ique female habiliments, and flung them
on the floor; rich velvets, more or less faded, old brocades, lace
scarves, chemises with lace borders; in short, an accumulation of
centuries. He soon erected a mound of these things in the middle of the
floor, and told her to wear what she liked, but to be sure and air the
things well first; "for," said he, "it is a hundred years or so since
they went on any woman's back. Now, say your prayers like a good girl,
and go to bed."

"Ay," said Jael, solemnly, "I shall say my prayers, you may be sure."

As he left the room she said, in a sort of patient way, "Good squire, I
am willing to live, since you are so lonely."

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Early next morning Mr. Raby was disturbed by female voices in a high
key. He opened his window quietly, intending to throw in his bass with
startling effect, when, to his surprise, he found the disputants were
his dairymaid and Jael Dence.

"And who are you that interferes with me in my work? Where do you come
from? Did ye get in over the wall? for ye never came in at no door. Who
are you?"

"I am one who won't see the good squire wronged. Aren't ye ashamed?
What, eat his bread, and take his wage, and then steal his butter!"

"If ye call me a thief, I'll law ye. Thief yourself! you don't belong
to the house; whose gown have you got on your back? Here, James! Tom!
here's a strange woman making off with the squire's lady's clothes, and
two pounds of butter to boot."

Jael was taken aback for a moment by this audacious attack, and surveyed
her borrowed habiliments with a blush of confusion. Several servants
came about at the noise, and her situation bade fair to be a very
unpleasant one: but Mr. Raby put in his word; "Hold your tongues, all of
ye. Now, Jael Dence, what is the matter?"

Instantly all eyes were turned up to the window with a start, and Jael
told her tale: "Sir," said she, "I did see this young woman take out
something from under her apron and give it to a little girl. I thought
there was something amiss, and I stopped the girl at the gate, and
questioned her what she was carrying off so sly. She gives a squeak and
drops it directly, and takes to her heels. I took it up and brought it
in, and here it is, two beautiful pounds of butter, fresh churned; look
else!"--here she undid a linen wrap, and displayed the butter--"so I
challenged the dairymaid here. She says I'm a thief--and that I leave to
you, Squire; you know whether