So saying, he put into her hand five broad gold pieces of Philip and Mary.
“I would not accept this gold neither,” said Janet, “but that I hope to find a use for it, which will bring a blessing on us all.”
“Even please thyself, pretty Janet,” said the Earl, “and I shall be well satisfied—And I prithee let them hasten the evening collation.”
“I have bidden Master Varney and Master Foster to sup with us, my lord,” said the Countess, as Janet retired to obey the Earl’s commands; “has it your approbation?”
“What you do ever must have so, my sweet Amy,” replied her husband; “and I am the better pleased thou hast done them this grace, because Richard Varney is my sworn man, and a close brother of my secret council; and for the present, I must needs repose much trust in this Anthony Foster.”
“I had a boon to beg of thee, and a secret to tell thee, my dear lord,” said the Countess, with a faltering accent.
“Let both be for to-morrow, my love,” replied the Earl. “I see they open the folding-doors into the banqueting-parlour, and as I have ridden far and fast, a cup of wine will not be unacceptable.”
So saying he led his lovely wife into the next apartment, where Varney and Foster received them with the deepest reverences, which the first paid after the fashion of the court, and the second after that of the congregation. The Earl returned their salutation with the negligent courtesy of one long
