ber that these sums must be
multiplied by fifteen, to arrive at the equivalents in the present day.

Note 2. Paternoster Row was the Regent Street of Elizabeth's reign.

Note 3. The word servant was much more loosely used in the sixteenth
century than at present. Any lady or gentleman, however well born and
educated, in receipt of a salary from an employer, was termed a servant.
The Queen's Maids of Honour were in service, and their stipends were
termed wages.

CHAPTER TEN.

IN DEEP PLACES.

"So I go on, not knowing--
I would not, if I might.
I would rather walk in the dark with God
Than go alone in the light:
I would rather walk with Him by faith
Than go alone by sight."

Philip Bliss.

(_In Edith's handwriting_.)

SELWICK HALL, MARCH THE XVII.
Helen's birthday. She is this morrow of the age of seven-and-twenty
years, being eldest of all us save _Anstace_. _Alice Lewthwaite_ counts
it mighty late to tarry unwed, but I do misdoubt of mine own mind if
_Helen_ ever shall wed with any.

From _Father_ she had gift of a new prayer-book, with a chain to hang at
her girdle: and from _Mother_ a comely fan of ostrich feathers, with a
mirror therein set; likewise with a silver chain to hang from the
girdle. Aunt _Joyce_ shut into her hand, in greeting of her, five gold
_Spanish_ ducats,--a handsome gift, by my troth! But 'tis ever Aunt
_Joyce's_ way to make goodly gifts. My Lady _Stafford_ did give a pair
of blue sleeves, [Note 1] broidered in silver, whereon I have seen her
working these weeks past. Mistress _Martin_, a pair of lovesome white
silk stockings [Note 2]. Sir _Robert_, a silver pouncet-box [a kind of
vinaigrette] filled with scent. _Anstace_, a broidered girdle of black
silk; and _Hal_, a comfit-box with a little gilt spoon. _Milisent_, two
dozen of silver buttons; and I, a book of the _Psalms_, the which I wist
_Helen_ desired to have (cost me sixteen pence). _Ned_ diverted us all
by making her present of a popinjay [parrot], the which he brought with
him, and did set in care of _Faith Murthwaite_ till _Nell's_ birthday
came. And either _Faith_ or _Ned_ had well trained the same, for no
sooner came the green cover off his cage than up goeth his foot to his
head, with--

"Good morrow, Mistress _Nell_, and much happiness to you!"

All we were mighty taken [amused] with this creature, and I count _Ned_
had no cause t