he
table, which was always one or more boards laid across trestles, was
very narrow, the inside of the horseshoe being reserved for the servants
to hand the dishes. There were therefore some yards of distance between
opposite neighbours. Amphillis studied her neighbour, so far as an
occasional glance in his direction allowed her to do so, and she came to
the conclusion that there was nothing remarkable about him except the
expression of his face. He was neither tall nor short, neither handsome
nor ugly, neither lively nor morose. He talked a little with his next
neighbour, Matthew Foljambe, but there was nothing in the manner of
either to provoke curiosity as to the subject of their conversation.
But his expression puzzled Amphillis. He had dark eyes--like the
Countess's, she thought; but the weary and sometimes fiery aspect of
hers was replaced in these by a look of perfect contentment and peace.
Yet it was utterly different from the self-satisfied expression which
beamed out of Sir Godfrey's eyes.

"What manner of man is Master Hylton?" she asked of Agatha, who always
sat next her. Precedence at table was regulated by strict rules.

"The youngest of six brethren; prithee, trouble not thine head over
him," was that young lady's answer.

"But that doth me not to wit what manner of man he is," responded
Amphillis, turning to the sewer or waiter, who was offering her some
rissoles of lamb.

Agatha indulged in a little explosion of laughter under cover of her
handkerchief.

"Oh, Amphillis, where hast thou dwelt all thy life? Thou art the full
seliest [simplest, most unconventional] maid ever I did see."

Amphillis replied literally. "Why, in Hertfordshire was I born, but I
dwelt in London town a while ere I came hither."

"A jolly townswoman must thou have made! Canst not conceive what I
mean? Why, the youngest of six brethren hath all his fortune to make,
and cannot be no catch at all for a maid, without he be full high of
rank, and she have gold enough to serve her turn without."

"But I don't want to catch him," said Amphillis, innocently.

Agatha burst out laughing, and Lady Foljambe, from the middle of the
horseshoe table, looked daggers at her. Unrestrained laughter at table,
especially in a girl, was a serious breach of etiquette.

"I say, you shouldn't be so funny!" remonstrated Agatha. "How shall man
help to laugh if you say so comical words?"

"I wist not I was thus comical," said Amphill