or it standeth with reason that her thoughts
should be better worth than of young maids like us.

I wis not well if I have been wise on the last page or no, as _Father
did_ seem diverted to hear me to say I would fain be. I am something
afeared that I come nearer _Milisent_ her reckoning, and have been wise
on none. But I dare say that _Helen_ hath fulfilled her hope, and been
wise on all. Leastwise, Aunt _Joyce_ her wisdom, as I cast no doubt,
shall make up for our shortcomings.

I cannot but feel a little sorry to lay down my pen, and as though I
would fain keep adding another line, not to have done. Wherefore is it,
I marvel, that all last things (without they be somewhat displeasant) be
so sorrowful? Though it be a thing that you scarce care aught for, yet
to think that you be doing it for the very last time of all, shall cause
you feel right melancholical.

Well! last times must come, I count. So farewell, my good red book: and
when the Queen's Majesty come to read thee (as _Milly_ would have it)
may Her Majesty be greatly diverted therewith; and when _Father_ and
_Mother_, may they pardon (as I reckon they shall) all faults and
failings thereof, and in particular, should they find such, any
displeasance done to themselves, more especially of that their loving
and duteous daughter, that writes her name _Editha Louvaine_.

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Note 1. At this time separate articles from the dress, and fastened in
when worn, according to taste.

Note 2. Silk stockings. New and costly things, being about two guineas
the pair.

Note 3. "_Timeo Danaos, ac dona ferentes_."

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

THE JOY OF HARVEST.

"Now that Thy mercies on my head
The oil of joy for mourning pour,
Not as I will my steps be led,
But as Thou wilt for evermore."

Anna L. Waring.

(_In Joyce Morrell's handwriting_.)

SELWICK HALL, APRIL YE SECOND.
Some ten years gone, when I was tarrying hither, I had set round my
waist a leather thong, at the other end whereof was a very small damsel,
by name _Edith_. "Gee up, horse!" quoth she: "gee up, I say!" and
accordingly in all obeisance I did gee up, and danced and pranced (like
an old dolt as I am) at the pleasance of that my driver. It seems me
that Mistress _Edith_ hath said "Gee up!" yet once again, and given the
old brown mare a cut of her whip. I therefore hav