Humphrey could not follow her meaning, and he said,--

'I do not understand. What do you fear?'

'Oh! what do I fear? Perchance if you had an idol, you would think of the
words of Holy Scripture, that such should be utterly abolished, but,' she
continued, changing her tone and speaking cheerfully, 'see how Lucy lags
behind, poor child! Methinks her heart misgives her as the parting is now
certain. She is to enter on her duties when the Countess goes to London
with Lady Mary Sidney, one day in this week. May God keep her safe. You
will be about the Court with Mr Sidney, and you will keep a watch over her.
I know you will.'

'Yes, as you know full well, I will serve you in that or in any way, nor
ask for my guerdon till such time as you may see good to grant it to me,
your friend always, Mistress Gifford, your lover, your humble suitor,
when--'

'Hush,' she said, laying her hand on his arm, 'such words may not pass
between you and me. Did I not tell you, did I not warn you that so it must
be. And now, my little son,' she continued, 'get down from your high perch,
if Master Humphrey is so good as to put you on your feet, for we are nearly
at home.'

Ambrose, as soon as his feet touched the ground, ran off at full speed,
and, turning into the lane, was hidden from sight for a few moments. It was
scarcely more, but his mother rushed after him, calling him by name to
stop.

But the child was a swift runner, and Mary, putting her hands to her side,
said,--

'Master Ratcliffe, pursue him. Don't let him run out of sight, I--I cannot
follow.'

It needed only a few of Humphrey Ratcliffe's long, quick strides to
overtake Ambrose, and seize him by the arm.

'What a plague you are to your mother, child; first you can't walk, and
then you run off like a young colt.'

'There was a black man in the hedge yonder that made me run so fast.'

'A black man! away with such folly. The black man is the stump of that old
tree covered with ivy, so you are a coward, after all.'

Mary had come up now, breathless.

'Ambrose, Ambrose, why did you run like that?'

'I saw a black man,' the child repeated, 'and I wanted to get to the gate.'

Mary said not a word, but, taking the boy's hand, held it fast, and went
towards the house.

CHAPTER V

RESISTANCE

'God giveth heavenly grace unto such as call unto Him with
outstretched hands and humble heart; never wanting to those that
want not to themselves.'--SI