horse of one of the two gentlemen, who, with cloaks over their heads,
had ridden up to the door. He helped them off with their cloaks in
the porch, exchanging greetings with William Cavendish and Antony
Babington.

"Will Mrs. Talbot pardon our riding-boots?" said the former. "We
have only come down from the Manor-house, and we rode mostly on the
grass."

Their excuses were accepted, though Susan had rather Master William
had brought any other companion. However, on such an afternoon,
almost any variety was welcome, especially to the younger folk, and
room was made for them in the circle, and according to the
hospitality of the time, a cup of canary fetched for each to warm him
after the ride, while another was brought to the master of the house
to pledge them in--a relic of the barbarous ages, when such a
security was needed that the beverage was not poisoned.

Will Cavendish then explained that a post had come that morning to
his stepfather from Wingfield, having been joined on the way by
Babington (people always preferred travelling in companies for
security's sake), and that, as there was a packet from Sir Ralf
Sadler for Master Richard, he had brought it down, accompanied by his
friend, who was anxious to pay his devoirs to the ladies, and though
Will spoke to the mother, he smiled and nodded comprehension at the
daughter, who blushed furiously, and set her spindle to twirl and
leap so violently, as to make the kitten believe the creature had
taken fright, and was going to escape. On she dashed with a sudden
spring, involving herself and it in the flax. The old watch-dog
roused himself with a growl to keep order. Cicely flung herself on