what to ask. The constant reference of everything by the Lord
Jesus to "the will of the Father" had struck her forcibly; and now she
dared not ask for entire freedom from the crashing blow which had fallen
on her, lest it should not be the will of the Father. So she contented
herself with a supplication which, under the circumstances, was the best
she could have offered. She did not even try to form her petitions into
words--the depths in which her soul lay were too deep for that; it was a
wordless cry which went up to God. But its substance was an entreaty
that the Father would do His will, and would bend her will to it; that
whatever He saw fit to give her, He would always give His presence and
His love; that whatever He was pleased to take away, He would not take
from her the word unto His handmaid wherein He had caused her to hope.
And when she rose from her knees, the prominent idea in her mind might
have been expressed in the words of the old proverb, "He loseth nothing
that keepeth God for his friend."

An hour afterwards, Dame Lovell, who could not rest for the remembrance
of her child's grief, came softly into Margery's chamber to see if she
could comfort her. She was surprised to find her sleeping as quietly as
a little child, with the book, even in sleep, held fast to her bosom, as
if she would permit nothing to separate her from that Word of God which
had given rest to her soul.

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Note 1. Carpets were very rare at this time, and only used on state
occasions and for invalids. Their place was supplied by fresh green
rushes, strewn on the floor. It appears rather doubtful, however,
whether carpets were not sometimes used in the winter.

CHAPTER FOUR.

LIFE IN LONDON.

"Whan we cam' in by Glasgow toun,
We were a comely sicht to see,--
My luve was clad in velvet black
And I mysel' in cramoisie."

Old Ballad.

A fortnight after the events recorded in the last chapter, Lovell Tower
was in the confusion of great preparations for the approaching wedding.
Friar Andrew was despatched to York fair to purchase twenty yards of
scarlet cloth, fourteen yards of tawny satin, eight of purple satin, and
the same number of blue cloth of silver, with jewels and rich furs. All
was cutting-out and fitting-on, with discussions about trimmings,
quintises, and head-dresses. Richard Pynson was sent hither and thither
on errands.