must need garments to the full as much as the boys; besides, this is
Aline's first visit to town. We saw but little as we rode through, and we
would fain look at the shops and see the finery before I make my choice."

"So be it, wife; indeed, I had not intended that you should stay behind."

It was but a quarter of a mile's walk to Aldersgate, and as they reached
East Chepe, the young people found infinite amusement in gazing at the
goods in the traders' booths, and in watching the throng in the street. It
was late in the afternoon now, and many of the citizens' wives and
daughters were abroad. These were dressed for the most part in costly
materials of sober hues, and Dame Matilda noted that a great change had
taken place since she had last been in London, not only in the fashion,
but in the costliness of the material; for with the death of the old king
and the accession of a young one fond of gaiety and rich dresses, the
spirit of extravagance had spread rapidly among all classes. With these
were citizens, of whom the elder ones clung to the older fashions, while
even the young men still displayed a sobriety in their costumes that
contrasted strongly with the brilliancy of several groups of young
courtiers. These sauntered along the streets, passing remarks upon all who
passed, and casting looks of admiration at some of the pretty daughters of
the citizens.

Among all these moved craftsmen and apprentices, the former taking to
their employers work they had finished at home, the latter carrying
messages, hurrying nimbly through the crowd, or exchanging saucy remarks
with each other, for which they were sometimes sharply rebuked by their
elders. From East Chepe the party passed on through Chepe to St. Paul's,
and then having chosen the shop at which they could make their purchases
the ladies entered a trader's booth, while Sir Ralph went in with the two