dear mother will come?"

"Nay, I cannot tell; but let us hope it will not be, long first. And
now, Henry, come home and go to your bed, for the sun is set, and you
must be up betimes. See, here is Lion coming to meet us. Poor Lion! he
does not like to lose sight of his master."

Henry, who had dried his tears and was smiling again, sprang forward to
caress the faithful dog, who frolicked round him as if he thought he had
been long away, and was rejoiced at his return. Maud had put aside her
spinning-wheel, for it was nearly dark; the two younger children were
already asleep, and Henry was about to retire to rest, when the door was
opened softly, and there entered one whose form was muffled in a long
dark cloak, the hood of which was drawn over the head to conceal the
face from view. Robin and Maud trembled with fear as the idea struck
them both that the boy's retreat had been discovered; but Henry, with
the true instinct of affection, uttered the word "mother!" and rushed
into the arms of the mysterious visitant, who threw off her disguise,
and clasped her boy fondly to her bosom.

"My honoured lady!" exclaimed Maud, as she recognised the beautiful, but
pale and careworn countenance of her mistress.

"Hush! Maud, hush!" said the lady; "are you sure we are quite safe?"

"Yes, madam, we are safe," answered Robin, "there is no one within
hearing, and I will fasten the door, so that none shall enter without
giving notice."

And so saying he proceeded to make all secure, whilst Henry laughed and
wept by turns in the excess of his joy, and, amidst kisses and embraces,
asked many questions about his brother and sister.

"I hope they are both well, my darling. Elizabeth I have seen lately,
but I have not heard of Richard since his arrival in the Low Countries.
Nevertheless, I trust he is safe and well. But how fares it with you,
my best and dearest? Can you make yourself happy in this new life?"

"As happy as I can be away from you, dear mother. I do not mind the
sort of life I lead so much as I thought I should; for I am getting used
to it now."

"In truth he takes to it bravely, my lady," said Robin. "I only hope my
own lad will be as good a shepherd as Henry, when he is as old."

Lady Margaret sighed deeply, for although the worthy man did not mean to
give her pain, but rather pleasure, by this rough applause, she could
not help feeling how very low the fortunes of De Clifford's son had
fallen. But sh