Hereupon Nicolas Jaroslav retired, and forthwith marched to a cell in the White Tower of the Burgate.
On his return the guard addressed Agaphia with great friendliness, mingled with forwardness. “I fear that young man has made a permanent investment in a dwelling,” he said. “Now, like all you women, I suppose you will seek the best chance you can get.” Agaphia, who had waited for the guard’s return to obtain what tidings she could, at once perceived her opportunity. Casting down her eyes and seeming to busy herself with a besom of the period, that consisted of a bundle of birch rods tied around a stick, she said archly, “Oh, I suppose one man may be as good as another; and if he is made away with—” here she turned away an instant to hide an involuntary sob, “well, I presume there are fish in the sea.”
“You need not travel so far,” answered the guard; “you might succeed as well much nearer home.”
“Yes, perhaps,” answered Agaphia, “but I don’t know when is a good time for fishing; perhaps you will tell me when the fish can be taken.”
“All right,” answered the yeoman.
“Now,” said Agaphia, “how did you dispose of him?”
“Oh, he said ‘That woman made a fool of me, kissing me in that way.’ Now he said too, ‘She once gave me this clasp; but I have no use for it now.’” Hereupon the guard handed the article to Agaphia. “Take it from me.” Agaphia received the clasp with great politeness and cordiality. She knew that she had never given any such thing to Nicolas; and she concluded that he had not really sent it to her by the
