.

She held out her hands to Stephen, as he knelt down by her. "Take an
old woman's blessing, my good youth," she said. "Right glad am I to see
thee once more. Thou wilt not be the worse for the pains thou hast
spent on the little lad, though they have tried thee sorely."

Stephen, becoming somewhat less dazed, tried to fulfil his long-
cherished intention of thanking Dennet for her intercession, but the
instant he tried to speak, to his dismay and indignation, tears choked
his voice, and he could do nothing but weep, as if, thought he, his
manhood had been left behind in the jail.

"Vex not thyself," said the old dame, as she saw him struggling with his
sobs. "Thou art worn-out--Giles here was not half his own man when he
came out, nor is he yet. Nay, beset him not, children. He should go to
his chamber, change these garments, and rest ere supper-time."

Stephen was fain to obey, only murmuring an inquiry for his brother, to
which his uncle responded that if Ambrose were at home, the tidings
would send him to the Dragon instantly; but he was much with his old
master, who was preparing to leave England, his work here being ruined.

The jester then took leave, accepting conditionally an invitation to
supper. Master Headley, Smallbones, and Tibble now knew who he was, but
the secret was kept from all the rest of the household, lest Stephen
should be twitted with the connection.

Cold water was not much affected by the citizens of London, but smiths'
and armourers' work entailed a freer use of it than less grimy trades;
and a bath and Sunday garments made Stephen more like himself, though
still he felt so weary and depressed that he missed the buoyant joy of
release to which he had been looking forward.

He was sitting on the steps, leaning against the rail, so much tired
that he hoped none of his comrades would notice that he had come out,
when Ambrose hurried into the court, having just heard tidings of his
freedom, and was at his side at once. The two brothers sat together,
leaning against one another as if they had all that they could wish or
long for. They had not met for more than a week, for Ambrose's finances
had not availed to fee the turnkeys to give him entrance.

"And what art thou doing, Ambrose?" asked Stephen, rousing a little from
his lethargy. "Methought I heard mine uncle say thine occupation was
gone?"

"Even so," replied Ambrose. "Master Lucas will sail in a week's time to
join his