dangerous man. How he was endeavouring to ferret out admissions and
denials which would afterwards stand him in good stead! How came he,
too, to know so much about her friends? Had he been questioning Lord
Marnell? Margery's breath came short and fast, and she trembled
exceedingly. She was annoyed with herself beyond measure, because, when
the Abbot named Richard Pynson, she could not help a conscious blush in
hearing him mention, not indeed the person who had actually lent her the
book, but one who was concerned in the transaction. The Abbot saw the
blush, though just then it did not suit his purpose to take notice of
it.

"Well, well," said he, courteously, "we will not go further into that
question at present. But you must wit, dear daughter, that this book
containeth fearful heresy! Hath not our brother Rous taught you the
same? Error of all kinds is therein, and weak women like unto you be
not able, my child, for to separate in all cases this error from the
truth wherewith, in these pernicious volumes, it is mingled. You are
very young, daughter, and wit not yet all that the fathers of the Church
can tell you, an' you be meek and humble in receiving of their
teaching."

He ceased, evidently thinking that he had made an impression. He was
quite prepared for a little pouting, and for earnest entreaties, and
even passionate words; but the one thing for which he was not prepared
he got in Margery's answer.

"I wis well, reverend father," she said, very quietly, "to the full as
well as it list you to tell me, how young, and weak, and all unwitting I
be. But I trow that Christ deceiveth not His children because they be
weak; and that if I can any words at all conceive, I can His. Saith He
not, `_If ony man wole do His wille_, _he schall knowe of the
techinge_'? [John vii. 17.] Saith He not again, `_Seke ye Scripturis_'?
[John v. 39.] I pray you now, father, to whom said He that? Unto
fathers of the Church? Nay, soothly, but unto Jews unbelieving--very
heathens, and no Christians. Moreover, saith He not again, `_He that
dispisith me, and takith not my wordis, hath him that schal juge him;
thilk word that I have spoken schal deme him in the laste day_'? [John
xii. 48.] I pray you, good father, how shall I know the word that shall
judge me if I read it not? Truly meseemeth that the despising of His
Word lieth more in the neglect thereof. Also say you that this book
containeth heresy and evil teaching.