certain, as her face was concealed by
the veil which she wore to guard her from the dust. As we approached,
however, and saluted Sir Thomas Gresham, she drew it aside, and I beheld
a lovely face, though somewhat pale, which, I felt sure, from the
expression, must be that of Aveline. Of this she gave me assurance, as
she replied to my salutation, and a gentle blush came over her features.
In truth, I had no reason to be dissatisfied with the way she received
me. But I was grieved to find that she was not in the enjoyment of her
usual health. Of this also, Sir Thomas informed me, by observing that
she had accompanied him, by the invitation of Madam Clough, who had long
wished her to pay a visit to Antwerp, in the hope that the change of air
and scenery might benefit her.

"Alas! however," observed Sir Thomas, "such a change has not always
proved as beneficial as we might have desired."

I knew by his remark that he was thinking of his son Richard. I was
glad when Sir Thomas addressed A'Dale, who rode by his side, leaving me
to drop behind him with Aveline. We had much to speak about. She
assured me with a smile that there was no cause for alarm about her
health, but that she had been anxious to accept Madam Clough's
invitation, and that Lady Anne had kindly consented to spare her for a
few months.

"I have brought over a new waiting-woman," she observed. "You remember
her, though. She is the daughter of Farmer Hadden, whose hospitality
you enjoyed when driven back on your voyage from Ipswich, of which you
have often told me. Her father and mother are dead, and she applied to
Lady Anne for employment as waiting-woman. She is very faithful and
loving, and, better still, is a true Christian."

Among many private matters, interesting chiefly to ourselves, Aveline
described the improvements at Osterley which Sir Thomas had lately made,
as also the beautiful appearance of the Bourse, which was now nearly
completed. I, of course, had much to tell her, in return, of the events
which had lately occurred at Antwerp, especially of the image-breaking,
and the destruction of the beautiful interiors of so many of the
churches.

"They were savage hands which performed the work," she observed; "yet we
should not regret the overthrow of idols, for idols they are, although
in appearance full of grace and beauty. I pray that nothing worse may
happen; but I fear much, that when King Philip hears of these doings, he
will t