ss for the truth.

We had interrupted, I found, their usual evening service, and on our
knocking they had scattered, not knowing who might be about to enter.

Overton now explained to Aveline that he was her uncle, and asked her
whether she would go and reside with a rich lady who would be her
patroness. She looked at Dame Crugeot.

"I cannot leave her," she said, "unless she wishes to part with me."

"I do not wish to part with you, my child; but yet I would advise you to
accept the generous offer which has been made."

"But will they talk to me as you have done, of the Saviour and of my
dear mother? I cannot go to people who will not do that," said the
little girl firmly.

Her uncle explained that she could enjoy all the advantages of wealth;
but promised amusements and luxuries did not tempt her. Almost
unwillingly, however, at last, by the urgent advice of her uncle, she
consented to leave her Flemish friends. Hitherto I had said very
little. I merely again repeated Lady Anne's offer, and told her how
kind and generous a friend she had been to me, and that I was sure she
would prove the same to her.

"But you will not take me to-morrow," she said; "let me have another day
with my kind nurse, or more than nurse--my second mother."

I was sure that James Brocktrop would consent to remain another day;
indeed, our horses required a longer rest before they were fit for the
return journey.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

DISAPPEARANCE OF AVELINE.

A'Dale and I felt very proud as we escorted Mistress Aveline Radford
towards London. Brocktrop had supplied her friends with money to
purchase proper attire suitable to her position, for she was in truth a
young lady in all respects, having been nurtured delicately, and well
instructed. I foresaw that she would quickly become a favourite with
the Lady Anne, for she was a damsel much suited to her taste. I
esteemed her greatly, and so did A'Dale: I soon saw that. She rode on a
pillion behind Master Brocktrop, whose horse was more suited to carry
her than were our steeds, which were much smaller; besides, he was well
accustomed to carry ladies, Lady Anne herself often thus going out.
A'Dale and I rode on either side, talking to her, and endeavouring to
keep up her spirits, for she was much cast down, at leaving her kind
friends, and more so at the thought of the sad fate her dear mother had
suffered.

Master Overton would not quit Norwich for the present. He had the