were made, but she declined them all, and rejoiced when left alone
with Colet to arrange for what would be probably her final departure
from Hull.

It was a blow to find that she must part from her servant-woman, who,
as well as her husband Gervas, was a native of Hull. Not only were
they both unwilling to leave, but the inland country was to their
imagination a wild unexplored desert. Indeed, Colet had only entered
Mrs. Talbot's service to supply the place of a maid who bad sickened
with fever and ague, and had to be sent back to her native
Hallamshire.

Ere long Mr. Heatherthwayte came down to offer his consolation, and
still more his advice, that the little foundling should be at once
baptized--conditionally, if the lady preferred it.

The Reformed of imperfect theological training, and as such Joseph
Heatherthwayte must be classed, were apt to view the ceremonial of
the old baptismal form, symbolical and beautiful as it was, as almost
destroying the efficacy of the rite. Moreover, there was a further
impression that the Church by which the child was baptized, had a
right to bring it up, and thus the clergyman was urgent with the lady
that she should seize this opportunity for the little one's baptism.

"Not without my husband's consent and knowledge," she said
resolutely.

"Master Talbot is a good man, but somewhat careless of sound
doctrine, as be the most of seafaring men."