agent of the devil, but I will put Humphrey on the scent, and we
will track him out. I have heard there is a nest of Papists hiding in
Tunbridge. Doubtless he is one. Forget him now, Lucy; forget him, and be
happy.'

'He gripped my wrist so hard,' Lucy said, holding up her little hand like a
child for pity.

It is small wonder that George treated her as a child, and, taking the
little hand in his, pressed a fervent kiss upon it.

This seemed to recall Lucy from her clinging, softened mood. She sprang
away from George with heightened colour, and said, with all her old
brightness,--

'I have news for you. I am going to London to see the tourney, and I am to
be one of my Lady of Pembroke's waiting-women. Isn't that grand news?'

Poor George! his dream of bliss was over now.

'Going away!--for how long a space?' he exclaimed.

'Ah! that I cannot tell you, for more weeks or months than I can count, may
be.'

George, who had with Humphrey done his utmost to persuade their mother to
consent to take Lucy with her, in the event of her going to London, without
success, or, rather, without a distinct promise that she would do so, was
fairly bewildered.

'How did it come about?' he asked.

'Oh! that is a question, indeed, Master Ratcliffe. There is someone you
know of who can bring about what he wishes. It is he who has commended me
to my Lady Pembroke, hearing, it may be, from your brother, that I wished
to see the tourney, and the Queen, and all the fine doings. Mr Sidney came
himself to offer the place of waiting-woman to me.'

'Came himself!' George exclaimed.

'And, prithee, why not; am I beneath his notice as I am beneath your
mother's? It seems not.'

George had not time to reply, for, on the square of turf before the house,
Mistress Ratcliffe and her niece, Dorothy Ratcliffe, were apparently
awaiting their arrival.

'You are late, George, as is your wont,' his mother said. 'Doll must make
you more mindful of the fixed time for meals. Is this young woman Mistress
Forrester's daughter? I bid you kindly welcome.'

'I thank you, madam,' Lucy said. 'I have seen you many a time, and,
methinks, you must have seen me; but, doubtless, I was not like to be
remembered by such as you and Mistress Dorothy.'

This little thrust passed unnoticed. Mistress Ratcliffe merely said,--

'George, lead your cousin Doll to the hall, for supper is served. Mistress
Lucy, will you permit me to take your hand?'

Lucy made anoth