I may never know rest or peace till the House of Lancaster is restored to its ancient rights.

You need not fear me as a rival, good Will; for no thought of marriage has ever entered my head, and sometimes methinks it never will." The smith's face was a study as he listened to these welcome words, and Paul laughed as he read the meaning of those changing expressions.
"Give me the basket, and get you gone to Figeon's, and make your peace with your offended lady," he said, laughing.

"You are but a sorry wooer if you yield so soon to depression and despair.

But I warrant she will forgive you this time; and if you will but plead your cause in good earnest, it may be that I shall yet have the pleasure of treading a measure at your wedding feast." The blushing smith was easily persuaded to this course, and bade farewell to his companion in eager haste.

He was clad only in his working apron, and his hands were grimy from his toil; but his open face was comely and honest enough to please the fancy of any maiden, and Paul thought to himself that Mistress Joan would scarce reject so stalwart a champion after the fright and the shock of the previous week but one.