cious attendant.

Maybe a little too hot now and then, as if no one knew how to brew and bake saving herself, or how to prepare salt-fish for the winter; but very open,-marry, she'll speak to you with no more pride than myself, although mayhap she is not so well-spoken."

"I doubt it not," replied Edith, wishing heartily that the maiden would depart.

Nor had she to wish long, for a heavy footstep was heard in the gallery; and just as the female opened the door to retire, John of Chester entered, unannounced and unbidden, and caused Edith to regret that she had not again the loquacious attendant for her companion.

The baron had been somewhat particular in setting off his fine person to the greatest advantage, nor had the labour of his toilet been bestowed in vain. A more commanding or majestic figure could not be found amid all the courtiers who surrounded King John; and as his super-tunic was now fitted on in the best manner, and his rich velvet cap placed in the most effective position, to shew his still long, though somewhat grey hair; with every other part of his costume as carefully arranged, he had at once the appearance of a man who in

his younger days would not have to sue long, to find an entrance to a lady's heart.

Edith arose not to receive him, nor appeared to pay any attention when he entered, but turned her face in another direction, as if she had found something that fully arrested her glance in the opposite wall. "I trust the Lady Edith," said the baron, "will, instead of considering herself a captive, hold the deed which I have this day done in fair repute, as it has been the means of saving her from the hands of Sir Geoffrey de Marchmont."

"If by that, my lord," said Edith, "you mean that I have escaped the wild boar and fallen in with the wolf, why, certes, I feel but little to be thankful for in the matter. And it baffleth my wits to discover how you could foresee that I should have fallen into De Marchmont's hands."

"Simplicity and beauty, fair lady," said the baron, "walk hand in hand; nor should I look to find aught beyond these in yourself."

"Old age and cunning," answered Edith, "are seldom found asunder; nor does flattery become such company."

"I flatter you not, lady," rejoined the earl, rather piqued to find the cool reception he had

met with.

"But you are young, and need one to guide you aright, and protect you against the wiles of those who are more cunning than yourself."

"And what may be the price of that protection, disinterested sir," said Edith, with a sneer, "or where shall I find one, who out of a pure chivalric spirit, will guard me against such robbers as have this night beset me, and borne me away perforce."

your own

"Call not love by so harsh a name," answered the baron, nor blame me for what beauty has caused. I am your protector; and had I not borne you away, you would ere this have been in De Marchmont's power."

"Love!" said the lady,with a look of supreme contempt;" and must I, because my face chances to please, like a toy, become the property of every marauder, who has the hardihood to stretch out his arm towards me. If thy object was to rescue me only from De Marchmont, why didst thou not give me a safe escort to the priory or the palace, where thou wouldst at least have obtained thanks for thy labour, and couldst fairly and honourably have solicited my hand?"

"And of whom should I solicit, saving thyself," said the constable; "if I hear aright, thou hast refused to marry De Marchmont: I will make thee my wife."

"Thou hast a son," answered Edith, calmly, were I inclined to bestow my hand on any other than where my heart has long been fixed: methinks his years and mine own would be more meet to match together than thine, which must almost treble those I have numbered."

"What hath the heart, or years, or love to do with marriage," answered the baron; "will thy rank diminish aught in becoming the bride of the Constable of Chester, or thinkest thou that a young head would be able to manage thy affairs in these troublesome times, like mine. own?"

"And yet it was but now that thou didst attempt to flatter me, that my looks had been the cause of this outrage," said Edith, "and even wanted to cover it with the plausible name of love, instead of ruffianism. How thou dost reconcile these points in thy sage wisdom puzzleth my poor wits."

"Thine are but the wits of a woman," said the baron, with an embarrassed look, "and

never attempt to look for the true meaning beyond the surface, when truth is only to be found in a well, too deep for woman to dive for."

"Too deep for my wisdom mayhap, sir," replied Edith, "but cunning like yours floats on the surface, and I am in no wise at a loss to guess the true meaning of thy thoughts in this matter, which thou art so loath to express, well knowing that they become thee not, nor any one who possesses a right notion of honour."

"Thou judgest harshly, lady," answered the baron, in an angry tone, "and but ill repayest the courtesy which I have hitherto extended towards thee."

"Courtesy didst thou say?" exclaimed Edith. Certes, thou hast a plausible knack of clothing churlish deeds in courtly language, sir knight. But nathless I consider this night's work a disgrace to one wearing belt and spurs. I do suspect much, that had I but had a score of followers at my back, thou daredst not to have attempted this deed; and further," added she, rising with a flush upon her face and a frown on her brow, that might well have become Venus enraged," and further, I hold thee no better than a robber, for bearing me off in the way