I had thought the attic would be hare and empty." "Reuben!" cried Gertrude, springing forward towards the small aperture in the wall.

"Oh, what is it?
Is it indeed thou?
And what art thou doing to the wall ?" "Gertrude! is that thy voice indeed?
Nay, now, this is a good hap.
Sweet Mistress Gertrude, have I thy permission to open once again betwixt thy home and mine that door which as children thy brother and we did contrive, but which was presently sealed up, though not over-strongly ?" "Ah, the door!" cried Gertrude, coming forward to the place and feeling with her hands at the laths and woodwork; "I had forgot, but it comes to me again.

Yes, truly there was a rude door once.
Oh, open it quickly! I will get thee a light and hold it.

Dost thou know, Reuben, what has befallen to make my father look as he did but now?
I trow it is something evil.

My heart is heavy within me." "Ay, I know," answered Reuben; "I will tell thee anon, sweet mistress, if thou wilt let me into thy presence." "Nay, call me not mistress," said Gertrude, with a little accent of reproach in her voice.