ecovered. Whenever he
came into the public room, I could not help observing the devoted
attention which Aveline paid him. She seemed to watch his every look,
and attend to his slightest want. He, indeed, I thought, expected her
to devote herself to him and to demand her services as a right, which
she willingly rendered. At first this seemed but natural after the
accounts Sir Thomas had given me; but I confess, when she appeared to
have scarcely any time to attend to me or to anybody else, a feeling of
jealousy stole over me. And yet why should I be jealous of that poor
sickly lad? indeed, what right had I to expect that she would regard me
in any other light than that of a humble secretary of her kind lady's
husband? I had a sincere affection, however, for Richard, and heartily
wished him to recover. Mistress Aveline had always treated me with
kindness, and I was not vain enough to mistake the way in which she
received any little attention I was able to pay her.

Sir Thomas Gresham was constantly receiving visitors at his house.
Among them came at this time Master Thomas Cecil, the son of the great
minister, accompanied by his tutor, Master Windebank. He was a young,
pleasant-mannered, good-tempered youth, apparently somewhat
light-hearted, and inclined to amuse himself with whatever fell in his
way.

During his stay he rode out on several occasions with Mistress Aveline,
and seemed highly pleased with her company. She, in return, seemed to
attend to what he said, even with more pleasure than she listened to
poor Richard, who was unable, while riding, to enter much into
conversation in consequence of his cough and short breathing. I
generally accompanied the party when they went out after our usual hours
of business. It was but natural that a gay young man should pay
attention to a sweet and lively girl like Aveline, and at first I did
not care so much for it; but after a time, when I thought she seemed
pleased with his attentions, I began heartily to wish that he would take
his departure. One thing I thought I had discovered--that her heart was
not given to Richard; but then I was convinced for the same reason that
she did not care for me. I was very glad when Sir Thomas, at the
minister's request, supplied young Cecil and his tutor with money to
enable them to continue their tour which they intended making through
Germany, and from thence passing on through Switzerland into Italy.

We were, shortly aft