"Madam, we are much beholden to you and my Lord, but sure Mr.
Babington is more inclined to the old faith."

"Tush, woman, what of that? Thou mayst say the same of half our
Northern youth! They think it grand to dabble with seminary priests
in hiding, and talk big about their conscience and the like, but when
they've seen a neighbour or two pay down a heavy fine for recusancy,
they think better of it, and a good wife settles their brains to jog
to church to hear the parson with the rest of them."

"I fear me Cis is over young to settle any one's mind," said Susan.

"She is seventeen if she is a day," said my Lady, "and I was a wedded
wife ere I saw my teens. Moreover, I will say for thee, Susan, that
thou hast bred the girl as becomes one trained in my household, and
unless she have been spoiled by resort to the Scottish woman, she is
like to make the lad a moderately good wife, having seen nought of
the unthrifty modes of the fine court dames, who queen it with
standing ruffs a foot high, and coloured with turmeric, so please
you, but who know no more how to bake a marchpane, or roll puff
paste, than yonder messan dog!"

"She is a good girl," said Susan, "but--"

"What has the foolish wife to object now?" said the Countess. "I
tell you I marked them both last eve, and though I seldom turn my
mind to such follies, I saw the plain tokens of love in every look
and gesture of the young springald. Nay, 'twas his countenance that
put it into my mind, for I am even too good-natured--over good-