When Thomas Legh is fairly dealt with, Thomas Legh deals fairly, no man can say otherwise.

This afternoon I will bring the deed, and you'll give me that L25 in charge." Then, followed by Cicely, he returned to where the Prioress sat, and said-- "Mother Matilda, for so I understand you are called in religion, the Lady Harflete has been pleading with me for you, and because you have dealt so well by her I have promised in the King's name that you and your nuns shall live on here undisturbed for one year from this day, after which you must yield up peaceable possession to his Majesty, whom I will beg that you shall be pensioned." "I thank you, Sir," the Prioress answered.

"When one is old a year of grace is much, and in a year many things may happen--for instance, my death." "Thank me not--a plain man who but follows after justice and duty.

The documents for your signature shall be ready this afternoon, and by the way, the Lady Harflete and her servant, also that stout, shrewd fellow, Thomas Bolle, ride with me to London to-morrow.

She will explain all.