to carry out her
wishes."

Friar Roger looked at me and smiled.

"You act wisely," he answered. "You have not yet proved my fidelity,
and are right not to trust me; and, besides, I think you have a greater
prospect of remaining in this life than I have, for assuredly if my
heresy were discovered I should speedily be brought into the same state
as the poor people you saw this morning."

We had not gone far when A'Dale came hurrying after me. He had not at
first missed me when I fled from Smithfield, but hearing some one remark
with a laugh that a lad had been frightened by the fires, and had taken
to flight, he concluded that I was the person spoken of. Friar Roger
expressed his satisfaction at the appearance of A'Dale, and, confiding
me to his charge, wished us farewell.

At length I reached Master Gresham's house in Lombard Street. The Lady
Anne remarked upon my pale face and haggard features, and inquired what
had occurred. Knowing her kind disposition, I told her the occurrences
of the morning.

"Alas! alas!" she answered. "We must commiserate their fate, though I
believe firmly that all of them are tasting the joys of heaven. But for
that poor lady you speak of I feel more particularly. Can you tell me
her name?"

I bethought me of the packet, for to the Lady Anne I knew that I could
confide it properly.

"That will tell us," I observed.

We carefully opened the packet, which I drew from my bosom. Lady Anne
read it.

"Alas! alas!" she said; "even while you were describing the poor lady I
had an idea that she might be one I knew well in my early days, and for
whom I had a warm affection. Even at that time I thought her opinions
dangerous. And, my sweet Barbara, has such been indeed your fate? I
would that I had the means of discovering her daughter; this document
gives but a slight clue, saying little more than she told you. She
believes that her child will be found among certain Flemish artisans
settled at Norwich. There are many in that city, and thus among them it
will be difficult to discover her. Still it must be done, and I will
consult my husband on his return."

"Could I not go down to Norwich and search among the artisans there?" I
asked. "I have indeed a fellow-feeling for the poor young lady, and I
would thankfully be employed on such a service."

"I will think about it," answered Lady Anne; "but Norwich is a long way
off, and you are young to undertake such a journey alone.