engaged, decided on returning to England, before, as he said, he
grew any older, to see how matters were going.

"For the future," he said, "it depended on how he found things." If
Aldonza would none of him, he should return to the Emperor's service.
If she would go with him, he held such a position that he could provide
for her honourably. Or he could settle in England. For he had a good
sum in the hands of Lombard merchants; having made over to them spoils
of war, ransoms, and arrears when he obtained them; and having at times
earned something by exercising his craft, which he said had been most
valuable to him. Indeed he thought he could show Stephen and Tibble a
few fresh arts he had picked up at Milan.

Meantime his first desire was to see Aldonza. She was still at Chelsea
with her mistress, and Ambrose, to his brother's regret, went thither
every day, partly because he could not keep away, and partly to try to
be of use to the family. Giles might accompany him, though he still
looked so absorbed in his trouble that it was doubtful whether he had
really understood what was passing, or that he was wanted to bring about
an interview between his companion and Aldonza.

The beautiful grounds at Chelsea, in their summer beauty, looked
inexpressibly mournful, deprived of him who had planted and cherished
the trees and roses. As they passed along in the barge, one spot after
another recalled More's bright jests or wise words; above all, the very
place where he had told his son-in-law Roper that he was merry, not
because he was safe, but because the fight was won, and his conscience
had triumphed against the King he loved and feared.

Giles told of the report that the Emperor had said he would have given a
hundred of his nobles for one such councillor as More, and the prospect
of telling this to the daughters had somewhat cheered Ambrose. They
found a guard in the royal livery at the stairs to the river, and at the
door of the house, but these had been there ever since Sir Thomas's
apprehension. They knew Ambrose Birkenholt, and made no objection to
his passing in and leaving his companion to walk about among the borders
and paths, once so trim, but already missing their master's hand and
eye.

Very long it seemed to Giles, who was nearly despairing, when a female
figure in black came out of one of the side doors, which were not
guarded, and seemed to be timidly looking for him. Instantly he was at
her side