ot while--well, not at this present. Madge, my brother would have me
come hither, and take up mine abode here--for a while, look you; and
methinks I shall so do."

"Well, Mr Anthony, and I shall be full fain. I've been right trembling
in my shoes this three days, lest them noisome pests should think to
come and take possession--turn out all. Master's papers, and count
Mistress Grena's partlets, and reckon up every crack in the kitchen
trenchers; but there's nought 'll keep 'em out, even to you coming,
'cause they'll be a bit 'feared of you, as being a Justice of Peace.
Ay, I am glad o' that."

"`Noisome pests'! Why, whom signify you, Madge?"

"Oh, catchpolls, and thirdboroughs [minor constables], and sheriffs, and
hangmen, and 'turneys, and the like o' they," replied Margery, not very
lucidly: "they be pests, the lot of 'em, as ever I see. They're as ill
as plumbers and painters and rats and fleas--once get 'em in, and
there's no turning of 'em out. I cannot abide 'em."

Mr Justice Roberts laughed. "Come, Madge, you may as well add
`Justices of Peace'; you've got pretty nigh all else. Prithee look to
thy tongue, old woman, or thou shalt find thee indicted for an ill
subject unto the Queen. Why, they be her Gracious' servants [`Grace's'
was then frequently spelt `Gracious''], and do her bidding. Thou
wouldst not rebel against the Queen's Majesty?"

"I am as true a woman to the Queen's Grace as liveth, Mr Anthony; but
them folks isn't the Queen nor the King neither. And they be as
cantankerous toads, every one of 'em, as ever jumped in a brook. Do you
haste and come, there's a good lad, as you alway was, when you used to
toddle about the house, holding by my gown. It'll seem like old times
to have you back."

"Well, I can come at once," said the Justice, with a smile at Margery's
reminiscences; "for my brother hath left me a power of attorney to deal
with his lands and goods; and as he is my landlord, I have but to agree
with myself over the leaving of mine house. But I shall bring Martha: I
trust you'll not quarrel."

"No fear o' that, Mr Anthony. Martha, she's one of the quiet uns, as
neither makes nor meddles; and I've had strife enough to last me the
rest o' my life. 'Tis them flaunting young hussies as reckons
quarrelling a comfort o' their lives. And now Osmund's hence, Martha
can wait on you as she's used, and she and me 'll shake down like a
couple o' pigeons."

"Good. Then I'll be hith