to him empty-handed, what
chance has your suit with Vicar-General Cromwell, the hungriest shark of
all--save one?"

"We understand," said Emlyn; "but what is your plan, Cousin Smith?"

"Mine? I don't know that I have one. Still, here is that which might do.
Though I seem so small and humble, I am remembered at Court--when money
is wanted, and just now much money is wanted, for soon they will be in
arms in Yorkshire--and therefore I am much remembered. Now, if you care
to give Dr. Legh the go-by and leave your cause to me, perhaps I might
serve you as cheaply as another."

"At what charge?" blurted out Emlyn.

The old man turned on her indignantly, asking--

"Cousin, how have I defrauded you or your mistress, that you should
insult me to my face? Go to! you do not trust me. Go to, with your
jewels, and seek some other helper!" and he went to the panelling as
though to collect them again.

"Nay, nay, Master Smith," said Cicely, catching him by the arm; "be
not angry with Emlyn. Remember that of late we have learned in a hard
school, with Abbot Maldon and Dr. Legh for masters. At least I trust
you, so forsake me not, who have no other to whom to turn in all my
troubles, which are many," and as she spoke the great tears that had
gathered in her blue eyes fell upon the child's face, and woke him, so
that she must turn aside to quiet him, which she was glad to do.

"Grieve not," said the kind-hearted old man, in distress; "'tis I should
grieve, whose brutal words have made you weep. Moreover, Emlyn is right;
even foolish women should not trust the first Jack with whom they take
a lodging. Still, since you swear that you do in your kindness, I'll try
to show myself not all unworthy, my Lady Harflete. Now, what is it you
want from the King? Justice on the Abbot? That you'll get for nothing,
if his Grace can give it, for this same Abbot stirs up rebellion against
him. No need, therefore, to set out his past misdeeds. A clean title
to your large inheritance, which the Abbot claims? That will be more
difficult, since the King claims through him. At best, money must be
paid for it. A declaration that your marriage is good and your boy born
in lawful wedlock? Not so hard, but will cost something. The annulment
of the sentence of witchcraft on you both? Easy, for the Abbot passed
it. Is there aught more?"

"Yes, Master Smith; the good nuns who befriended me--I would save their
house and lands to them. Those jewels are pledg