That venerable personage having with some difficulty induced her master to open his door and admit the stranger, came straight into her young lady's chamber.

"Cheer up, cheer up, sweetheart," said the old woman; "I think better days will shine soon; for the honest man I have admitted says he is but come to tell Master Warner something that will redound much to his profit.

Oh, he is a wonderful fellow, this same Robin! You saw how he turned the cullions from burning the old house!" "What! you know this man, Madge! What is he, and who ?" Madge looked puzzled.

"That is more than I can say, sweet mistress.

But though he has been but some weeks in the neighbourhood, they all hold him in high count and esteem.