What I have is yours; and God send your mission may bring back peace and the good days of our old Queen Margaret!" "Amen, worthy franklin," quoth the knight,--"Did you know her ?" "I came to this country in her train," said the franklin; "and the care of some of her jointure lands, which she devolved on me, occasioned my settling here." "And how do you, being an Englishman," said the knight, "protect your life and property here, when one of your nation cannot obtain a single night's lodging, or a draught of water, were he thirsty ?" "Marry, noble sir," answered the franklin, "use, as they say, will make a man live in a lion's den; and as I settled here in a quiet time, and have never given cause of offence, I am respected by my neighbours, and even, as you see, by our forayers from England." "I rejoice to hear it, and accept your hospitality.

Isabella, my love, our worthy host will provide you a bed.

My daughter, good franklin, is ill at ease.

We will occupy your house till the Scottish king shall return from his Northern expedition.

Meanwhile call me Lord Lacy of Chester." The attendants of the baron, assisted by the franklin, were now busied in disposing of the horses and arranging the table for some refreshment for Lord Lacy and his fair companion.