nger from Lovell Tower, who would have speech of
my Lady."

On hearing this, Alice came forward at once into the oaken chamber where
Richard sat.

"Ah! Master Pynson!" she said, "is it you! My Lady will be right fain
to see you--but you come at an evil hour."

"How so?" asked Richard, quickly.

"My Lady is watching this livelong night by the cradle of the young
master, who is sore sick--we fear nigh unto death. The child is in
grievous disease [restlessness, uneasiness], and cannot sleep; and her
good Ladyship hath been singing unto him, I ween, for to soothe him to
rest. Her voice hushed as you came, wherefore I count that the boy
sleepeth."

"What aileth the poor child?" inquired Richard.

"My Lady counteth that he got him an ill rheum when we departed hence
for my Lord his house of plesance [country house], for to sweeten [See
Note 2]. Howsoever that be, he is now grievous sick."

"The Lady Marnell herself is well?"

"Alas!" replied Alice, "I ween she is little better than the child. She
hath been in sore trouble of late, wherefore it is no marvel. There be
rumours of accusations for heresy out against her, and my Lord is ill
angered towards her. Well, God witteth, and God keep her! You will see
how evil [ill] she looketh an' she come to speak with you, and I trow
that she will when I give her to wit who is here."

So saying, Alice returned to the room she had quitted, and for some
minutes Richard heard nothing more. Then the door re-opened, and a lady
entered the chamber.

Was _that_ Margery Lovell? Never, surely, were hers that feeble step,
that worn, wan, white face, that dark ring round the eyes, telling of
weary vigils, and of bitter weeping! But the smile of welcome was
Margery Lovell's own, and the gesture, as she came forward quickly,
holding out both hands, was hers also; though the smile died away in an
instant, and the worn, wearied look came back instead.

"Dear, good friend!" she said, "how it gladdeth me to see you! You come
straightway from Lovell Tower? My father and mother be well? And
Mistress Katherine, and Cicely, and all the maidens? And Lyard, and old
Beaudesert? (naming her palfrey and the watchdog). And all mine old
friends--Sir Ralph Marston, and Master Carew?"

Richard smiled a grave, almost mournful smile.

"You ask too many questions, good my Lady, to be answered in a breath.
But Dame Lovell is in health, and greets you well by me, bidding you be
assured