Idonia lifted her eyebrows pretty high, hearing me speak so, but presently shut up the book, and putting it by, said a little wearily-- "I had meant to help you, Denis, but you are over-dull, I find; or if you be apt 'tis not in learning. Some lads there be think to get a living other ways, though other ways I know not to be so honest, though haply as easy." 'Twas on my tongue to retort upon her with a speech in the same kind, but I had to confess I could not frame one half so wittily, and therefore said very tragical-- "I stay not where I am not welcome," and taking up my cap, bowed very low to Idonia, who for her part, paid no heed to me, and although I halted once or twice on my way to the door, stood averse from me, as being careless whether I stayed or went. "I am not reckoned over-dull at sword play," I muttered, when I had got as far as I could, without departing altogether. "Oh, if you think to fence for a living, sir," said Idonia, over her shoulder, "I pity your father." "He needs none of your pity, mistress," cried I. "I know not where better to bestow it," she replied, "unless it be upon a boy with twelve shillings and no wit to add to them." Now, how one I had so handsomely benefited could yet run into this excess of obstinacy as she did, I stood astonished to consider, and in my heart called her a thankless wench, and myself a preposterous ass to remain there any longer. Notwithstanding had I had the sense to read the account between us whole, I doubt Mistress Avenon owed not a whit more to me than I to her; although in my resentment she seemed then a very Jacob Hornebolt, and as gross a defaulter upon the balance as that dilatory Hollander. "Then I leave you to better companionship," said I, having run my length, "and to such as have at the least the wit to please you, which I have not, all done." What she would have said to that I cannot guess, for before she could speak there came a thundering rattle at the door and a voice calling upon her to open in the Queen's name. "Dear God!" whispered the girl. "'Tis the soldiers come," and stood facing me, distraught and quaking. "Is it you they seek?" I asked, quick, but could not hear what she answered me, for the knocking drowned all. "Up the ladder," I bade her. "Go, and draw it after. I will abide the event." 'Twas this advice steadied her, although she refused it. Instead, she shook off my hand that would have led her, and going to the ladder by which I had descended, drew it away from the trap in the wall and laid it along the floor. "They would but use the same means to follow me," she said, and so without more ado went to the door and opened it. A score of halberdiers burst into the hall. "What is your will, masters?" demanded Idonia; and her pride I had before denounced I found commendable enough, now she directed it against these intruders.