d her to the kitchen, which was just then empty, as Nell
was busy in the wash-house outside.

"I pray you to bar the door," said Mrs Collenwood.

Roger obeyed, rather wondering at the request. Mrs Collenwood shortly
told him that she thought the oil of swallows might strengthen
Christie's limbs, and the medicine improve her general health, but she
so quickly dismissed that subject that it was plain she had come for
something else. Roger waited respectfully till she spoke.

Speech seemed to be difficult to the lady. Twice she looked up and
appeared to be on the point of speaking; and twice her eyes dropped, her
face flushed, but her voice remained silent. At last she said--

"Master Hall, suffer me to ask if you have friends in any other county?"

Roger was considerably surprised at the question.

"I have, my mistress," said he, "a married sister that dwelleth in
Norfolk, but I have not seen her these many years."

He thought she must mean that Christie's health would be better in some
other climate, which was a strange idea to him, at a time when change of
air was considered almost dangerous.

"Norfolk--should scarce serve," said the lady, in a timid, hesitating
manner. "The air of the Green Yard at Norwich [where stood the Bishop's
prison for heretics] is not o'er good. I think not of your little
maid's health, Master Hall, but of your own."

Roger Hall was on the point of asserting with some perplexity and much
amazement, that his health was perfect, and he required neither change
nor medicine, when the real object of these faltering words suddenly
flashed on him. His heart seemed to leap into his mouth, then to
retreat to its place, beating fast.

"My mistress," he said earnestly, "I took not at the first your kindly
meaning rightly, but I count I so do now. If so be, I thank you more
than words may tell. But I must abide at my post. My sister Alice is
not yet found; and should I be taken from the child"--his voice trembled
for a moment--"God must have care of her."

"I will have a care of her, in that case," said Mrs Collenwood.
"Master Hall, we may speak freely. What you are, I am. Now I have put
my life in your hands, and I trust you to be true."

"I will guard it as mine own," answered Roger warmly, "and I give you
the most heartiest thanks, my mistress, that a man wot how to utter.
But if I may ask you, be any more in danger? My brother, and Master
White, and Mistress Final--"

"All b