger." " Ay, I know that 1 also have acted wondrous fool- ishly ; l»ut come now, what were it well to do, thiuk you ? " " Iladst thou not better speak to grandmother? " " Ay, and to Thomas. Madam Statham will blame me much, I trow." Madam Statham did l)lame her severely for her carelessness, but unhappily the mischief was done, and Nell's penitence did little to secure Hugh's safety. In fact, for several days she was so excessively shari) and irritable wich the offending servants, John and tess, tint the whole househohl easily perceived that tLey wore in disgrace, and, with natural curiosity, began V) inquire into their offeree ; so the story came out, and through the servants became the common talk of the good people of Southandeu, and at length even reached the ears of the villagers of Throsllewood. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^/ ^ / ,^% 1.0 ^*^ 1^ Hi IM 122 1.1 1*^^ — m 1.25 1 1.4 1.6 L . 6" Va n 7: ^>> V /A FiiolQgraphic Sdences Corporation f^^ » \\ ''^U, 6^ >. •«^ 33 WEST MAIN STREIT WEBSTER, NY. 145S0 (716) 872-4503 ^A^ ■\ 272 My Lady Nell. Thus Hugh's place of refuge was no longer safe, yet the only result of Thomas' inquiries had been the discovery that the road to Fairpool was bo watched that it was practically impassable, and no other chance of escape presented itself. What to do neither Madam Statham nor Lady Nell couk' decide, and at length Hugh began to think that the only course left open to him was to give himself up to his enemies, by which means he hoped to avert the calamities that would almost certainly fall upon Clough Hall if he were taken in his hiding-place there. As far as he could learn, however, no suspicion had as yet fallen on his friends, and he delayed putting his desperate reso- lution into practice, for he knew that it would be rush- ing on certain death, and though there had been times when he had looked forward to winning the martyr's crown, now that he had come so many steps nearer, to it, the glory that shone round it was of scorching, burning flame, and he hesitated to claim it too hastily, for fear that he might fail at last. Besides, he was young, and life was sweet, and in spite of all difficulty and danger, escape was still possible. CHAPTER XIV. SIR RALPH OVERBY. "\ 4"Y lady," said Thomas one morning, three or four days after Nell's accidental betrayal of the secret of the hidden chamber, — " My lady, may I speak with you for a few moments, privately? " " I will hear yon here and now," said Nell. " I have no secrets from Mistress Kate." They were working together in the l)rown parlor when Thomas entered. At Nell's permission he came !n and closed the door after him, and then said in a low voice, " My lady, I was in Throstlewood village by ten o' the clock this morning, on an errand for Madam Statham, and while I was waiting to speak to Gammer .Tones, old Dame Trimmer (the Red Witcli, they call her, my lady) pulled me by the sleeve and said in mine ear, ' Tell your young mistress, the Lady Eleanor Vane, from me, Madge Trimmer, that it is commonly reported in Throstlewood that Master Den- ver is in hiding in the secret chamber of Clough Hall, that openeth over the fire-place of the great entrance hall.'" Nell turned pale. "O Kate! what shall we do? Said she no more, Thomas?" 274 My Lady NelL " Ay, ray lady ; she said that there were those near by who wished ill to Master Denver, and that at any moment search for him might be made." "Mentioned she no names?" asked Nail. At this moment Madam Statham entered, and Thomas repeated his story. " Madam," said Nell, " were it not well to send for this Dame Trimmer? Sure, she hath good reason to wish well to Hugh." " Under favor, my lady, she bade me tell you also that she would guide Master Dtuiver to a place where he might lie in safety for many days, an he so desired it ; and, i' faith, I think she is right. 'T would be a bold man that would visit the Red Witch's dwelling-house, even now that she hath forsaken both it and her league with the arch-fieml." " What ! would she hide Master Denver in her cottage?" said Nell. "What think ye, Kate? Meseeras 'tis a likely plan enow." "Nay," said Madam Statham; "'tis for Master Denver himself to say whether ho careth to trust himself to this Dame Trimmer's gratitude." " May it please you, madam," adiled Thomas, " she said that she would" be in waiting for him at the cross- roads at midnight." "I wonder," said Nell, "if she speaketh truth concerning this matter of the secret chamber and the danger that Hugh braves in staying here." Sir Ralph Chjerhy. 