But her father was too thankful to have her safe home to say much; and Rachel, who sat on Cuthbert's other side, plied him with questions about his own share in the adventure, and praised him in warm terms for his heroism, till the lad grew shamefaced and abashed, and was glad when the talk drifted away from private to public matters, and he could listen without being called upon to speak.
Moreover, he was all eagerness to hear what he could of such topics.

He knew so little what was stirring in the country, and was eager to learn more.

He kept hearing the words "Bye" and "Main" bandied about amongst the speakers, and at last he asked his neighbour in a whisper what was meant by the terms.
"Marry, two villainous Popish plots," answered Rachel, who was glib enough with her tongue.

"And many heads have fallen already, and perhaps more will yet fall; for Sir Walter Raleigh is still in the Tower, and my Lord Grey, too.

Confusion to all traitors and plotters, say I! Why cannot men live pleasantly and easily?
They might well do so, an they would cease from their evil practices, and from making such a coil about what hurts none.