the floor of Heaven in beauteous ribbons, like the
gay trappings of a May-pole.

Hazel's palfrey was now brought up; and as we mounted and rode off, the
little group at the door still stood and waved a silent, fluttering
farewell.

We rode on in silence until we came to the turning that we should take,
were we to be guided by the letter.

"This is the cross road mentioned in the packet. What think ye now of
the writer? Dost trust him?" I asked.

"I trust him, and yet I feel some fear. I know not why; but a nameless
something doth stir up in my mind a dread of some calamity."

"Shall we then go search for some place for ourselves?"

"Oh, no! It must be but foolish maiden timidity. Let us proceed and
trust the letter, after the way that it hath rescued thee."

So we turned unto our right and, as the letter had said, we came, after
travelling some three miles, upon a large house set back some distance
from the road. From a window in the upper story a small flag of
England did hang lazily. The house looked as it had been
described--unoccupied; so feeling re-assured we rode into the grounds.
I then held Michael's steed whilst he went forward and tried the door.
It was unlocked; so he entered. He then returned, at my call, and
reported everything as well, so far as he could see, though he desired
to inspect it further ere we entered. This I did consider to be
unnecessary. We then tied our horses to some trees near the door, and
walked in.

The room was large and square, and in the centre a round pillar arose
from floor to ceiling. The furniture consisted of a long and broad,
heavy oaken table and some three or four chairs, scattered carelessly
around the room. Several closed and heavy doors, leading to where we
knew not, were set into the walls at irregular intervals. The general
appearance of the interior gave one the impression of recent
occupation; though now it did seem undoubtedly to be vacant.

Michael placed the basket upon the table, and we at once proceeded to
make ourselves comfortable.

"Ah! my dear, we shall have a pleasant holiday, and in the evening
return. Our dear friend, Master Catesby, shall arrive at Westminster
to find that the bird hath flown. Then he may curse his misfortune and
proceed to join his murderous master. Pray God I do but meet him in
the field. Then shall there be no truncheon to be flung down to stop
our fight, as was done at the tournament."

"Yes, Walter dear