und by Derbyshire,
to see Amphillis, and sail from Hull?' So we come round all dis way; he
miss you so, and want to make him sure you be well and kindly used. See
you?"

"How kind and good are you both!" said Amphillis, gratefully. "Pray
you, good Aunt Regina, came Ricarda home safe?"

"She came safe, and she had but de scold well, tanks to your message; if
not, she had de beat, beat, I ensure you, and she deserve dat full well.
She was bad girl, bad. Said I not to you, De mans is bad, and de
womans is badder? It is true."

"She's a weary hussy!" said Mr Altham; "but she's been a sight better
maid sithence she came back. She saith 'tis thy doing, Phyllis."

"Mine?" exclaimed Amphillis.

"She saith so. I wis not how. And art happy here, my maid? Doth thy
dame entreat thee well? and be thy fellows pleasant company? Because if
no, there's room for thee in the patty-shop, I can tell thee.
Saundrina's wed, and Ricarda looks to be, and my wife and I should be
full fain to have thee back for our daughter. Howbeit, if thou art here
welsome and comfortable, we will not carry thee off against thy will.
What sayest?"

"Truly, dear Uncle, I am here full welsome, saving some small matters of
little moment; and under your good pleasure, I would fain not go hence
so long as one liveth that is now sore sick in this house, and nigh to
death. Afterward, if it like you to dispose of me otherwise, I am alway
at your bidding."

"Well said. But what should best like thee?"

Amphillis felt the question no easy one. She would not wish to leave
Perrote; but if Perrote took the veil, that obstacle would be removed;
and even if she did not, Amphillis had no certain chance of accompanying
her wherever she might go, which would not improbably be to Drayton
Manor. To leave the rest of her present companions would be no hardship
at all, except--

Amphillis's heart said "except," and her conscience turned away and
declined to pursue that road. Norman Hylton had shown no preference for
her beyond others, so far as she knew, and her maidenly instinct warned
her that even her thoughts had better be kept away from him. Before she
answered, a shadow fell between her and the light; and Amphillis looked
up into the kindly face of Archbishop Neville.

The Archbishop had delayed his further journey for the sake of the dying
Countess, whom he wished to see again, especially if his influence could
induce her son to come to her. He