aster, I would say to-morrow. Poor little dears!
they'll be so pleased to come back to their friends. I can be ready for
them--I'll work early and late but I will. Did you think of taking the
little lad yourself, or are they all to bide with me?"

"I'll take him the minute he's old enough, and no more needs a woman's
hand about him. You know, Dorothy, there be no woman in mine house--
now."

"Well, he'll scarce be that yet, I reckon. Howbeit, the first thing is
to fetch 'em. Master, when think you Mistress shall be let go?"

"It is hard to say, Dorothy, for we've heard so little. But if she be
in the Bishop of London's keeping, as she was, I cast no doubt she shall
be delivered early. Doubtless all the bishops that refuse to conform
shall be deprived: and he will not conform, without he be a greater
rogue than I think."

There was something of the spirit of the earliest Christians when they
had all things common, in the matter-of-course way in which it was
understood on both sides that each was ready to take charge, at any
sacrifice of time, money, or ease, of children who had been left
fatherless by martyrdom.

Early the next morning, the miller's cart drew up before the door of the
King's Head, and Dorothy, hooded and cloaked, with a round basket on her
arm, was quite ready to get in. The drive to Hedingham was pleasant
enough, cold as the weather was; and at last they reached the barred
gate of the convent. Dorothy alighted from the cart.

"I'll see you let in, Dorothy, ere I leave you," said he, "if indeed I
have to leave you at all. I should never marvel if they brought the
children forth, and were earnest to be rid of them at once."

It did not seem like it, however, for several knocks were necessary
before the wicket unclosed. The portress looked relieved when she saw
who was there.

"What would you?" asked she.

Mr Ewring had given Dorothy advice how to proceed.

"An' it like you, might I see the children? Cicely Johnson and the
little ones."

"Come within," said the portress, "and I will inquire."

This appeared more promising. Dorothy was led to the guest-chamber, and
was not kept waiting. Only a few minutes had elapsed when the Prioress
herself appeared.

"You wish to see the children?" she said.

"I wish to take them with me, if you please," answered Dorothy
audaciously. "I look for my mistress back shortly, and she was
aforetime desirous to bring them up. I will take the f