She stopped with a half laugh. "'Twas but a fancy," she said. "Perchance
he has known naught since that night he fell at my feet--and even so,
poor gentleman, he hath a happy fate. Yes, I will wear gay colours,"
flinging up her arms as if she dropped fetters, and stretched her
beauteous limbs for ease--"gay colours--and roses and rich jewels--and
all things--_all_ that will make me beautiful!"

The next day there came a chest from London, packed close with splendid
raiment; when she drove out again in her chariot her servants'
sad-coloured liveries had been laid by, and she was attired in rich hues,
amidst which she glowed like some flower new bloomed.

Her house in town was thrown open again, and set in order for her coming.
She made her journey back in state, Mistress Anne accompanying her in her
travelling-coach. As she passed over the highroad with her equipage and
her retinue, or spent the night for rest at the best inns in the towns
and villages, all seemed to know her name and state.

"'Tis the young widow of the Earl of Dunstanwolde," people said to each
other--"she that is the great beauty, and of such a wit and spirit that
she is scarce like a mere young lady. 'Twas said she wed him for his
rank; but afterwards 'twas known she made him a happy gentleman, though
she gave him no heir. She wore weeds for him beyond the accustomed time,
and is but now issuing from her retirement."

Mistress Anne felt as if she were attending some royal lady's progress,
people so gazed at them and nudged each other, wondered and admired.

"You do not mind that all eyes rest on you," she said to her sister; "you