you, young man, that the plague is already amongst us, even though
men know it not. In a few more weeks half the houses in the very
city itself will be shut up, and grass will be growing in the
streets. We may be thankful if there are enough living to bury the
dead. Keep it out of the city, forsooth! Let them do it if they
can; I know better!"

Dorcas paled and shrank, fully convinced that her redoubtable
mistress possessed a familiar spirit who revealed to her the things
that were coming; but Reuben fancied that the old lady was but
guessing, and he saw no reason to be afraid at her words. Saying
such things would not bring them to pass.

"Then, madam," he answered, "if such be the case, would it not be
well to consider whether you do not remove yourself ere these
things comne to pass? Pardon me if I seem to take it upon mnyself
to advise you, but I was charged by my father, who is like to be
appointed for a time one of the examiners of health whom the Mayor
and Magistrates think it well to institute at this time, that soon
it may not be so easy to get away from the city as it is now;
wherefore it behoves the sound whilst they are yet sound to bethink
them whether or not they will take themselves away elsewhere. Also
my mother wished me to ask the question of your ladyship, forasmuch
as she would like to know whether my sister in such case would be
required to accompany you."

Lady Scrope nodded her head several times, an odd light of mockery
gleaming in her keen black eyes.

"Tell your worthy father, good youth, that I thank him for his good