"Lady, lady!" cried Ida Mara, addressing her mistress, who was lying down to take some repose, "here is somebody coming whom I think I know--I will run down and meet him." "Be careful, be careful, Ida!" said Arabella; "if they were to discover you, and drive you from me, what should I do?" "Something must be risked, dear lady," answered her attendant. "I am sure that is our friend." And away she went, with a light step, down the stairs, and out by a side door. Knowing that she might be seen from the windows, she walked slowly and deliberately along the path, till she reached the spot where Markham stood with his bundle. "What news?" she said, pausing beside him. "All is going on right," he replied; "a ship is hired, and will be ready in a few days. 'Tis a French vessel taking in a cargo, and may be known by the flag. It will be at Leigh; but, in the meantime, let the lady know that friends, with horses ready for her service, are always to be found at a small inn, called the 'Rose,' on the road from this place to Newington." "What have you got there?" asked Ida Mara. "Some woman's apparel at the top," answered Markham, "sent by the Countess of Hertford; but, underneath, there is a disguise for the lady, in case of need." "Will they not open it at the house?" inquired Ida. "No, no!" replied Markham; "the man's dress is so folded up that they cannot see it, without cutting open the cloth it is wrapped in. But here comes somebody from the house; have you any tidings to give me?" "Not as yet," rejoined the pretty Italian, in haste; "when I have, I will send it to the Rose." "That will do, that will do," replied Markham. "Now, remember, I have asked you if the Lady Arabella is here? That I have come with these things from Sir Thomas Parry's, where they have been left by mistake. You may pay me something for my labour if you will, for I am to be a porter, you know." "How much do you charge?" asked Ida Mara, with a smile, taking out her purse. "Not less than half-a-crown, Madam," answered her companion, as Mr. Conyers approached; "remember, it is a long way." "Oh, that is too much," said Ida, "for carrying such a package as this--it is very light;" and she lifted it with her hand. "Not so light, to bring seven miles, mistress," rejoined Markham, acting his part with skill, acquired by long practice. "Ask this gentleman if I charge too much." "What is the matter?" demanded Mr. Conyers, coming up. "He asks half-a-crown, sir," said Ida Mara, turning round, "for carrying this parcel hither from Lambeth, where it was forgotten this morning." "You had better give it him," replied Mr. Conyers, smiling; "it is a long way." The fair Italian put the half-crown into Markham's hand, saying, "Well, take it up to the house, then. I will come after you, and carry it up to the lady's room."