The face of Wilson gathered into a sudden frown at this speech. "What
doth it matter"--he began.

"Have done, fellows!" cried Pembroke with some asperity. "Lay wagers
more fit at best, and let us have no more of this thumb-biting. Gad! the
first we know, we'll be up for fighting among ourselves, and we all know
how the new court doth look on that."

"Come away," laughed Castleton, gaily. "I'm for a pint of ale and an
apple; and then beware! 'Tis always my fortune, when I come to this
country drink, to win like a very countryman. I need revenge upon Lady
Betty and her lap-dog. I've lost since ever I saw them last."




CHAPTER II

AT SADLER'S WELLS


Sadler's Wells, on this mild and cheery spring morning, was a scene of
fashion and of folly. Hither came the elite of London, after the custom
of the day, to seek remedy in the reputed qualities of the springs for
the weariness and lassitude resultant upon the long season of polite
dissipations which society demanded of her votaries. Bewigged dandies,
their long coats of colors well displayed as they strutted about in the
open, paid court there, as they did within the city gates, to the
powdered and painted beauties who sat in their couches waiting for their