know better!"

Dorcas paled and shrank, fully convinced that her redoubtable
mistress possessed a familiar spirit who revealed to her the things
that were coming; but Reuben fancied that the old lady was but
guessing, and he saw no reason to be afraid at her words. Saying
such things would not bring them to pass.

"Then, madam," he answered, "if such be the case, would it not be
well to consider whether you do not remove yourself ere these
things comne to pass? Pardon me if I seem to take it upon mnyself
to advise you, but I was charged by my father, who is like to be
appointed for a time one of the examiners of health whom the Mayor
and Magistrates think it well to institute at this time, that soon
it may not be so easy to get away from the city as it is now;
wherefore it behoves the sound whilst they are yet sound to bethink
them whether or not they will take themselves away elsewhere. Also
my mother wished me to ask the question of your ladyship, forasmuch
as she would like to know whether my sister in such case would be
required to accompany you."

Lady Scrope nodded her head several times, an odd light of mockery
gleaming in her keen black eyes.

"Tell your worthy father, good youth, that I thank him for his good
counsel; but also tell him that nothing will drive me from this
place--not even though I be the only one left alive in the city.
Here I was born, and here I mean to die; and whether death comes by
the plague or by some other messenger what care I? I tell thee,
lad, I am far safer here than gadding about the country. Here I can
shut myself up at pleasure from all the world. Abroad, I am at the
muercy of any plague-stricken vagabond who comes to ask an alms.
Let all sensible folks stay at home and shut themselves up, and let
the fools go gadding here, there, and all over. As for Dorcas, let
her come and go as long as she safely may; but if your good mother
would keep her at home, then let her abide there, and return to me
when the peril is overpast. I like the wench, and if she likes to
abide altogether with me she may do so. Let her mother choose."

Dorcas, however, had no wish to live in that lonely house
altogether, and for the present there was no reason why she should
not go backwards and forwards to her father's abode. Her parents
were grateful to Lady Scrope for her offer, but for the present
there was no reason for making any change.

The weather during these bright days of May had been cool