he had
only a sorry specimen of your hand-maiden's lint-white locks. As I live,
it was truly laughable. The good lady would have annihilated me if she
could; and threatened me with terrible reprisals. At first, she tried to
attribute the transformation, which she could not otherwise account for,
to witchcraft; and though I derided the charge, I must needs say, the
trick was so cleverly performed, that it _did_ look like magic. The
packet containing the tress of hair had never been out of her own
keeping. This she affirmed; and it was true. But there was a friendly
hand to open it nevertheless; to purloin its priceless treasure; and to
substitute something of a similar kind, though of comparatively little
value in its place. That hand,--one not likely to be suspected, was no
other than that of my lady's confidential attendant, Sarah Swarton. The
juggle was played by her at the instance of Diego. Anticipating some
such occurrence as the present, and desirous of having a spy upon the
movements of our enemies, I some time since directed Diego to pay secret
court to Sarah, and my forethought has now been rewarded. The main
difficulty lay with poor Gillian. She was greatly embarrassed by her
situation; and her perplexity was increased by the presence of a jealous
lover in the shape of an apprentice, who refused to leave her till his
doubts should be satisfied. This was awkward, as the story could not be
very well reconciled so as to suit all parties. Accordingly, when the
discovery was made, which seemed to proclaim the poor girl's infidelity,
the youth's rage and consternation were nearly equal to Lady Lake's; a
circumstance that added considerable zest to the comedy. But I see it
does not divert you so much as I expected, and therefore, to relieve
your mind, I may tell you that the jealous varlet soon repented of his
rash determination, and pursuing his mistress, whom Do Gondomar had
considerately taken under his protection, prevailed upon her to give the
amorous ambassador the slip, and return with him to her father's abode
at Tottenham."

"I am right glad to hear it," said the Countess. "Though I have seen so
little of Gillian, I cannot help taking an interest in her; she is so
pretty, and so innocent in appearance, and her manners are so artless
and engaging. I owe her some reparation for the mischief I have done
her, and will not neglect to make it. I am sorry I ever was induced by
you to take her into my service; and I