"'So it fell, that knight returned, and none knew him; no, not even the
dog in the outer court. But when he spake, there was a certain little
maid knew his voice, whom, as a child, he was wont to make sport with.
But now, because she was grown from child to woman, and her mirth was
turned to love, did she say never a word when he appeared, but ran away
and hid herself.'"
"And do tall knights and ladies play at hide-and-go-seek, like boys and
girls?" asked the little sister.
Jeannette laughed at the question, and as she did so, she looked up and
saw me standing there.
She, at least, knew me!
For a moment the colour left her cheeks, in fear and doubt. Next, it
rushed back in a crimson flood; then she uttered my name, and hid her
face in the bosom of the little child.
I was but a plain 'prentice with no more than my share of brains. Yet,
I had need to be slow-witted indeed, not to read a long, wonderful story
in what I saw then.
"Ay," said I, stepping forward, and answering the little's one's
question, "and sometimes they find one another too."
And, as in the old days, I kissed them both, and was very happy.
When, presently, Master Walgrave returned and saw me there, he seemed
not too well pleased. Yet, I suspected he was not altogether
discontented to see me back, for he counted me a proper workman and
handy at my craft. And when I set-to and told them a plain tale of what
had befallen me, and how ill I had been slandered by my fellow
'prentice, and how ready I was to serve them now, he grew less sullen,
and bade me abide where I was till he considered the matter.
From my mistress in turn I learned something of their doings since I saw
them last in the street of Kingston. The minister, she said, had
pinched himself to shelter them for many a week, while they worked for
him among the harvesters and in the dairy, in return. But at last when
Autumn came, and they could do no more to serve him, they departed, and
petitioned the Company to admit them back to the printing house; which,
after much ado, was granted, and so they continued with much labour to
subsist. But Peter, I was told afterwards, made himself master of
everything, and, in return for his services, exacted all the profit,
little as it was, they made by the printing. At last, after lying six
months in gaol, Master Walgrave grew weary, and permitted his wife to
sue for him to the Bishop; which she did, and so prettily, that his
Grace allowed the prisoner to go free, on his submission. Since then,
all had fared well. Peter Stoupe, who could hardly be parted with, was
put back to his place and a new journeyman obtained. Business came
back, winter went, springtime returned, and roses blossomed once more in
sweet Jeannette's cheeks; and all went merrily.
As for Mistress Jeannette's cheeks, it seemed to me, as I sat and
watched her that evening, that the roses had not done blossoming yet.
But I said little to her, for I guessed she would not talk. Only, when
bed-time came, and I went, as of old, to carry her up the steep stairs,
she looked up brightly and said:
"I can walk now, Humphrey; _voila_. That was one good thing your going
did for me."
"I would it had been any other good," said I, "for it was pleasant to
help you. But, see, you still want some help."
"Well, sometimes I walk better. But to-night--no, I am not a baby,
truly," said she, laughing as I offered to take her up. "Give me your
arm, Humphrey; that is enough."
So I helped her up the stairs, and at the top she thanked me, and said
she was glad I was come back, for her father's sake--meaning Master
Walgrave, her step-father.
I asked was she glad for no reason else? and she said, perhaps for my
sake 'twas good to be at work once more.
"Anyone's sake besides?"
"_Peut-etre_," said she in her French jargon, vanishing into her
chamber. I was a better scholar than I once was, and could translate
the words in a way that made my heart beat.
So I left her and came down to supper.
There I found Peter Stoupe, very black in the face, awaiting me. He
tried to look civil as I came to the table, but 'twas plain he had
little stomach for his meal.
"My master telleth me," said he, "he is content to give thee another
trial, Humphrey. Pray heaven he may never hear how much it is he
forgiveth thee. As for me, this folly of his is like to cost him my
service, as I told him."
"When are you going?" I asked.
"That concerns myself," said Peter. "But since we be alone, Humphrey
Dexter, let me say to you one thing. Whether I go or stay, know that I
desire you hold no converse with my mistress' daughter, and that for a
very sufficient reason. She is promised to me."