275 " N»y, an she wottelh of the secret chamber at all, 'tis uo longer fit refuge for Master Denver," said Madam Statham. " But," said Nell, " what if she be a witch in very truth after all?" " If Bess and John and the other servants know this secret," said Madam Statham, "I'll warrant me it needeth not witchcraft or art magic to spread the tale. For my part, T should recoinmennd()n. " Trust me, Thomas ; 1 will certainly be there, an naught prevent me," said Hugh. " Know ye with whom my lady hath arranged for my journey ? " " Nay, worshipful Master Denver, she told me naugiit but that I have already told you. 'T was well, sir, that you left us when you did, for yester- e'en a great party of soldiers bade us open to them, and when we did so they straigiitway made for the chimney, and with an axo chopped open the carved work that covered the stairway ; but when they saw the way open they seemed to like the passage full ill, and none dared venture, not knowing, perchance, whither it might lead. At length, one cried for a light, and then another and another followed him. So they three went up together, and came down iu great anger, swearing that some one must have Sir Ralph Overby. 277 betrayed their purpose. But Mailain Statbam spake to them with great civility and soothed them with fair words, and at leugth they departed somewhat mollified." '' Blamed they my lady aud Madam Statham for harboring me ? " " Nay, but little ; the captain seemed in haste, and said his orders concerned you alone." "Thank heaven for that! Doubtless, my Lord Rocksbridge still striveth to protect them," said Hugh. " I hope that thou art ruuniug no undue risk for my sake, good friend." " Nay, sir, I have been heedful and wary. The way to Fairpool is still dangerous, I fear, but my lady saith she thinks thou niayst reacli Germany with ease, for that one of the gentlemen intendeth to pro- ceed thither himself, inst'ead of staying in London &» the rest of the party intend to do." Almost immediately after Thomas left, Madge Trim- mer paid him a visit, bringing him a fresh supply of bread and meat, and he told her of Lady Nell's mes- sage and offered her a present of several gold pieces for her kindness, but, to his astonishment, she would take nothing, for she said she owed him her life, and could not repay his kindness to her. Ugly aud repul- sive as she was, she seemed to have a truly grateful heart. She woukl not listen to Hugh's entreaties that 278 My Lady Nell. she wuuld tuke soiiicthing tuwiirclH her support through the wiuter, imd at liiat he was obliged to let her have her way. She asked hiiu iiiauy (]uestlous about his proposed journey, and seemed sorry to hear that he knew so little about it. " The Lady Eleanor was Bcarce more than a child," she said; 'Mind was he sure that it was well to be guided by her in such a matter ? " Hugh satisfied her as well as he could, for he was determined to go with Nell's friends if possible. But he himself wondered that the nuissage had come from her, and not from Madam Statham. The fact was that the whole arrangement had been of Nell's making, and, as yet. Madam Statham did not even know of it. On the previous day Nell had gone out for a ride, unaccompanied by either har cousin or her grand- mother, and, having such a good opportunity, had chosen to pay a visit to Lady Throstle wood, who always petted and made much of her. " An thou hadst not come hither, Nell, Frank and I had meant to ride over and see thee ere he leaveth for London, for he is going thither at last to try how he liketh life at the court." " Is he well, then? " ai'ked Nell. " Much better, sweet, l)ut not well. He mcaneth to try what the great physicians of the court can do for Sir Raljih Overly . 