the rumours that we are likely ere long to have war with France, have
rarely bettered my trade. Since the wars in Scotland men's arms have rusted
somewhat, and my two men are hard at work mending armour and fitting swords
to hilts, and forging pike-heads. You see I am a citizen though I dwell
outside the bounds, because house rent is cheaper and I get my charcoal
without paying the city dues. So I can work somewhat lower than those in
the walls, and I have good custom from many in Kent, who know that my arms
are of as good temper as those turned out by any craftsman in the city."

Giles Fletcher's anticipations as to the result of his guest's illness
turned out to be well founded. The fever abated, but left her prostrate in
strength. For a few weeks she lingered; but she seemed to have little hold
of life, and to care not whether she lived or died. So, gradually she faded
away.

"I know you will take care of my boy as if he were your own, Bertha," she
said one day; "and you and your husband will be far better protectors for
him than I should have been had I lived. Teach him to be honest and true.
It were better, methinks, that he grew up thinking you his father and
mother, for otherwise he may grow discontented with his lot; but this I
leave with you, and you must speak or keep silent according as you see his
disposition and mind. If he is content to settle down to a peaceful life
here, say nought to him which would unsettle his mind; but if Walter turn
out to have an adventurous disposition, then tell him as much as you think
fit of his history, not encouraging him to hope to recover his father's
lands and mine, for that can never be, seeing that before that time can
come they would have been enjoyed for many years by others; but that he may
learn to bear himself bravely and gently as becomes one of good blood."

A few days later Lady Alice breathed her last, and at her own request was