That head garniture for myself, and that silver bodkin mounted with pearl; and take off two gowns of that russet cloth for Dorcas and Alison, Janet, to keep the old wretches warm against winter comes .-- And stay--hast thou no perfumes and sweet bags, or any handsome casting bottles of the newest mode ?" "Were I a pedlar in earnest, I were a made merchant," thought Wayland, as he busied himself to answer the demands which she thronged one on another, with the eagerness of a young lady who has been long secluded from such a pleasing occupation.

"But how to bring her to a moment's serious reflection ?" Then as he exhibited his choicest collection of essences and perfumes, he at once arrested her attention by observing that these articles had almost risen to double value since the magnificent preparations made by the Earl of Leicester to entertain the Queen and court at his princely Castle of Kenilworth.
"Ha!" said the Countess hastily; "that rumour, then, is true, Janet." "Surely, madam," answered Wayland; "and I marvel it hath not reached your noble ladyship's ears.

The Queen of England feasts with the noble Earl for a week during the Summer's Progress; and there are many who will tell you England will have a king, and England's Elizabeth--God save her!--a husband, ere the Progress be over." "They lie like villains!" said the Countess, bursting forth impatiently.
"For God's sake, madam, consider," said Janet, trembling with apprehension; "who would cumber themselves about pedlar's tidings ?" "Yes, Janet!" exclaimed the Countess; "right, thou hast corrected me justly.

Such reports, blighting the reputation of England's brightest and noblest peer, can only find currency amongst the mean, the abject, and the infamous!" "May I perish, lady," said Wayland Smith, observing that her violence directed itself towards him, "if I have done anything to merit this strange passion! I have said but what many men say." By this time the Countess had recovered her composure, and endeavoured, alarmed by the anxious hints of Janet, to suppress all appearance of displeasure.

"I were loath," she said, "good fellow, that our Queen should change the virgin style so dear to us her people--think not of it." And then, as if desirous to change the subject, she added, "And what is this paste, so carefully put up in the silver box ?" as she examined the contents of a casket in which drugs and perfumes were contained in separate drawers.
"It is a remedy, Madam, for a disorder of which I trust your ladyship will never have reason to complain.