279 him. I am glad you ciimc to-day, ray little Nell, for I know not whether we nhould iiave found time to visit thee ; we have many guests, and much preparation to make, yet Frank would have been loath to leave with- out bidding thee farewell." " 1 trust his journey may be both pleasant and profitable to him," said Nell ; " but is it not a very sudden plan ? " " Not on my part, Eleanor. I have always urged him to go thither, but he liked not the idea, ever say- ing he would only go to sea with his father ; but three days agone, it luippeucd that my lord sent hither several valiant gentlemen (Sir Ralph Overby and Master John Carnworth, and another), praying me to use them as noble guests and loyal servants of the queen's grace. And Sir Ralph and Master John so set forth the pleasures of life in the city, that even Frank was fain to listen, and at length he told me that, an they would but delay while he prepared him- self, he would journey thither with them. I am sad to lose him, as thou knowest, sweetheart, but I am right joyful that he will at length give up his fantasy of trying to follow his father's life." " I wonder that he thinketh of it for a moment," said Nell. '' I would give much for a year or two in the city. Methinks T love not the country." " Weil, have patience, little one ; who knoweth 280 My Lady Nell. what may happen? * said Lady Throstlewooil. "I will tell Maud an'i Kraiik that thuii art cuiuu ; but lirst, Nell, I have Homething to huy that I mean fur thine car alone. I desire to warn tliee that, an thou wouldst save thy friend, Master Denver, thou must be circumspect. Knowest thou that the secret of the hidden chamber is all over the country?" "Ay," said Nell, trying not to look uncomfortable. " I know that well enow. My servants were careless, or perchance, treacherous. I am very angry with them." " But how al)out thy friend? If report is correct, that secret chamber hath served him well, but how wilt thou find liini a refuge now? I (rust, little one, an it were oidy for thy sake, that lu; hath found another liiding-place, for tlie whole country is full of those who would be willing to hinder his journey. I fear me, Nell, that he hath now but poor chance of escape. We heard that he had departed some days since. I am sorry that it was not true." "Content you, my lady, he is in no present danger." " I am rejoiced to hear it, my sweet Eleanor. Thou shouldst know best. I had thought that 1 might serve thee by aiding this Hugh Denver to escape, but as thou knowest, I love him not." " Yet," said Nell, " methinks he saved thy life." Sir Ralph Ooerby. 281 " I deny it not, but 't is for tliy sake I would aid him if I could. Credit me, little Nell, we Catholics are not all alike. Some among us there be wlio doubt the necessity of severity towards ' heretics ' ; nay, some there be, who tliink that each man's soul is bur- den enow for his own conscience, and tlierefore plague themselves not to force even the truth upon unwilling minds tiiat love it not. Of such am I, and I tell thee, what I woulil tell to none other but to thee, my little Protestant, that I love not the ways of my good fathers in the faith in this matter, therefore thou mayst trust me with the safety of this dear friend of thine." " How canst thou aid him? " asked Nell. " Would it pleasure thee if I could? " " Ay, that it would.'' " Then, listen, pretty one, and J will expound my plan. Sir Italph Overby, to whom 1 will presently introduce tiiee, is bound, as I said, for London, but after that, he meaueth to go to Germany on business of his own, and I doubt not, if this Hugh of thine be not too proud to put on the mien and style of his attendant, he might go hence with him, and go un hu must be in bidiug somewhere near at hand. "Ay, my lady, un ue will jjo witli Sir Ralph Overby, he will easily be ready to depnrt whenever it is desira- ble to do BO," Nell answered ; then, (juickly added, "But, my Lady Throstlewood, meseeras the journey to Ixjudon must l)e full of dangers for one who is so well known as Hugh." " 'T is dangerous enow, 1 deny it not; but, methinks, Eleanor, he can hardly tarry in this neigh- borhood for any lengtii of time, and escape by the way of Fairpool seems now well-nigh impossible. Perchance he may find safety in boldness, or he might fain sickness, and so disguise himself, and travel con- cealed, but mayhap Sir Ralph nmy have somewhat to to suggest." Sir Ralph Overby was a handsome man of about thirty years of age, who evidently valued himself much for his appearance and manners, which were remark- ably affected and conceited. He was a go(Hl soldier and a ready-witted courtier, and he adorned his person with jewels and his conversation with compliments with equal profuseness. Nell was much pleased with his fine manners and his good looks, more especially as he readily promised to