ng.

"Likewise saith He," resumed Hugh, "that `no man cometh to the Fadir but
by me.' Again, `no man may come to me but if the Fadir that hath sente
me drawe him:' yet `all thing that the Fadir gyueth me schal come to
me.'"

Avice spoke at last.

"`All thing given' and none other? Then without we be given, we may not
come. And how shall a man wit so much?"

"Methinks, Madam," said Hugh, thoughtfully, "that if a man be willing to
come, and to give himself, he hath therein witness that he was given of
the Father."

"But to give himself wholly unto God," added Maude, "signifieth that he
shall take no more pleasure in this life?"

"Try it," responded Hugh, "and see if it signifieth not rather that a
man shall enter into joys he never knew aforetime. God's gifts to us
prevent our gifts to Him."

"Lady Avice! Dame Edusa hath asked twice where you be," said Polegna,
running into the hall. "The bell shall sound in an other minute, and
our Lady maketh no tarrying after dinner."

So the trio were parted. There was no opportunity after dinner for
anything beyond a farewell, and Maude, with her heart full of many
thoughts, went back to her sewing in the antechamber.

About an hour after Maude had resumed her work, Constance strolled into
the room in search of amusement. She looked at the crimson tunic and
black velvet skirt which were in making for her own wear at the coming
Easter festival; gazed out of the window for ten minutes; sat and
watched Maude work for about five; and at last, a bright idea striking
her, put it into action.

"Dona Juana! lacked you Maude a season?"

Half an hour previous, Juana had been urging on her workwomen with
reminders that very little time was left before the dresses must be
ready; but Maude had learned now that in the eyes of the Mistress,
Constance's will was law, and she therefore received with little
surprise the order to "sue the Senorita." Resigning her work into the
hands of Sybil, Maude followed her imperious little lady into the
chamber of Dame Agnes de La Marche, who was busy arranging fresh flax
for her spinning.

"Your fingers be busy, Dame Agnes," observed the little Princess. "Is
your tongue at leisure?"

"Both be alway at your service, Damosel," replied the courtly old lady.

"Then, I pray you, tell to me and Maude your fair story of the
Lyonesse."

"With a very good will."

"Then, prithee, set about it," said Constance, ensconcing herself in the
big