SELWICK HALL, NOVEMBER YE XXIV. My good _Protection_ tells me 'tis country fashion to count such matter deceit, and should never obtain in the Court at all. And he asked me if _Father_ were not given to be a little _Puritan_--he smiling the while as though to be a _Puritan_ were somewhat not over well-liked of the great. Then I told him that I knew not well his meaning, for that word was strange unto me. So he said that word _Puritan_ was of late come up, to denote certain precise folk that did desire for to be better than their neighbours, and most of them only to make a talk, and get themselves well accounted of by such common minds as should take them at their own appraisement. "Not, of course," saith he, "that such could ever be the case with a gentleman of Sir _Audrey's_ worshipfulness, and with such an angel in his house to guard him from all ill." I did not well like this, for I would alway have _Father_ right well accounted of, and not thought to fall into mean country ways. But then 'gan he to talk of mine eyes, which he is ever a-praising, and after a while I forgat my disease. Still, I cannot right away with what _Father_ said. If only _Father_ and _Mother_ could know all about this matter, and really consent thereto, I would be a deal happier. But my _Protection_ saith that were contrary unto all custom of love-matters, and they must well know the same: for in all matters where the elders do wit and order the same themselves, 'tis always stupid and humdrum for the young folks, and no romance left therein at all. "It should suit well with Mistress _Nell_," saith he, "from what I do hear touching her conditions [disposition]: but never were meet for the noble and generous soul of my fairest _Amiability_, that is far above all such mean things." So I reckon, if the same always be, I must be content, and not trouble me touching _Father's_ and _Mother's_ knowing. But I do marvel if _Father_ and _Mother_ did the like their own selves, for I know they married o' love. Howbeit, _Mother_ had none elders then living, nor _Father_ neither, now I come to think thereon: wherefore with them 'twas other matter. Sithence I writ that last, come _Alice_ and _Blanche Lewthwaite_, and their _Robin_, to four-hours: and mighty strange it is how folk be for ever a-saying things as though they wist what I were a-thinking. Here _Blanche_ saith to _Nell_, that she would account that no jolly wedding where her elders had ordered all for her, but would fain choose for herself. "I would likewise fain have my choice go along therewith," saith _Nell_, "and so, doubtless, would every maid: nor do I think that any father and mother should desire otherwise. But thou signifiest not, surely, _Blanche_, that thou shouldst love to order the whole matter thine own self, apart from thine elders' pleasure altogether?" "Ay, but I would," saith she: "it should have a deal better zest."