aid her friend for Lady Thros- 284 My Lady Nell. tlewood's sake. To do liim justice, he was as truthful as he was good-uatured, and fully intended to keep his word, but he anticipated great dilllculties in taking Hugh through London, under the circuinstauces, and " to oblige Lady Throstlewood " he even offered to defer his visit to London until his return from Ger- maoy, and to proceed thither as soon as he could hear of a vessel. He strongly couiiuended Lady Throstle- wood's plan of disguising Hugh as a sick man, and altogether entered into the scheme with such amiable zest that Nell felt very hopeful of its success. Upon the way home it occurred to her tbat Madam Statham might not approve of it, especially since it had been Lady Throstlewood's idea, and the more she thought about it, the less she liked telling what she had done. She did intend to tell her, however, but Madam Statham was so much annoyed with her for even visiting Throstlewood Hall without her express permis- sion, that Nell put off making her confession until her anger had cooled, and when she began to tell her in the evening, they were almost immediately interrupted by the visit of the soldiers, of which Thomas had informed Hugh. So that it was not until evening on the following day that she told Madam Statham of her plan for Hugh's escape, although she had sent Thomas off early in the morning to bid him be ready. She hati Sir Ralph Overby. 285 given the man his orders in such haste, however, that she had forgotten to tell him all she intended, and his ideas of the details of the scheme were thus very vague and uncertain. Hugh trusted her sincere affec- tion for him so implicitl)', that he was ready to do as she desired, even at some risk, but Madam Statham had no reliance on her judgment, and was perfectly aghast at the idea of her having confided in Lady Throstlewood at all. " I know not what is to be done," she said at length. " 'T was madness and folly ou your part, Eleanor, to speak of Master Denver to the Lady Throstlewood, when thou knowest so well how ill she liketh him." " What could I do? She knew he was hereabouts and I judged it safer not to anger her. Besides, to my thinking, she is neitiior faithless nor cruel. You are less than charitable towards her, grandmother." " Well, I hope tha ..ou mayst not have cast away thy friend's life through thy heedless self-confidence, Eleanor. When wilt thou learn to trust less to thine own wisdom?" asked Madam Statham. "I hope that thou didst not a'so confide in the knight — how call you him ? " " Sir Ralph Overby, madam. Lady Throstlewood asked his aid in the scheme, and he seemed a most courteous and generous gentleman." 286 My Lady Nell. "What hour is it?" asked Madam Statham, in much anxiety. " Eight of the clock." *' Call Thomas hither. Master Denver shall not, with my consent, be led blindly into tliis snare. He shall at least hear fully upon what manner of reed he leaneth. Be silent, Eleanor, and pray to heaven that thy folly bring not the guilt of blood upon thee. 'T was madness to rest the safety of so noble a life on such a frail chance as the faith of ray Lady Throstle- wood and a man of whom thou knowest naught." " What mean you to do, grandmother?" asked Nell anxiously. " I will send Thomas to Master Denver to tell him fully all thy scheme ; and he must judge for himself whether he wil': join this friend of thine or remain in hiding where he is." Thomas set out immediately on his journey, for he was as anxious as any one that Hugh should not fall into danger, but he did not return through all tiie long, dreary night, wliich was wet and stormy ; and neither Madam Statham nor her granddaughters could sleep for their anxiety, though all retired to their rooms as usual. CHAPTER XV. KATE. "TT wanted still some hours of daybreak, but the household at Clough Hall was all a^ tir, for Madam Statham had given orders that a breakfast should be prepared for the travelers ; and though it was much too soon to expect them, every one was bustling about soon after five. Nell was restless and impatient, and wandered from room to room, giving contradictory orders to the ser- vants and worrying herself and her grandmother over the various details of the breakfast and Hugh's dis- guise until that lady was provoked to send her to her own room to await the coming of the guests in solitude. Meanwhile Kate