But no matter; she must ride on my palfrey, and I must walk by her side until I come by another horse.

There will be no pursuit, if you, pretty Mistress Janet, forget not thy lesson." "No more than the wise widow of Tekoa forgot the words which Joab put into her mouth," answered Janet.

"Tomorrow, I say that my lady is unable to rise." "Ay; and that she hath aching and heaviness of the head a throbbing at the heart, and lists not to be disturbed.

Fear not; they will take the hint, and trouble thee with few questions--they understand the disease." "But," said the lady, "My absence must be soon discovered, and they will murder her in revenge.

I will rather return than expose her to such danger." "Be at ease on my account, madam," said Janet; "I would you were as sure of receiving the favour you desire from those to whom you must make appeal, as I am that my father, however angry, will suffer no harm to befall me." The Countess was now placed by Wayland upon his horse, around the saddle of which he had placed his cloak, so folded as to make her a commodious seat.
"Adieu, and may the blessing of God wend with you!" said Janet, again kissing her mistress's hand, who returned her benediction with a mute caress.