his grace save give my tidings."

"Master Hermit," said the young man very gravely, "I entreat you not to
speak like that."

"How should I speak then?" he asked.

The young man did not answer immediately, but he moved on his knees a
little closer to the bed, and took Master Richard's hand softly between
his own, and so held it, caressing it. Master Richard told me that this
action moved him more than all else; he felt the tears rise to his eyes,
and he gave a sob or two. It is always so with noble natures after great
pain. [Sir John relates here the curious history of a girl who was
nearly burned as a witch, and that when she was reprieved she yielded at
once to the solicitations of marriage from a man whom she had always
hated, but who was the first to congratulate her on her escape. But the
story sadly interrupts the drama of the main narrative, and therefore I
omit it.]....

Then the young man spoke very sweetly and kindly.

"Master Hermit," he said, "you must bear with me for bringing sad
tidings to you. But will you hear them now or to-morrow?"

"I will hear them now," said Master Richard.

So the young man proceeded.

"One came back to-day from your home in the country. He was sent there
yesterday night by my lord cardinal. He spoke with your parson, Sir