air in
the warm atmosphere of the kitchen. He had not, therefore, the least
idea that Tabitha heard his words addressed to Collet.

"So your husband has been sent to prison, Mistress, for an heretic and a
contemner of the blessed Sacrament?"

"My husband contemns not the blessed Sacrament that our Lord Jesus
Christ instituted," answered Collet, turning to face her new assailant;
"but he is one of them that will not be made to commit idolatry unto a
piece of bread."

"Well said, indeed!" sneered Mr Benden. "This must needs be good world
when cloth-workers' wives turn doctors of religion! How look you to
make my rent, Mistress, with nought coming in, I pray you?"

"Your rent's not due, Master, for five weeks to come."

"And when they be come, I do you to wit, I will have it--or else forth
you go. Do you hear, Mistress Glib-tongue?"

"Dear heart, Master Benden!" cried Collet, in consternation. "Sure you
can never have the heart to turn us adrift--us as has always paid you
every farthing up to the hour it was due!"

"Ay, and I'll have this, every farthing up to the hour 'tis due! I'll
have no canting hypocrites in my houses, nor no such as be notorious
traitors to God and the Queen's Majesty! I'll--"

"O Master, we're no such, nor never was--" began the sobbing Collet.

But both speeches were cut across by a third voice, which made the
landlord turn a shade paler and stop his diatribe suddenly; for it was
the voice of the only mortal creature whom Edward Benden feared.

"Then you'd best turn yourself out, Edward Benden, and that pretty
sharp, before I come and make you!" said the unexpected voice of the
invisible Tabitha. "I haven't forgot, if you have, what a loyal subject
you were in King Edward's days, nor how you essayed to make your court
to my Lord of Northumberland that was, by proclaiming my Lady Jane at
Cranbrook, and then, as soon as ever you saw how the game was going, you
turned coat and threw up your cap for Queen Mary. If all the canting
hypocrites be bundled forth of Staplehurst, you'll be amongst the first
half-dozen, I'll be bound! Get you gone, if you've any shame left, and
forbear to torture an honest woman that hath troubles enow."

"He's gone, Mistress Hall," said little Beatrice. "I count he scarce
heard what you last spake."

"O Mistress Hall, you are a good friend, and I'm for ever bounden to
you!" said poor Collet, when she was able to speak for tears. "And if
it please yo