Good mine host, lay me a meal now for my cousin, Master John.
Sit ye down, sweetheart, and eat." "Nay," said Master John, "I will break no bread.

Since ye force me to this sin, I will fast for my soul's interest.

But, good mine host, I pray you of courtesy give me a cup of fair water; I shall be much beholden to your courtesy indeed." "Ye shall have a dispensation, go to!" cried the knight.

"Shalt be well shriven, by my faith! Content you, then, and eat." But the lad was obstinate, drank a cup of water, and, once more wrapping himself closely in his mantle, sat in a far corner, brooding.
In an hour or two, there rose a stir in the village of sentries challenging and the clatter of arms and horses; and then a troop drew up by the inn door, and Richard Shelton, splashed with mud, presented himself upon the threshold.
"Save you, Sir Daniel," he said.
"How! Dickie Shelton!" cried the knight; and at the mention of Dick's name the other lad looked curiously across.

"What maketh Bennet Hatch ?" "Please you, sir knight, to take cognisance of this packet from Sir Oliver, wherein are all things fully stated," answered Richard, presenting the priest's letter.