eart, fair Lettice."

Lettice hung down her head and blushed at the unexpected compliment.

"Thou art to come to the feast to-night," she replied, "and my lady
will give thee answer there."

"I shall be there, Lettice," he promptly returned. "Tell her I shall
not fail her. But how shall I see her, has she thought of that?"

"We have arranged it all, good sir; thou hast but to do her bidding,
and all will go well."

She did not say that Dorothy had been too distracted in mind to make
any arrangements whatever, but, as a matter of fact, this duty had
devolved entirely upon the maid, for her mistress had done little
more than nod assent through her tears to all the propositions of
her companion. It was the ready wit of Lettice which had proposed
everything at just the time when Dorothy was quite unable to suggest
anything for herself.

"The wedding ceremony will take place in four more days," Lettice
continued, "and the feasting begins to-night."

Manners was aware of the fact, and he bowed his head in silent
acquiescence.

"And thou art to come to the Hall," pursued the maid. "Thou art
skilful on the lute, my mistress says."

"I can play the lute," he answered, "but what of that? Will she pipe
me an answer back?"

"Nay, Master Manners, listen. Thou art to be a musician for the once,
and must join the minstrels in the gallery."

"In the banqueting-room! Then I must seek a fresh disguise," he
said. "Hey, Lettice, I would it were night already, the day will
drag wearily enough for me, I trow; but I shall look for my reward
to-night. Thou art sure of what thou hast told me, Lettice, for were
she to refuse me after all, it were hard indeed!"

"Trust me, I am not like to be deceived; she wears her heart upon her
sleeve. Unless she changes, I have told thee aright, but my lady never
changes in her love. Ah, me, I shall lose my mistress soon, and I am
sad to think of it."

"Nay, Lettice," interposed Manners, "thou shalt marry honest Will, and
he shall be my chamberlain. Thou shalt be near Dorothy yet."

The maid's countenance flushed with joy at the prospect of such bliss.

"That were happiness, indeed," she cried, "for or! Master Manners, I
love her; I cannot help it--who could? I love her dearly; to part from
her--"

"Aye," interrupted Manners, "who could help it indeed. Tell her I
shall see her, I shall be there."

"And if it be 'yes,' my mistress will drop her fan upon the floor,"
went on Lettice; "but