d [the predecessor of
the sofa], with Helen Ive sitting by her; while Anne, her eldest girl,
was nursing her baby brother, and looked very much gratified to be
trusted with him. Mrs Underhill burst into tears the moment her visitor
approached. Taking the seat which Helen vacated for her, Isoult
endeavoured to cheer her invalid friend. When she was able to speak,
Mrs Underhill was found very resolute.

"So soon as ever my strength shall serve," she said, "I will hie me to
the Lords of the Council, to entreat them for Ned's deliverance; and
methinks my Lord of Bedford at the least shall hear me, for the good hap
that we had to recover his son. And I will moreover get help of Jack
Throgmorton, Master of the Quest, that is Ned's countryman and kinsman."

"But, dear heart," cried Isoult, "you are not strong enough to bear so
weary a burden."

"I will be strong enough!" she answered, determinately. "And to that
end I do mean to be churched this next Sunday. But to tell you the very
truth, Mrs Avery, I do fear this shall not be all. Men do say Mr Rose
shall be deprived ere many days; and it may be, set in ward likewise.
Ah, well-a-day I we have need to take heed to our ways. My way lieth
toward the Counter; if I might be there with Ned, I would not much lay
to heart for what cause. Methinks when they take a man, they should
seize both halves of him."

Isoult smiled, but made no reply.

"And 'tis whispered about," she pursued, "that my Lord Archbishop should
forsake the Gospel, and be again a Lutheran, if not a Papist; and that
the mass shall be again set up; and that proclamation shall be made to
put forth from their cures all married priests. Mrs Avery, have a care
of your Robin, that he either receive not orders, or wed not. When
looked you for his being a priest?"

"Why," said Isoult, "he had been ordained of Bishop Ridley this next
Rogation-tide; but now I know not what shall fall, for no Popish Bishop
will admit him, nor would we ask it if he would so do. May be, if Mr
Rose would speak with him (Robin being Cornwall-born), Bishop Coverdale
should grant him, an' he knew the case."

"Bishop Coverdale, and Mr Rose to boot," said she, "shall shortly have
enough to do to see to themselves. Mrs Rose is sorely distressed
touching the forbiddance of wedded priests, which 'tis thought shall
shortly be had. And 'twill be no gain to be Mr Rose his son when the
storm come. An' I were you and Mr Avery, I would p