tsey,
"no tryst have I kept, in sooth. Sir Guy is my witness that he found me
quite by chance."

"In very truth, good Mistress Goldsmith," said the knight, "it was but
the very bounteous guerdon of fair Dame Fortune that in the auspicious
forthcoming of my steed I found the inexpressible delectancy of my so
great discovery!"

He bowed as he gave back one step and kissed his hand toward Phoebe.

"All one--all one," said Dame Goldsmith, laughing as she held out her
hand to Phoebe. "My good man hath a homily prepared for you, mistress,
and the substance of it runneth on the folly of early rising on a
May-day morning."

Phoebe held forth her hand to the knight, who kissed it with a
flourish, hat in hand.

"Shall I hear from thee soon?" she said, in an undertone.

"Forthwith, most fairly beautiful--most gracious rare!" he replied.

Then, leaping on his horse, he dashed down the street at a mad gallop,
followed closely by his groom.

Rebecca stood stupefied, gazing first at one and then at the other, till
she was rudely brought to her senses by no other than Dame Goldsmith
herself.

"What, Rebecca!" she exclaimed. "Hast breakfasted, woman--what?"

"Ay, aunt," Phoebe broke in, hurriedly. "Rebecca must to my chamber to
tire me ere I see mine uncle. Prithee temper the fury of his homily,
sweet aunt."

Taking the dame's extended hand, she suffered herself to be led within,
followed by Rebecca, too amazed to speak.

On entering the street door they found themselves in a large hall, at
the farther end of which a bright wood fire was burning, despite the
season. A black oak table was on one side of the room against the wall,
upon which were to be seen a number of earthen beakers and a great
silver jug or tankard. A carved and cushioned settle stood against the
opposite wall, and besides two comfortable arm-chairs at the two
chimney-corners there were two or three heavy chairs of antique pattern
standing here and there. The floor was covered with newly gathered
fresh-smelling rushes.

A wide staircase led to the right, and to this Phoebe turned at once
as though she had always lived there.

"Hast heard from my father yet?" she asked, pausing upon the first
stair and addressing Dame Goldsmith.

"Nay, girl. Not so much as a word. I trow he'll have but little to say
to me. Ay--ay--a humorous limb, thy father, lass."

She swept out of the room with a toss of the head, and Phoebe smiled
as she turned to climb the sta