Being able to do no better, I said that would serve, and left him your pearl, he promising, on his part, to move his Majesty to receive you, which I doubt not he will do quickly for the sake of the L1000.

Have I done well ?" "Indeed, yes," exclaimed Cicely.

"Who else could have done half so well---- ?" As the words left her lips there came a loud knocking at the door of the house, and Jacob ran down to open it.

Presently he returned with a messenger in a splendid coat, who bowed to Cicely and asked if she were the Lady Harflete.

On her replying that such was her name, he said that he bore to her the command of his Grace the King to attend upon him at three o'clock of that afternoon at his Palace of Whitehall, together with Emlyn Stower and Thomas Bolle, there to make answer to his Majesty concerning a certain charge of witchcraft that had been laid against her and them, which summons she would neglect at her peril.
"Sir, I will be there," answered Cicely; "but tell me, do I come as a prisoner ?" "Nay," replied the herald, "since Master Jacob Smith, in whom his Grace has trust, has consented to be answerable for you." "And for the L1000," muttered Jacob, as, with many salutations, he showed the royal messenger to the door, not neglecting to thrust a gold piece into his hand that he waved behind him in farewell..