had wrapped herself in a plain dark cloak and gone out into the darkness and the drizzling rain of the chill December morning, for she did not share Nell's sanguine hopes of Hugh's escape, and as the time drew near for his arrival she felt so choked and breathless in the crowded hall, with its roaring fire and bustling servants, that she slipped out into the opoii air witliout saying any thing either to 288 My Lady Nell. Nell or her grandmother, and wandered on through the park towards the gate. She did not go outside, how- ever, but walked up and down under the dripping trees without thinking what she was doing. She had been there some time when she heard the sound of horses' feet, and half-unconsciously she drew back from the path into the shade of some huge and thickly planted trees and waited for the new-comers to pass. At the head of the cavalcade (for there were a considerable number of' horsemen) rode two gentlemen, laughing and talking gayly, whom she guessed to be Sir Ralpli Overby and his friend. Master John-Carnworth, and they were followed by a number of servants, as she supposed. Frank Dalton was not among them, as it had been arranged that he should join them at their first stopping-place, instead of going to Clough Hall with the rest. They rode briskly, for their horses were rresh and the rain was disagreeable, and Kate was on the point of returning to the house, when two men w .. bad been lagging behind the others came up and, to her surprise, stopped just beside her retreat. " Tarry here a moment; I have somewhat to say that I mean not for the ears of Sir Ralph's knaves yonder," said one. The voice was clear and easy to hear, though the words were spoken in a low tone, and Kate, unwilling Kate. 289 to U'iive her hiding-place, heard every syllable of the short conversation that followed. " Thou knowest," continued the speaKer, " that Sir Ralph hath a sick friend, or servitor, or somewhat, lying here at Clough Hall, and that he designeth to carry the same with him to London in the litter that he was so anxious about." " Ay, worshipful Master Granger, he hath made almost as much ado about that litter as about his own mails." Kate started when she heard tb" imme of Granger, for he was well known as one of the most relentless of those who sought Queen Mary's favor by hunting down the unfortunate Protestants. "Hist, man!" he said, "and listen to me. Thou hast heard of one Hugh Denver, a busy, rest- less fellow, who hath dyed himself as deep in treason as in heresy ? " " Ay, sir ; who in these parts hath not? " " Well, this sick man of our friend yonder is he; and look ye, my man, 't will be an HI day's work both for you and me, if we permit him to escape us." " In troth, sir, 'twere easy enow to make sure of him." " Ay, with care; but not until we have put some twenty miles or more between us anl Southanden. He hath many friends here, and this idle coxcomb, 290 My Lady Nell, Overby, would join with them as like as not, to set biui free, for he holdeth that he hath pledged bis honor to see him safe into Germany. Ay, and besides him, there might be Dalton and iiis men and the ser- vitors of this Lady Eleanor Vane to reclion with. But an we once reach Wayminster we have him safe, for I have written to Trenton to be ready with his men to see me through this business." "Then, sir, what want ye of me?" "Only to keep guard over him on the journey thither ; better shoot him out of hand than let him go, but methinks such desperate measures will be unnecessary. I will do my part, but thou wilt have better opportunity than I of keeping close beside him, and credit me, an thou dost well by me in this matter, thou shalt have a rich reward." " I will do my utmost to abide by thy commands, but were it not well to confide also in Smith and in Dale ; they are trusty fellows, and good honest Catho* lies withal." " Nay, nay, man, it needeth not. Bethink you, the fellow will be crippled by his very disguise. For, a sick man to rise from his litter to run away would be too suspicious ; his only hope, he will think, is to cling fast to his affectation of weakness and ill-health. But come, they wfU wonder at our delay." With that they rode on, and Kate leaned against the Kate. 291 tree for support, for the overwhelming sense of Hugh's danger made her feel sick and faiut. But even yet there might be time to save hiiu, and with a