But as I stand here, Ralph, I saw her, a guest, at that feast of which I spoke; and Edwyn Sandys picked not his maids from such assemblies." I stopped him with my hand upon his shoulder.

"She is one of Sandys' maids," I asserted, with deliberation, "a waiting damsel who wearied of service and came to Virginia to better herself.

She was landed with her mates at Jamestown a week or more agone, went with them to church and thence to the courting meadow, where she and Captain Ralph Percy, a gentleman adventurer, so pleased each other that they were married forthwith.

That same day he brought her to his house, where she now abides, his wife, and as such to be honored by those who call themselves his friends.

And she is not to be lightly spoken of, nor comment passed upon her grace, beauty, and bearing (something too great for her station, I admit), lest idle tales should get abroad." "Am I not thy friend, Ralph ?" he asked with smiling eyes.
"I have thought so at times," I answered.
"My friend's honor is my honor," he went on.