ernoon of the following Wednesday, a tap on
the door of the Blue Bell called Rose to open it, and she greeted her
friend Elizabeth with much pleasure. Rose had finished her share of the
household work (until supper), and she took her lace pillow and sat down
in the window. Elizabeth drew from her pocket a couple of nightcaps,
and both girls set to work. Mrs Mount was sewing also in the
chimney-corner.

"And how be matters in Colchester, Bess, at this present?"

"The clouds be gathering for rain, or I mistake," said Elizabeth
gravely. "You know the thing I mean?"

Alice Mount had put down her work, and she looked grave too.

"Bess! you never mean we shall have last August's doings o'er again?"

"That do I, Alice, and more. I was last night at the King's Head, where
you know they of our doctrine be wont to meet, and Master Pulleyne was
there, that good man that was sometime chaplain to my Lady's Grace of
Suffolk: he mostly puts up at the King's Head when he cometh to town.
And quoth he, `There shall shortly be another search made for Gospel
books,--ay, and Gospellers belike: and they be not like to 'scape so
well as they did last year.' And John Love saith--he was there, John
Love of the Heath; you know him?--well, he saith he heard Master Simnel
the bailiff to swear that the great Doctors of Colchester should find it
warm work ere long. There's an ill time coming, friends. Take you
heed."

"The good Lord be our aid, if so be!" said Alice.

"But what shall Master Clere do, Bessy?" asked Rose. "He hath ever been
a Gospeller."

"He hath borne the name of one, Rose. God knoweth if he be true. I'm
'feared--"

Elizabeth stopped suddenly.

"That he'll not be staunch?" said Alice.

"He is my master, and I will say no more, Alice. But this may I say--
there's many in Colchester shall bear faggots ere they burn. Ay, and
all over England belike."

Those who recanted had to carry a faggot, as if owning themselves worthy
to be burned.

"Thou'rt right there, Bess. The Lord deliver us!"

"Some thinketh we have been too bold of late. You see, John Love coming
home again, and nothing done to him, made folks think the worst was
over."

"Isn't it then?" said Rose.

"Master Benold says he misdoubts if 'tis well begun."

"Master Benold the chandler?"

"Of East Hill--ay. He was at the King's Head last night. So was old
Mistress Silverside, and Mistress Ewring the miller's wife, and
Johnson--they call