daughters at the great house. The men who had brought the summons to
Hull had not been lodged in the house, but at an inn, where they
either had heard nothing of Master Richard's adventure or had drowned
their memory in ale, for they said nothing; and thus, without any
formed intention of secrecy, the child's parentage had never come
into question.

Indeed, though without doubt Mrs. Talbot was very loyal in heart to
her noble kinsfolk, it is not to be denied that she was a good deal
more at peace when they were not at the lodge. She tried devoutly to
follow out the directions of my Lady Countess, and thought herself in
fault when things went amiss, but she prospered far more when free
from such dictation.

She had nothing to wish except that her husband could be more often
at home, but it was better to have him only a few hours' ride from
her, at Chatsworth or Tutbury, than to know him exposed to the perils
of the sea. He rode over as often as he could be spared, to see his
family and look after his property; but his attendance was close, and
my Lord and my Lady were exacting with one whom they could thoroughly
trust, and it was well that in her quiet way Mistress Susan proved
capable of ruling men and maids, farm and stable as well as house,
servants and children, to whom another boy was added in the course of
the year after her return to Bridgefield.

In the autumn, notice was sent that the Queen of Scots was to be
lodged at Sheffield, and long trains of waggons and sumpter horses
and mules began to arrive, bringing her plenishing and household
stuff in advance. Servants without number were sent on, both by her
and by the Earl, to make preparations, and on a November day, tidings