rtha, as she opened it. "Christ give thee a
good even!"

"The like to thee," was the answer, as a rather worn-looking woman came
in. "Mistress Avice, your servant. Pray you, would you lend me the
loan of a tinder-box? I am but now come home from work, and am that
weary I may scarce move; and yon careless Jaket hath let the fire out,
and I must needs kindle the same again ere I may dress supper for the
children."

It was no wonder if Hildith looked worn out, or if she could not afford
a tinder-box. That precious article cost a penny, and her wages were
fifteen pence a year. If we do a sum to find out what that would be
now, when money is much more plentiful, we shall find that Hildith's
wages come to twenty-two shillings and sixpence, and the tinder-box was
worth eighteen-pence. We should fancy that nobody could live on such a
sum. But we must remember two things: first, they then did a great deal
for themselves which we pay for; they spun and wove their own linen and
woollen, did their own washing, brewed their own ale and cider, made
their own butter and cheese, and physicked themselves with herbs.
Secondly, prices were very much lower as respected the necessaries of
life; bread was four loaves, or cakes, for a penny, of the very best
quality; a lamb or a goose cost fourpence, eight chickens were sold for
fivepence, and twenty-four eggs for a penny. Clothing stuffs were dear,
but then (as people sometimes say) they wore "for everlasting," and
ladies of rank would send half-worn gowns to one another as very
handsome presents. Fourpence was a good price to give for a pair of
shoes, and a halfpenny a day for food was a liberal allowance.

"Any news to-night, Hildith?" asked Avice, as she handed her neighbour
the tinder-box.

"Well, nay; without you call it news that sheriffs man brought word this
morrow that the Lord King had granted the half of her goods to old
Barnaba o' the Lichgate."

"She that was a Jew, and was baptised at Whitsuntide? I am glad to hear
that."

"Ay, she. I am not o'er sorry; she is a good neighbour, Jew though she
be."

"Then I reckon she will tarry here, and not go to dwell in the House of
Converts in London town?"

"Marry, she will so, if she have any wisdom teeth left. I would not
like to be carried away from all I know, up to yon big town, though they
do say the houses be made o' gold and silver."

Avice smiled, for she knew better.

"Nay, Hildith, London town is built