"But little, Madame," Mistress Margery answered with fear and humility.

"Then it will be well that you should, since I have commands to lay upon
you concerning him," said the beauty.

"You do me honour," said the poor gentlewoman.

Mistress Clorinda looked her straight in the face.

"He is a gentleman from town, the kinsman of Lord Eldershawe," she said.
"He is a handsome man, concerning whom many women have been fools. He
chooses to allow it to be said that he is a conqueror of female hearts
and virtue, even among women of fashion and rank. If this be said in the
town, what may not be said in the country? He shall wear no such graces
here. He chooses to pay his court to me. He is my father's guest and a
man of fashion. Let him make as many fine speeches as he has the will
to. I will listen or not as I choose. I am used to words. But see that
we are not left alone."

The tirewoman pricked up her ears. Clorinda saw her in the glass.

"Attend to thy business if thou dost not want a box o' the ear," she said
in a tone which made the woman start.

"You would not be left alone with the gentleman, Madam?" faltered
Mistress Margery.

"If he comes to boast of conquests," said Mistress Clorinda, looking at
her straight again and drawing down her black brows, "I will play as