"Mistress, I have only dwelt there these six months past. My father was
a poor gentleman that died when I was but a babe, and was held to demean
himself by wedlock with my mother, that was sister unto mine uncle,
Master Altham. Mine uncle was so kindly as to take on him the charge of
breeding me up after my father died, and he set my mother and me in a
little farm that 'longeth to him in the country: and at after she
departed likewise, he took me into his house. I know somewhat of
cookery, an' it like you, but not to even my good cousins here."

"Oh, Phyllis is a metely fair cook, when she will give her mind
thereto," said Alexandra with a patronising air, and a little toss of
her head--a gesture to which that young lady was much addicted.

A very slight look of amusement passed across Mistress Chaucer's face,
but she did not reply to the remark.

"And thy name?" she asked, still addressing Amphillis.

"Amphillis Neville, and your servant, Mistress."

"Canst hold thy peace when required so to do?" Amphillis smiled. "I
would endeavour myself so to do."

"Canst be patient when provoked of other?"

"With God's grace, Mistress, I so trust." Alexandra's face wore an
expression of dismay. It had never occurred to her that silence and
patience were qualities required in a bower-maiden, as the maid or
companion to a lady was then called; for the maid was the companion
then, and was usually much better educated than now--as education was
understood at that time. In Alexandra's eyes the position was simply
one which gave unbounded facilities for flirting, laughing, and
giddiness in general. She began to think that Amphillis was less to be
envied than she had supposed.

"And thou wouldst endeavour thyself to be meek and buxom [humble and
submissive] in all things to them that should be set over thee?"

"I would so, my mistress."

"What fashions of needlework canst do?"

"Mistress, I can sew, and work tapestry, and embroider somewhat if the
pattern be not too busy [elaborate, difficult]. I would be glad to
learn the same more perfectly."

Mistress Chaucer rose. "I think thou wilt serve," said she. "But I can
but report the same--the deciding lieth not with me. Mistress Regina, I
pray you to allow of another to speak with this maid in your chamber
to-morrow in the even, and this time it shall be the lady that must make
choice. Not she that shall be thy mistress, my maid; she dwelleth not
hereaway, but f