that he was fed upon here. You will see him prove himself an honest
Protestant and good subject yet, and be glad enough to give him your
daughter. So he was too hot a lover for Master Humfrey's notions,
eh?" said my Lord, laughing a little. "The varlet! He was over
prompt to protect his sister, yet 'twas a fault on the right side,
and I am sorry there was such a noise about it that he should have
gone without leave-takings."

"He will be glad to hear of your Lordship's goodness. I shall go
after him to-morrow and take his mails and little Diccon to him."

"That is well," said the Earl. "And give him this, with his
kinsman's good wishes that he may win ten times more from the Don,"
pushing towards Richard a packet of twenty broad gold pieces, stamped
with Queen Bess in all her glory; and then, after receiving due
thanks for the gift, which was meant half as friendly feudal
patronage from the head of the family, half as a contribution to the
royal service, the Earl added, "I would crave of thee, Richard, to
extend thy journey to Wingfield. Here are some accounts of which I
could not sooner get the items, to be discharged between me and the
lady there--and I would fain send thee as the man whom I can most
entirely trust. I will give thee a pass, and a letter to Sadler,
bidding him admit thee to her presence, since there are matters here
which can sooner be discharged by one word of mouth than by many
weary lines of writing."

Good Master Richard's conscience had little occasion to wince, yet he
could not but feel somewhat guilty when this opportune commission was
given to him, since the Earl gave it unaware of his secret
understanding with the captive. He accepted it, however, without