e of laughing too loud, and was told she was no better than a
silly giglot, who would probably bring herself some day to dire
disgrace. Lady Foljambe then motioned her to the spindle, and desired
her not to leave it till the bell rang for evening prayers in the
chapel, just before bed-time. Agatha pulled a face behind Lady
Foljambe's back, but she did not dare to disobey.

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Note 1. It seems very strange to us that the Count de Montfort should
have imagined himself to have a better claim to the crown than his
niece; but the principle under which he claimed was the law of
non-representation, which forbade the child of a deceased son or brother
to inherit; and this, little as it is now allowed or even understood,
was not only the custom of some Continental states, but was the law of
succession in England, itself until 1377. The struggle between Stephen
and the Empress Maud, and that between King John and his nephew Arthur,
were fought upon this principle.

Note 2. The Louvre, then considered _near_ Paris, was usually mentioned
without the article.

CHAPTER SIX.

A THANKLESS CHILD.

"We will not come to Thee
Till Thou hast nailed us to some bitter cross
And made us look on Thee."

"B.M."

Amphillis took her own spindle, and sat down beside Marabel, who was
just beginning to spin.

"What was it so diverted Agatha at supper?" inquired Marabel.

"She laughs full easily," answered Amphillis; and told her what had been
the subject of discourse.

"She is a light-minded maid," said Marabel. "So you thought Master
Norman had a satisfied look, trow? Well, I count you had the right."

"Agatha said she knew not of nought in this world that should satisfy
him."

Marabel smiled. "I misdoubt if that which satisfieth him ever came out
of this world. Amphillis, whenas you dwelt in London town, heard you at
all preach one of the poor priests?"

"What manner of folks be they?"

"You shall know them by their raiment, for they mostly go clad of a
frieze coat, bound by a girdle of unwrought leather."

"Oh, ay? I heard once a friar so clad; and I marvelled much to what
Order he belonged. But it was some while gone."

"What said he?"

"Truly, that cannot I tell you, for I took not but little note. I was
but a maidling, scarce past my childhood. My mother was well pleased
therewith. I mind her to have said, divers times, when