torture-chamber, and the public disgrace, and the awful death of fire. How could she bear those, either for herself or for Pandora? These painful meditations were broken in upon by a remark from the Justice. "There is some strong ale brewing, I warrant you, for some of our great doctors and teachers of this vicinage. I heard t'other day, from one that shall be nameless--indeed, I would not mention the matter, but we be all friends and good Catholics here--" Mistress Collenwood's eyes were lifted a moment from her plate, but then went down again in silence. "Well, I heard say two men of my Lord Cardinal's had already been a-spying about these parts, for to win the names of such as were suspect: and divers in and nigh Staplehurst shall hear more than they wot of, ere many days be over. Mine hostess at the White Hart had best look out, and--well, there be others; more in especial this Master Ro-- Come, I'll let be the rest." "I trust you have not said too much already," remarked Mr Roberts rather uneasily. That the Justice also feared he had been indiscreet was shown by his slight testiness in reply. "Tush! how could I? There's never a serving-man in the chamber, and we be all safe enough. Not the tail of a word shall creep forth, be sure." "`Three may keep counsel, if twain be away,'" said Mr Roberts, shaking his head with a good-humoured smile. "They do not alway then," added Mistress Collenwood drily. "Well, well!" said the Justice, "you wot well enough, every one of you, the matter must go no further. Mind you, niece Gertrude, you slip it not forth to some chattering maid of your acquaintance." "Oh, I am safe enough, good Uncle," laughed Gertrude. "Indeed, I hope we be all discreet in such dangerous matters," added Mistress Grena. Only Mrs Collenwood and Pandora were silent. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. OUT OF HEART. "Aunt Grena," said Pandora Roberts, "if it stand with your pleasure, may I have leave to visit little Christabel Hall this fine morrow?" "Thou shouldst, my dear heart, with my very good will," was the kindly answer; "but misfortunately, at this time I am not in case to accompany thee." Pandora did not reply, but she looked greatly disappointed, when her aunt, Mistress Collenwood, suggested-- "Could not old Osmund go with her, Grena?" "He might, if it were matter of grave concern," replied Mistress Grena, in a tone which indicated that the concern would have to be very grave indeed. "Well, Dorrie, thou mayest clear those troubled eyes," said Mistress Collenwood with a smile: "for I myself will accompany thee to visit thy friend." "You, Aunt Francis? Oh, I thank you!" said Pandora joyfully, passing in a moment from distress to delight.