gaol, Master Walgrave grew weary, and permitted his wife to
sue for him to the Bishop; which she did, and so prettily, that his
Grace allowed the prisoner to go free, on his submission. Since then,
all had fared well. Peter Stoupe, who could hardly be parted with, was
put back to his place and a new journeyman obtained. Business came
back, winter went, springtime returned, and roses blossomed once more in
sweet Jeannette's cheeks; and all went merrily.

As for Mistress Jeannette's cheeks, it seemed to me, as I sat and
watched her that evening, that the roses had not done blossoming yet.
But I said little to her, for I guessed she would not talk. Only, when
bed-time came, and I went, as of old, to carry her up the steep stairs,
she looked up brightly and said:

"I can walk now, Humphrey; _voila_. That was one good thing your going
did for me."

"I would it had been any other good," said I, "for it was pleasant to
help you. But, see, you still want some help."

"Well, sometimes I walk better. But to-night--no, I am not a baby,
truly," said she, laughing as I offered to take her up. "Give me your
arm, Humphrey; that is enough."

So I helped her up the stairs, and at the top she thanked me, and said
she was glad I was come back, for her father's sake--meaning Master
Walgrave, her step-father.

I asked was she glad for no reason else? and she said, perhaps for my
sake 'twas good to be at work once more.

"Anyone's sake besides?"

"_Peut-etre_," said she in her French jargon, vanishing into her
chamber. I was a better scholar than I once was, and could translate
the words in a way that made my heart beat.

So I left her and came down to supper.

There I found Peter Stoupe, very black in the face, awaiting me. He
tried to look civil as I came to the table, but 'twas plain he had
little stomach for his meal.

"My master telleth me," said he, "he is content to give thee another
trial, Humphrey. Pray heaven he may never hear how much it is he
forgiveth thee. As for me, this folly of his is like to cost him my
service, as I told him."

"When are you going?" I asked.

"That concerns myself," said Peter. "But since we be alone, Humphrey
Dexter, let me say to you one thing. Whether I go or stay, know that I
desire you hold no converse with my mistress' daughter, and that for a
very sufficient reason. She is promised to me."

I laughed at this.

"Since when?" I asked.

"That too concerneth me," s