purchasing materials for the Bourse. The
architect of the building was Flemish--Master Henryke by name. We
shipped large quantities of stone, as also much of the woodwork, from
the Netherlands. All the wainscoting was made at Antwerp, as was also
the glass for the windows. It was adorned with numerous statues. Most
of them were executed in England; but Sir Thomas desired to have one,
superior to the rest, of the Queen's Majesty. This was executed in
Antwerp, and received great commendation. We shipped iron also, and the
slates with which the building was roofed. I now continued to reside in
Flanders, where Sir Thomas only occasionally paid a visit, as business
of importance demanded his presence. Master Clough, having become weary
of a single life, had gone to his native country--Wales--and had there
found an amiable lady to his taste, and with her he had lately returned
to Antwerp, there to resume his office as Sir Thomas Gresham's chief
factor. My old friend A'Dale had been residing there ever since the
time I last spoke of him, and frequently I had letters from him
describing events which had taken place. From these I have noted down
the more important points of interest by which my friends in after years
may be able to understand the state of the Low Countries at that time.

Before I commence that brief narrative, however, I must say that Aveline
continued to reside with Lady Anne, and truly to act towards her the
part of a loving daughter. I had for some time entertained hopes that
the young lady was not altogether indifferent to me. That I myself
loved her I had long since discovered. I had, however, as yet not the
means of supporting her in that state to which, through the kindness of
our friends, she had been accustomed. I spoke, it may be remembered, of
a document which had been placed in my hands by her martyred mother. On
examination it was found that it related to an estate which was
rightfully the property of her father; but without his appearance to
claim it, she herself could not take possession of it. Sir Thomas had
expressed his readiness to endeavour to obtain it for her; but on
consulting the lawyers they decided that this could not be done. Her
father--Master Radford--had been outlawed in the reign of King Henry for
holding heretical opinions; and unless he should appear and obtain a
reversion of that outlawry, the estate would remain forfeited. By
petitioning the Queen's Majesty, h