nt off. But that can be mended. What cannot be
mended, Dick--or I much fear it cannot!--is my marriage with Lord
Shoreby."

"Is it decided then?" asked the lad.

"To-morrow, before noon, Dick, in the abbey church," she answered, "John
Matcham and Joanna Sedley both shall come to a right miserable end.
There is no help in tears, or I could weep mine eyes out. I have not
spared myself to pray, but Heaven frowns on my petition. And, dear
Dick--good Dick--but that ye can get me forth of this house before the
morning, we must even kiss and say good-bye."

"Nay," said Dick, "not I; I will never say that word. 'Tis like despair;
but while there's life, Joanna, there is hope. Yet will I hope. Ay, by
the mass, and triumph! Look ye, now, when ye were but a name to me, did
I not follow--did I not rouse good men--did I not stake my life upon the
quarrel? And now that I have seen you for what ye are--the fairest maid
and stateliest of England--think ye I would turn?--if the deep sea were
there, I would straight through it; if the way were full of lions, I
would scatter them like mice."

"Ay," she said dryly, "ye make a great ado about a sky-blue robe!"

"Nay, Joan," protested Dick, "'tis not alone the robe. But, lass, ye
were disguised. Here am I disguised; and, to the proof, do I not cut a
figure of fun--a right fool's figure?"

"Ay, Dick, an' that ye do!" she answered, smiling.

"Well, then!" he returned, triumphant. "So was it with you, poor
Matcham, in the forest. In sooth, ye were a wench to laugh at. But now!"

So they ran on, holding each other by both hands, exchanging smiles and
lovely looks, and melting minutes into seconds; and so they might have
continued all night long. But presently there was a noise behind them;
and they were aware of the short young lady, with her finger on her
lips.

"Saints!" she cried, "but what a noise ye keep! Can ye not speak in
compass?--And now, Joanna, my fair maid of the woods, what will ye give
your gossip for bringing you your sweetheart?"

Joanna ran to her, by way of answer, and embraced her fierily.

"And you, sir," added the young lady, "what do ye give me?"

"Madam," said Dick, "I would fain offer to pay you in the same money."

"Come, then," said the lady, "it is permitted you."

But Dick, blushing like a peony, only kissed her hand.

"What ails ye at my face, fair sir?" she inquired, curtseying to the
very ground; and then, when Dick had at length and most tepidly