ion of serving wenches, I trow the wench who goes will
have an easier time than the sisters who abide at home. Susan, I
think it only right to help Prudence in this matter; I can see no
reason against so doing."

Susan seldom opposed the master of the house, but she looked a
little sour and displeased.

"We shall have Christmas upon us right soon; we can ill spare any
hands then," she said.

"O--ho! So it is the thought of thine own pies and stuffed meats
that weighs with thee!" said Martin with a laugh. "Then I will tell
thee what I will do. I will send Cherry, whom thou art ever chiding
for being useless to thee. She shall go to wait upon the two young
madams and help good Prudence at the Cross Way House, and thou
shalt keep thy two useful nieces at home with thee."

Susan's brow cleared somewhat, but she made a movement of her bony
shoulders indicative of scorn.

"Cherry may go with all my heart, for she is idler and more useless
than ever, and does naught from morning to night but sit at the
window, watching the folks in the street, and turning from red to
pale and pale to red as though she were a bride looking for the
arrival of her bridegroom. I have no patience with such ways. I
knew no good would come of always spoiling the child. I can do
naught with her now; she heeds not a word I say. Ofttimes she does
not even know that I am speaking to her. She may go, and welcome!
but I misdoubt me that Prudence will thank thee for the loan. Much
good and much service she will get out of Keren Happuch!"

Martin Holt looked thoughtfully at his sister.

"That is partly why I am glad the child should go. I too have seen
a change in her. Methinks she is feeling the long hot summer in the
city. There be many that have told me that she is not looking as
she should do. This idleness shows something of indisposition, I
take it. Doubtless she will receive benefit from a change of air
and occupation. She loves to be in the open air, and at the Cross
Way House there will be gardens and pleasaunces and orchards where
she may perchance be suffered to wander at will. Prudence will be
kind to her, and I shall send her gladly."

Susan again made her peculiar gesture, as much as to say that she
washed her hands of responsibility in the matter.

"She is thy daughter--do as thou wilt, Martin; but I warn thee that
no good will come of it. Going amongst ladies will make her think
herself a finer lady than ever: and now as it is she