all be much commotion, and some displeasant speeches; but I trust all
shall blow o'er in time: and after all (as saith my _Protection_) when
there is no hope that _Father_ and _Mother_ should give us leave
aforehand, what else can we do?

Verily, it is a sore trouble that elders will stand thus in young folks'
way that do love each other. And my _Protection_ is not so much elder
than I. In the stead of only ten or fifteen years younger than
_Father_, he is twenty-five well reckoned, having but four-and-thirty
years: and I was twenty my last birthday, which is two months gone. And
if he look (as he alloweth) something elder than his years, it is, as he
hath told me, but trouble and sorrow, of which he hath known much. My
poor _Protection_! in good sooth, I am sorry for his trouble.

I shall not tear out my leaves afore I am back, and meantime, I do keep
the book right heedfully under lock and key.

As for any paying of two-pences, that is o'er for me now; so there were
no good to reckon them up. My noble _Protection_ saith, when he hath
but once gat me safe to the Court, then shall I have a silken gown every
day I do live, and jewelling so much as ever I shall desire. He will
set off his _Amiability_ (quoth he) that all shall see and wonder at
her. Though I count _Father_ doth love me, yet am I sure, my
_Protection_ loveth me a deal the more. 'Tis only fitting, therefore,
that I cleave to him rather.

Now must I go forth and see if I may meet with him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1. The words _understand_ and _conceive_ have changed places since
the days of Elizabeth. To understand then meant to originate an idea:
to conceive, to realise an imparted thought.

CHAPTER FIVE.

AUNT JOYCE SPOILS THE GAME.

"We shun two paths, my maiden,
When strangers' way we tell--
That which ourselves we know not,
That which we know too well.

"I `never knew!' Thou think'st it?
Well! Better so, to-day.
The years lie thick and mossy
O'er that long-silent way.

"The roses there are withered,
The thorns are tipped with pain:
Thou wonderest if I tell thee
`Walk not that way again?'

"Oh eyes that see no further
Than this world's glare and din!
I warn thee from that pathway
Because I slipped therein.

"So, leave the veil up-hanging!
And tell the world outside--
`She cannot understan