y so long? It is your
kindness, Mr. More."

"Nay, nay," said Sir Thomas, rising too and stretching himself. "You
have helped us to lose another day in the pleasantest manner
possible--you must come again, Mr. Torridon."

He walked down with Ralph to the garden steps, and stood by him talking,
while the wherry that had been hailed from the other side made its way
across.

"Beatrice is like one of my own daughters," he said, "and I cannot give
her better praise than that. She is always here, and always as you saw
her today. I think she is one of the strongest spirits I know. What did
you think of her, Mr. Torridon?"

"She did not talk much," said Ralph.

"She talks when she has aught to say," went on More, "and otherwise is
silent. It is a good rule, sir; I would I observed it myself."

"Who is she?" asked Ralph.

"She is the daughter of a friend I had, and she lives just now with my
wife's sisters, Nan and Fan. She is often in town with one of them. I am
astonished you have not met her before."

The wherry slid up to the steps and the man in his great boots slipped
over the side to steady it.

"Now is the time to begin your philosophy," said More as Ralph stepped
in, "and a Socrates is ready. Talk it over, Mr. Torridon."

CHAPTER VI

RALPH'S INTERCESSION

Ralph was astonished to find how the thought of the tall girl he had met
at Sir Thomas More's house remained with him. He had reported the result
of his interview with More himself to his master; and Cromwell had
received it rather coldly. He had sniffed once or twice.

"That was not very well done, Mr. Torridon. I fear that you have
frightened him, and gained nothing by it."

Ralph stood silent.

"But I see you make no excuses," went on Cromwell, "so I will make them
for you. I daresay he was frightened already; and knew all about what
had passed between her and the Archbishop. You must try again, sir."

Ralph felt his heart stir with pleasure.

"I may say I have made friends with Mr. More, sir," he said. "I had good
fortune in the matter of a quotation, and he received me kindly. I can
go there again without excusing my presence, as often as you will."

Cromwell looked at him.

"There is not much to be gained now," he said, "but you can go if you
will; and you may perhaps pick up something here and there. The more
friends you make the better."

Ralph went away delighted; he had not wholly failed then in his master's
business, and he