lady, thereby meaning truthful, "so I will e'en take thy word for it,
the more readily that I made contracts for both the lads when I was
at court. As to Dick Talbot not being fain to bestow her, I trow
that is because ye have spent too much on your long-legged sons to be
able to lay down a portion for her, though she be your only daughter.
Anan?"

For though this was quite true, Susan feeling that it was not the
whole truth, made but faint response. However, the Countess went on,
expecting to overpower her with gratitude. "The gentleman I mean is
willing to take her in her smock, and moreover his wardship and
marriage were granted to my Lord by her Majesty. Thou knowest whom I
mean."

She wanted to hear a guess, and Susan actually foreboded the truth,
but was too full of dismay and perplexity to do anything but shake
her head as one puzzled.

"What think'st thou of Mr. Babington?" triumphantly exclaimed the
Countess.

"Mr. Babington!" returned Susan. "But he is no longer a ward!"

"No. We had granted his marriage to a little niece of my Lord
Treasurer's, but she died ere coming to age. Then Tom Ratcliffe's
wife would have him for her daughter, a mere babe. But for that thou
and thine husband have done good service while evil tongues kept me
absent, and because the wench comes of our own blood, we are willing
to bestow her upon him, he showing himself willing and content, as
bents a lad bred in our own household."