silent prayer for strength and wisdom, she left her hiding-place and hastened to the house, which she entered by a back door, for the hall was crowded with the companions and attendants of Sir Ralph. Throw- ing off her cloak, Kate advanced into the room and signed to Nell to come out to her. She was listening to Sir Ralph's labored compliments with a smiling face but w" h little real interest, for she was very anxious about Hugh, and at the sight of Kate's face she started, and followed her into a little empty room. '♦ What is it, Kate?" she asked. *' Hath he come yet? '* "Hugh? Nay, not yet; I would he were. I am growing anxious lest they should question us about him." " Then, please heaven, I will save him yet," mur- mured Kate. "Kate! Kate!" cried Nell, "what mean you? What hath happened?" " Let me go, Nell ! There is no time to lose !" and without another word Kate left the room and, catch- ing up her cloak as she passed, went out again into the darkness and the drizzle. Nell looked after her for a moment in utter bewil- 292 My Lady Nell. derment, and then returned to her task of entertaining her guests. Meanwhile, Kate was hurrying towards tlie wood, breathless and weary, but still making what haste she could over the wet, slippery soil. She had never gone so fast before, but life and death depended on her speed. She brushed through the dank underwoo 'twaB there that !Nell met this Sir Ralph, who hath promised to aid thee." " I knew not that Lady Throstlewood had aupy't to do with the matter, but, an her hand be in it, no treachery surpriseth me." "Hast thou not seen Thomas? My grandmother sent him hither to explain all to you yestere'en, for she could not be satisfied to leave you in the dark. She said you sliould at least judge of the matter for your- self, and not rest solely on Nell's firm faith in I "idy Throstlewood." "Nay, I have not seen him since morning yester- day, and then he seemed to know little of this scheme of my lady's. He said she had sent him hither in great haste, and had told him little." "Ay! grandmother was angered at her careless- ness, for 't was but late yestere'en that she told vrn of her plan, and she sent Thomas forth to tell thee all, that thou mightst at least have thy choice of joining Sir Ralph, or — But hark ! what is that? " "Naught! naught! 'T is still so dark, they would scarce expect me yet." " 'T is not so dark outside as it is here in the woods, and they were all assembled at the Hall when I came forth. I would that thou wouldst leave me and go farther from the path here, for they are sure to search for thee, and soon, I fear." Kate. 295 " But I can not leave thee here alone," replied Ilngh. " Nay, do leave me. I ara In no danger. 1 will rcBt here awhile, and then [ will return across the common, as I came." " Nay, Mistress Kate, at least do this. Should you return now, you are all but certain to come upon some of the rough fellows who will presently come hither after me, and it is as far to the Hall as it is to Thros- tlewood village. The better plan would be to go to Dame Trimmer's cottage and rest there until my lady can send down for you. Madge would do thine errand to the Hall, and she is to be trusted." " Perchance it would be better," said Kate, who had no desire to meet the soldiers. ' ' I will do as you say. And now, do you leave me, I entreat you ! I hear the sound of voices even now ; oh, do go. Master Denver ! " " Nay, I will see thee safe through these woods first. Thou hast risked too much for me already ; ay, and endured too much. Can you walk so far, think you ? " " Ay, right well; and, an thou wilt not leave me, let us go." So saying, she stood up and l)egan to walk on slowly and painfully, even with Hugh's help. "What hath happened to thy shoes?" he asked after awhile, when he saw how lame and footsore she seemed. "Thou canst not walk in this fashion; 'L were better to let me carry thee." 2U6 My Lady Nell. II '' I luHt thuiu on the conuiiou, but I can wulk wt;Il euow without them. Only 1 would that thou wouldut leave me ! " " Speak not of it, dcur Mistress Kate ; thou hast done too mucli for me. I am truly worry that thou hast hurt thyself so sorely." " 'T is uuught," suid Kute ; "and yet 'twill be in vain an you leave mi; not." •' Nay, I am in little danger, now I know all. Besides, I know of a spot where I can hide, almost on tlie confines of the woo