"Marry, thus said Cicely Marvell, that dwelleth by me. But for me, I saw none so much therein to make ado o'er. `God loveth men'--ay, to be sure He doth so: and `we should love God'--why, of course we so should, and do. Forsooth, what then, I pray you?" "Why, then, much comfort, as meseemeth," answered Agnes. "Comfort!" repeated Mrs Flint, looking at her. "Ay, poor soul, I dare say thou hast need. But I lack no comfort at this present, the blessed Sacrament be thanked! I have enough and to spare." And, half laughing, with a farewell nod, Mrs Flint took up her full pail, and trudged away. With some surprise Agnes realised that to this cheerful, healthy, prosperous woman, the ray of light which was making her whole soul glad, was not worth opening the windows to behold; the wine of Paradise which brimmed her cup with joy, was only common water. Perhaps, before that light could make a happy heart glad, other lights must be put out; before the water could be changed to wine, other conduits must run dry. It was well for Agnes Stone that she had nothing wherewith to quench her thirst but the cup of salvation, and no light to shine upon her pathway but the light of life. CHAPTER FOUR. THE ROOT OF THE MATTER. "My Christ He is the Heaven of Heavens-- My Christ what shall I call? My Christ is first, my Christ is last, My Christ is all in all." _John Mason_. As Agnes toiled home with her weary burden, she met her own special favourite, little Will. "Look you, Mistress Agnes!" cried little Will, triumphantly holding up his horn-book. "I can say all my Christ-Cross-Row [alphabet]--every letter!" "Dear heart!" returned Agnes, sympathising in her little friend's pleasure. "And as to-morrow I am to join the letters!" exclaimed little Will again, in high exultation. "I trust thou wilt be a good lad, Will, and apply thee diligently." "Oh, ay," said Will, dismissing that part of the question somewhat curtly. "And look you, I met, an half-hour gone, with the Black Friar that preached at the Cross th' other morrow; and he saw my horn-book, and asked at me if I knew the same. And when I said I so did, what did he, think you, but sat him down of a stone, and would needs have me for to say it all o'er unto him. And I made but one only blunder; I said, `Q, S, R,' in the stead of `Q, R, S.' And he strake mine head, and said I was a good lad, and he would I should go on with my learning till I might read in the great Bible that lieth chained in the Minster." "Well-a-day! did he so?" responded Agnes. "Ay, so did he. But wot you what Christie Marvell saith? He saith 'tis rare evil doing that any save a priest should read in yon big book, and he hath heard his father for to say the same. And he saith old Father Dan, the Cordelier, that is alway up and down hereabout, he said unto him that he would not for no money that he should learn to read the Evangel, for that it should do him a mischief. What think you, Mistress Agnes?"