I sought you but on the behalf of my father, Master Adam Warner, who would fain have the permission accorded to other scholars, to see the Lord Henry of Windsor, who was gracious to him in other days, and to while the duress of that princely captive with the show of a quaint instrument he has invented." "Doubtless," answered Hastings, who deserved his character (rare in that day) for humanity and mildness--"doubt less it will pleasure me, nor offend his grace the king, to show all courtesy and indulgence to the unhappy gentleman and lord, whom the weal of England condemns us to hold incarcerate.

I have heard of thy father, maiden, an honest and simple man, in whom we need not fear a conspirator; and of thee, young mistress, I have heard also, since we parted." "Of me, noble sir ?" "Of thee," said Hastings, with a smile; and, placing a seat for her, he took from the table an illuminated manuscript.

"I have to thank thy friend Master Alwyn for procuring me this treasure!" "What, my lord!" said Sibyll, and her eyes glistened, "were you--you the--the--" "The fortunate person whom Alwyn has enriched at so slight a cost?
Yes.
Do not grudge me my good fortune in this.

Thou hast nobler treasures, methinks, to bestow on another!" "My good lord!" "Nay, I must not distress thee.

And the young gentleman has a fair face; may it bespeak a true heart!" These words gave Sibyll an emotion of strange delight.