amsel Agnes plucked up an heart, and said quickly,

"'Most gracious lady! the gentlemen did come with us; and have already
the consent of their own parents to make their suit if they be but
encouraged by a sign of approval.'

"'Ah! Heaven have mercy!' cried the duchess, joining her hands. 'Have
ye, scape-graces indeed, brought your gallants hither? I dare not
inquire further. May be, ye have hidden them in your chambers? Meggy
(the duchess's nurse), beg his lordship to come hither; I must talk the
matter over with him.'

"'After the duke had come and heard that which had befallen, he
straightways asked the names of the gallants; and when the damsels had
informed his grace thereof, his lordship did turn unto his consort,
saying:

"'Listen, Darling Dorel: the parents, on both sides, are most worthy
persons, and of unblemished birth. I advise that thou shouldst give thy
consent thereunto! Remember, dearest, that we twain were of one mind
long before I made known my suit unto thy mother.'

"Whereupon her ladyship did strike her lord upon the mouth with her
kerchief, and said,

"'Well!--well!--but we must first look at these youths, and learn what
they are like. Tell us now, young damsels, where are your lovers hidden,
and what is the signal ye have agreed upon?'

"Agnes did immediately tell her ladyship that the gallants were housed
at the Golden Pitcher; and, whereas the Lion's Tower, in the palace,
could thence be plainly discerned, they had agreed to tie a white
kerchief round the neck of one of the lions as a signal that there was
hope for them! The gallants had agreed to abide at the hostel the space
of eight days. Should the matter, however, turn out ill, the kerchief
displayed was to be black.

"'Well done,' said the duchess to her husband; 'they wish to take two
fortresses at once; and would have the white flag wave without firing a
shot, and without attempting a storm.'

"Hereupon the Duke Christian did take the hand of his beloved wife, and
spoke, somewhat in an under tone:

"'Darling wife! was not the green branch so often stuck in your window
at Crossen; also a white flag? Moreover, thou knowest little of a siege;
preparations for storming a citadel are not made during the daylight;
but secretly, in the night season, in order that the garrison perceive
them not. Shots may already have been fired. Tell me, young girls, have
ye already kissed the gallants? Mary, do you speak; ye have not yet
opened yo