a, there is hope. Yet will I hope. Ay, by
the mass, and triumph! Look ye, now, when ye were but a name to me, did
I not follow--did I not rouse good men--did I not stake my life upon the
quarrel? And now that I have seen you for what ye are--the fairest maid
and stateliest of England--think ye I would turn?--if the deep sea were
there, I would straight through it; if the way were full of lions, I
would scatter them like mice."

"Ay," she said, drily, "ye make a great ado about a sky-blue robe!"

"Nay, Joan," protested Dick, "'tis not alone the robe. But, lass, ye
were disguised. Here am I disguised; and, to the proof, do I not cut a
figure of fun--a right fool's figure?"

"Ay, Dick, an' that ye do!" she answered, smiling.

"Well, then!" he returned, triumphant. "So was it with you, poor
Matcham, in the forest. In sooth, ye were a wench to laugh at. But now!"

So they ran on, holding each other by both hands, exchanging smiles and
lovely looks, and melting minutes into seconds; and so they might have
continued all night long. But presently there was a noise behind them;
and they were aware of the short young lady, with her finger on her
lips.

"Saints!" she cried, "but what a noise ye keep! Can ye not speak in
compass? And now, Joanna, my fair maid of the woods, what will ye give
your gossip for bringing you your sweetheart?"

Joanna ran to her, by way of answer, and embraced her fierily.

"And you, sir," added the young lady, "what do ye give me?"

"Madam," said Dick, "I would fain offer to pay you in the same money."
"Come, then," said the lady, "it is permitted you."

But Dick, blushing like a peony, only kissed her hand.

"What ails ye at my face, fair sir?" she inquired, curtseying to the
very ground; and then, when Dick had at length and most tepidly embraced
her, "Joanna," she added, "your sweetheart is very backwards under your
eyes; but I warrant you, when first we met, he was more ready. I am all
black and blue, wench; trust me never, if I be not black and blue! And
now," she continued, "have ye said your sayings? for I must speedily
dismiss the paladin."

But at this they both cried out that they had said nothing, that the
night was still very young, and that they would not be separated so
early.

"And supper?" asked the young lady. "Must we not go down to supper?"

"Nay, to be sure!" cried Joan. "I had forgotten."

"Hide me, then," said Dick, "put me behind the arras, shut me in a
chest, or