"Pray you, who be the chief here of them of the new learning? We be strangers in these parts, and should be well a-paid to know whither we may seek our friends. Our hostess here, I am aware, is of them; but for others I scarce know. The name of White was dropped in mine hearing, and likewise Fishcock; who be they, trow? And dwells there not a certain Mistress Brandridge, or some such?--and a Master Hall or Ball-- some whither in this neighbourhood, that be friends unto such as love not the papistical ways?" "Look you now, I'll do you to wit all thereanent," said Collet confidentially. "For Fishcock, that was he that first spake unto you; he is a butcher, and dwelleth nigh the church. Nicholas White, yon big man yonder, that toppeth most of his neighbours, hath an ironmongery shop a-down in the further end of the village. Brandridge have we not: but Mistress Bradbridge--" "Mistress, here's your master a-wanting you!" came suddenly in John Banks' clear tones; and Collette, hastily lifting her basket, and apologising for the sudden termination of her usefulness, departed quickly. "She that hath hastened away is Mistress Wilson, methinks?" asked the inquisitive traveller of the person next him, who happened to be Mary Banks. Mary looked quietly up into the animated face, and glanced at his companion also before replying. Then she said quietly-- "No, my master; Mistress Wilson is not now here." "Then what name hath she?" "I cry you mercy, Master; I have no time to tarry." The grave man in the corner gave a grim smile as Mary turned away. "You took not much by that motion, Malledge," he said in a low tone. "I took a good deal by the former," replied Malledge, with a laugh. "Beside, I lacked it not; I wis well the name of my useful friend that is now gone her way. I did but ask to draw on more talk. But one matter I have not yet." These words were spoken in an undertone, audible only to the person to whom they were addressed; and the speaker turned back to join in the general conversation. But before they had obtained any further information, the well-known sounds of the hunt came through the open door, and the whole company turned forth to see the hunters and hounds go by. Most of them did not return, but dispersed in the direction of their various homes, and from the few who did nothing was to be drawn. John Banks walked away with Nicholas White. "Saw you those twain?" he asked, when they had left the White Hart a little way behind them. "The strange men? Ay, I saw them." "I misdoubt if they come for any good purpose." "Ay so?" said Nicholas in apparent surprise. "What leads you to that thought, trow?" "I loved not neither of their faces; nor I liked not of their talk. That shorter man was for ever putting questions anent the folks in this vicinage that loved the Gospel; and Collet Pardue told him more than she should, or I mistake."