she was at
her greatest beauty. Either she had been angered or pleased, for her
cheek wore a bloom even deeper and richer than usual, and there was a
spark like a diamond under the fringe of her lashes.

At her first timorous glance at her, Mistress Margery thought she must
have been angered, the spark so burned in her eyes, and so evident was
the light but quick heave of her bosom; but the next moment it seemed as
if she must be in a pleasant humour, for a little smile deepened the
dimples in the corner of her bowed, full lips. But quickly she looked up
and resumed her stately air.

"This gentleman who comes to visit to-morrow," she said, "Sir John
Oxon--do you know aught of him?"

"But little, Madame," Mistress Margery answered with fear and humility.

"Then it will be well that you should, since I have commands to lay upon
you concerning him," said the beauty.

"You do me honour," said the poor gentlewoman.

Mistress Clorinda looked her straight in the face.

"He is a gentleman from town, the kinsman of Lord Eldershawe," she said.
"He is a handsome man, concerning whom many women have been fools. He
chooses to allow it to be said that he is a conqueror of female hearts
and virtue, even among women of fashion and rank. If this be said in the
town, what may not be said in the country? He shall wear no such graces
here. He chooses to pay his court to me. He is my father's guest and a
man of fashion. Let him make as many fine speeches as he has the will
to. I will listen or not as I choose. I am used to words. But see that
we are not left alone."

The tirewoman pricked up her ears. Clorinda saw her in the glass.

"Attend to thy business if thou dost not want a box o' the ear," she said
in a tone which made the woman start.

"You would not be left alone with the gentleman, Madam?" faltered
Mistress Margery.

"If he comes to boast of conquests," said Mistress Clorinda, looking at
her straight again and drawing down her black brows, "I will play as
cleverly as he. He cannot boast greatly of one whom he never makes his
court to but in the presence of a kinswoman of ripe years. Understand
that this is to be your task."

"I will remember," Madam, answered Mistress Margery. "I will bear myself
as you command."

"That is well," said Mistress Clorinda. "I will keep you no more. You
may go."

CHAPTER VI--Relating how Mistress Anne discovered a miniature

The good gentlewoman took her lea