He was her own worshipper for many a day, Sir John; and before she took the old earl 'twas said that for a space people believed she loved him.

She was but fifteen and a high mettled beauty; and he as handsome as she, and had a blue eye that would melt any woman--but at sixteen he was a town rake, and such tricks as this one he hath played since he was a lad.

'Tis well indeed for this poor thing her ladyship hath seen her.

She hath promised to protect her, and sends her down to Dunstanwolde with her mother this very week.

Would all fine ladies were of her kind.