faithful old Halbert as at Sheffield?"

"It is," replied Cis.

"Then let him look well at the bottom of each barrel of beer supplied
for the use of her household. There is an honest man, a brewer, at
Burton, whom Paulett will employ, who will provide that letters be
sent to and fro. Gifford and Langston, who are both of these parts,
know him well." Cis started at the name. "Do you trust Langston
then?" she asked.

"Wholly! Why, he is the keenest and ablest of all. Have you not
seen him and had speech with him in many strange shapes? He can
change his voice, and whine like any beggar wife."

"Yea," said Cis, "but the Queen and Sir Andrew doubted a little if he
meant not threats last time we met."

"All put on--excellent dissembling to beguile the keepers. He told
me all," said Antony, "and how he had to scare thee and change tone
suddenly. Why, he it is who laid this same egg, and will receive it.
There is a sworn band, as you know already, who will let her know our
plans, and be at her commands through that means. Then, when we have
done service approaching to be worthy of her, then it may be that I
shall have earned at least a look or sign."

"Alas! sir," said Cicely, "how can I give you false hopes?" For her
honest heart burnt to tell the poor fellow that she would in case of
his success be farther removed from him than ever.