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"A fair maid, and modest as she is fair," observed Sir Ralph, with a condescending smile. "In sooth is she," replied Lady Assheton, raising her kindly, and saying, as she did so "Nay, you must not kneel to us, sweet maid. You are queen of May, and it is for us to show respect to you during your day of sovereignty.
"I will not suffer this abomination to be practised." "Who is it speaks to me?" cried the hag, turning round, and disclosing the hideous countenance of Mother Chattox. "The voice is that of Richard Assheton." "It is Richard Assheton who speaks," cried the young man, "and I command you to desist from this wickedness.
At this juncture, the door was thrown open by Faryngton, who announced Sir John Finett. "It is time, Master Nicholas Assheton," said the master of the ceremonies. "I am ready to attend you, Sir John," replied Nicholas, taking a parchment from his doublet, and unfolding it, "the petition is well signed." "So I see, sir," replied the knight, glancing at it. "Will not your friends come with you?"
"But, since you are quite recovered, we will descend to Lady Assheton, who may wonder at our absence. You will share this room with me to-night, my child; for, as I have already said, you cannot return to Elizabeth Device. I will make all needful explanations to Lady Assheton, and will see Elizabeth in the morning perhaps to-night. Reassure yourself, sweet child. There is nothing to fear."
To Roger Nowell and Nicholas Assheton he was of course well known, and was much esteemed by the latter, often riding over to hunt and fish, or carouse, at Downham.
Over the fireplace, where, despite the advanced season, a pile of turf and wood was burning, were hung two panoplies of arms, and above them, on a bracket, was set a complete suit of mail, once belonging to Richard Assheton, the first possessor of the mansion.
"Right, fair queen, right," cried Nicholas, laughing. "Ever choose a young man if you can. Who shall it be?" "You have named him yourself, sir," replied Alizon, in a voice which she endeavoured to keep firm, but which, in spite of all her efforts, sounded tremulously "Master Richard Assheton." "Next to choosing me, you could not have chosen better," observed Nicholas, approvingly.
They were conversing together in deep and earnest tones, showing how greatly they were interested; and, as they proceeded, many an involuntary sigh was heaved by Richard Assheton, while a tear, more than once, dimmed the brightness of his sister's eyes, and her hand sought by its gentle pressure to re-assure him.
"Instantly restore it, Sir Thomas!" cried Richard Assheton, pale with rage, "or " "What will you do, young sir?" rejoined the knight tauntingly, and plucking the flower in pieces. "You can get another from the fair nymph who gave you this."
Meanwhile, Mistress Nutter having made her excuses to Lady Assheton for not attending the supper, walked down the hall with her daughter, until such time as the dancing and pastimes should commence.
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