He had heard of the accident on the _Margaret_, and, knowing my errand, asked me if I would deliver this letter to you, for the fee of a gold ducat, and promise to say nothing of it to any one else." "Some rude gallant, doubtless," said Betty, tossing her head; "they are ever writing to me.

Bide here; I go to Mistress Margaret." Once she was outside the door Betty broke the seal of the letter eagerly enough, for she had been taught with Margaret, and could read well.
It ran: "BELOVED, "You thought me faithless and gone, but it is not so.

I was silent only because I knew you could not come alone who are watched; but now the God of Love gives us our chance.

Doubtless your cousin will bring you with her to visit her father, who lies on his ship sadly hurt.

While she is with him I have made a plan to rescue you, and then we can be wed and sail at once--yes, to-night or to-morrow, for with much trouble, knowing that you wished it, I have even succeeded in bringing that about, and a priest will be waiting to marry us.