istopher Gardiner, whom
Governor Winthrop thinks so much of."

"We will cure him of that folly. What foolish thing have I said to
this girl?" thought the Assistant. "Prudence," he added, "this is a
matter that cannot concern thee. Thou wouldst not have me speak of
secrets of State?"

"Said I not right!" exclaimed Prudence, rising, and preparing to leave
the room, "that your love was but a pretext? How, I want to know, is a
secret of State better than any other? Now, had I given poor Philip
half the encouragement which my silly fondness for thee--O, dear!--"
and she put her hands up to her eyes.

"Come," said Spikeman, pursuing and bringing her back, "name not the
presumptuous varlet. On one condition I will tell thee, even though it
ruin me."

"What may that be?" inquired the girl.

"I have long solicited an interview where we should not be liable to
interruption. Grant me that, and I will conceal nothing."

"Thou dost grant nothing without a condition. I do not know," she
added, tossing her head, "whether I care anything, after all, about
this mystery. I dare say there is nothing in it, and, as you say, it
concerns me not."

"Be not angry, sweet Prudence. Ask, and I will answer all thy
questions."

"You know, too, how much I would do to pleasure you," sighed Prudence.
"Ah! me, how weak a thing is a woman's heart."

"Then you will not deny me? Know then that letters have arrived from
England, charging this knight, or pretended knight, with diverse grave
offences."

"And what may they be?" inquired the girl.

"He is complained of as a fugitive from justice," answered Spikeman,
who meant to communicate no more information than he was obliged to.

"The sweet, handsome gentleman! I do not believe he ever harmed any
one. But what did he?"

"Of that I am not positively informed, not having seen the epistles,
they being addressed to private persons."

"Have they anything against Master Miles, too?" asked Prudence.

"I doubt not that he is the worse of the two, if all were known."

"These be dreadful lies about the nicest and properest men in the
country," cried Prudence. "And what will be done with them when they
come back?"

"That I cannot tell; but be sure we shall find some means of getting
rid of them. And now, Prudence--"

"I do not know that I made any promise," she said, archly; "and you
have told me very little, after all."

"I have told thee all I know. Keep now equal good faith with me."