Yewbarrow above it, that a mist rose in my eyes too, and I turn'd
away to hide it.

"'Tis a ticklish business," said I after a minute, "to carry the
King's letter. Not one in four of his messengers comes through, they
say. But since it keeps you from the dice----"

"That's true. To-night I make an end."

"To-night!"

"Why, yes. To-night I go for my revenge, and ride straight from the
inn door."

"Then I go with you to the 'Crown,'" I cried, very positive.

He dropp'd playing with his curl, and look'd me in the face, his
mouth twitching with a queer smile.

"And so thou shalt Jack: but why?"

"I'll give no reason," said I, and knew I was blushing.

"Then be at the corner of All Hallows' Church in Turl Street at
seven to-night. I lodge over Master Simon's, the glover, and must be
about my affairs. Jack,"--he came near and took my hand--"am sure
thou lovest me."

He nodded, with another cordial smile, and went his way up the grove,
his amber cloak flaunting like a belated butterfly under the leaf