ady; but it must be remembered
that she was provided with clothing, as well as food and lodging, and
that she was altogether free from many expenses which we should reckon
necessaries--umbrellas and parasols, watches, desks, stamps, and
stationery.

"Scarce enough, rather," was the unexpected answer. "Mind you, Master
Altham, I said a _lady_."

Master Altham looked curious and interested. We call every woman a lady
who has either money or education; but in 1372 ranks were more sharply
defined. Only the wives and daughters of a prince, peer, or knight were
termed ladies; the wives of squires and gentlemen were gentlewomen;
while below that they were simply called wives or maids, according as
they were married or single.

"This lady, then, shall be--Mercy on us! sure, Master Tynneslowe, you go
not about to have the maid into the household of my Lady's Grace of
Cambridge, or the Queen's Grace herself of Castile?"

The Duke of Lancaster having married the heiress of Castile, he and his
wife were commonly styled King and Queen of Castile.

Mr Tynneslowe laughed. "Nay, there you fly your hawk at somewhat too
high game," said he; "nathless [nevertheless], Master Altham, it is a
lady whom she shall serve, and a lady likewise who shall judge if she be
meet for the place. But first shall she be seen of a certain
gentlewoman of my lady's household, that shall say whether she promise
fair enough to have her name sent up for judgment. I reckon three
nobles [one pound; present value, 6 pounds] by the year shall pay her
reckoning."

"Truly, I would be glad she had so good place. And for plenishing, what
must she have?"

"Store sufficient of raiment is all she need have, and such jewelling as
it shall please you to bestow on her. All else shall be found. The
gentlewoman shall give her note of all that lacketh, if she be preferred
to the place."

"And when shall she wait on the said gentlewoman?"

"Next Thursday in the even, at Master Goldsmith's."

"I will send her."

Mr Tynneslowe declined a second helping of hypocras, and took his
leave. The patty-maker saw him to the door, and then went back into his
shop.

"I have news for you, maids," said he.

Ricarda, who was arranging the fresh patties, looked up and stopped her
proceedings; Alexandra brought her head in from the window. Amphillis
only, who sat sewing in the corner, went on with her work as if the news
were not likely to concern her.

"Phyllis, ho