ied with the ministrations of kindly,
ignorant Father Jordan, who was very desirous to soothe the perturbed
soul of the Countess, and had not the least idea how to do it. He
thought he might yet be of service to the dying Princess.

Very cautiously Mr Altham ventured with some trepidation to sound
Norman Hylton as to his feelings towards Amphillis. Notwithstanding the
Archbishop's countenance and solid help, he was sorely afraid of being
snubbed and sat upon for his presumption. He was therefore
proportionately relieved when Norman assured him he wished no better
fate to overtake him, but that he was unable to see how he could
possibly afford to marry.

"Verily, Master Altham, I do you to wit, I have but five possessions--
myself, my raiment, mine harness [armour was termed harness up to the
seventeenth century], mine horse, and my book. Not a yard of land have
I, nor look to have: nor one penny in my plack, further than what I
earn. How then can I look to keep a wife? Well I wot that Mistress
Amphillis were fortune in herself to him that is so lucky as to win her;
but in good sooth, no such thing is there as luck, and I should say,
that hath so much favour of. God, seeing the wise man saith that `a
prudent wife is given properly of the Lord.' Yet I reckon that the
wisest in the world can scarce keep him warm of a winter day by lapping
him in his wisdom; and the fairest and sweetest lady shall lack somewhat
to eat beside her own sweetness. Could I see my way thereto, trust me,
I would not say you nay; but--"

"But how, Master Hylton, if she carried her pocket full of nobles?"

"Ah, then it were other matter. I would stand to it gladly if so were."

"Well, for how much look you? Amphillis should bring you a portion of
ten pound beside her wedding gear, and an horse."

"Say you so? Methinks we were made, then, could we win into some great
house to serve the lord and lady thereof."

"I cast no doubt, if he had the opportunity, my Lord's Grace of York
should help you at that pinch. He seems full ready to do his young
kinswoman all the good he may."

"May I but see my way afore me, Master Altham, nought should make me
gladder than to fulfil this your behest."

Mr Altham laid the case before the Archbishop.

"Tell Master Hylton he need give himself not so much thought thereon as
a bee should pack in his honey-bag," was the smiling reply. "I will
warrant, so soon as it is known in the Court that I lack