heard as she now heard of the Lamb
that was slain. For above a mile of their way home Richard and Margery
kept perfect silence, which the latter was the first to break just
before they came in sight of Lovell Tower.

"Master Pynson, we have heard strange things to-day."

"We have, of a truth, Mistress Margery. I wonder whether Master Sastre
be right."

"I wish greatly," replied Margery, "that I could get the book wherein I
have heard that Master Wycliffe rendered God's Word into the vulgar
tongue. I could see then whether Master Sastre were right. I would I
knew of any man who had that book!"

"Master Carew of Marston told me some time agone," said Richard, rather
hesitatingly, "that he had the Gospel according to John the Apostle,
copied out by a feat [clever] scribe from Master Wycliffe's rendering
thereof."

"O Master Pynson!" said Margery, entreatingly, "I pray you that you ask
good Master Carew to lend me that book! Tell him that Mistress Margery
Lovell will lay her best jewels to pledge that she returneth the book
safe. I must see that book Master Pynson!"

"Softly, I pray you, good Mistress Margery," answered Richard, smiling;
"it were well to go warily to work; for wot you not that Master
Wycliffe--ay, and Master Sastre too--be accounted heretics by some? You
would not, trow, fall under the ban of Holy Church?"

"I would with a good will do aught, or bear aught," replied Margery,
earnestly, "so I might wit of a surety that I should be one of those who
wear the white apparel, and cry, `The Lamb is worthy' in the city of
God!"

"Well, Mistress Margery," said Richard, soothingly, "I will do my best
for to get you the book, but it may be some time ere I see Master
Carew."

Dame Lovell herself was standing on the steps of Lovell Tower,
apparently looking out for the riders, for as soon as they came within
hearing distance she raised her voice to say, "Richard Pynson! Sir
Geoffrey would speak with you. Come in quickly, I pray you, and leave
the handmaidens to help Mistress Margery from her pillion."

"I need no help, good mother," said Margery, as she sprang lightly from
her seat, while Richard hurried into the house to find Sir Geoffrey.

"Sir Geoffrey would send Richard Pynson to Marston," said Dame Lovell,
as she preceded Margery into the hall. "And how liked you Master
Sastre, Madge?"

"Very greatly, good mother; never heard I before a homily so brave."

"That is well," said Dame Lovell