that saw me, and bound me thereto, said that I
might look to learn on the road."

"Dear heart! and is that all they told you?"

"All, my master."

"Words must be costly in those parts," said the man in linen.

"Well," answered the other, drawing out the word in a tone which might
mean a good deal. "Words do cost much at times, Master Saint Oly. They
have cost men their lives ere now."

"Ay, better men than you or me," replied the other. "Howbeit, my
mistress, there is no harm you should know--is there, Master Dugan?--
that you be bounden for the manor of Hazelwood, some six miles to the
north of Derby, where dwell Sir Godfrey Foljambe and his dame."

"No harm; so you tarry there at this present," said Master Dugan.

"Ay, I've reached my hostel," was the response.

"Then my Lady Foljambe is she that I must serve?"

The man in linen exchanged a smile with the man in livery.

"You shall see her the first, I cast no doubt, and she shall tell you
your duties," answered Dugan.

Amphillis sat on the pillion, and meditated on her information as they
journeyed on. There was evidently something more to tell, which she was
not to be told at present. After wondering for a little while what it
might be, and deciding that her imagination was not equal to the task
laid upon it, she gave it up, and allowed herself to enjoy the sweet
country scents and sounds without apprehension for the future.

For six days they travelled on in this fashion, about twenty miles each
day, staying every night but one at a wayside inn, where Amphillis was
always delivered into the care of the landlady, and slept with her
daughter or niece; once at a private house, the owners of which were
apparently friends of Mr Dugan. They baited for the last time at
Derby, and about two o'clock in the afternoon rode into the village of
Hazelwood.

It was only natural that Amphillis should feel a little nervous and
uneasy, in view of her introduction to her new abode and unknown
companions. She was not less so on account of the mystery which
appeared to surround the nameless mistress. Why did everybody who
seemed to know anything make such a secret of the affair?

The Manor house of Hazelwood was a pretty and comfortable place enough.
It stood in a large garden, gay with autumn flowers, and a high
embattled wall protected it from possible enemies. The trio rode in
under an old archway, through a second gate, and then drew up beneath
the entran