"And now, let us see what books you have brought," said she. "Nothing seditious, I trust, since Mistress Corbet hath given her personal security that you do not deal in such matters, and it were a pity to shame her." "There is no fear of her being shamed by me!" said Master Hall. "At least so far as that goes—but knowing your Grace to be fond of prints and the like, I have ventured to bring two or three, and also some music books, if your Grace will accept so small an offering." "In truth, Master Hall, we shall be your debtors!" answered the Duchess. "My daughter was even now petitioning for new music. Frances, let me hear you make your acknowledgments to Master Hall for the pleasure he hath given us." Lady Frances did so in her usual pretty, frank fashion. Master Hall answered a question or two about the prints, and was just upon taking his leave, when the Duke entered. There was an unusual cloud on his brow, and he looked both grave and angry. "What gear is here?" he asked. "Ha, my good friend, Master Hall, this is a fortunate chance. I have business with you, and was about to send for you. Leave the ladies with their books, and come you to my cabinet. This is a matter that brooks no delay?" I saw Master Hall change color for a moment, and then he was himself again. As he bade me good-night, he whispered in my ear: "Loveday, if I am not seen again, take my love and blessing to Margaret." It may be believed I had no stomach for music that night, and the Duchess seeing or guessing that something was the matter, dismissed me at an early hour. The next morning, she sent for me to come to her at least an hour earlier than usual. When I entered her dressing room, I found the Duke there before me. "Mistress Corbet," said he, after he had himself closed the door, and made sure there were no eavesdroppers, "my wife tells me that you are a model of discretion, and can keep secrets." "Her Grace praises me too highly," said I, wondering what could be coming next. "I may venture to say that I am no tale-pyet at the least." "I trust not, for in truth I have to put into your hands a somewhat weighty matter. A warrant will be issued this morning to take your friends, Master Hall and his wife, for heresy, and for publishing and selling heretical books." The world seemed to turn round with me, but I did not altogether lose my wits. "I must warn them!" were the words which seemed to come of themselves from my lip. "There is no need!" said his Grace. "They have already escaped, and I have good hope that they are by this time beyond reach of pursuit." "May God bless your Grace!" said I. "Nay, you are not to think that I had any thing to do with the matter, and it is of this I would warn you!" said he. "But now of warnings that concern your own safety. Had you any books or other things with your name on at Mistress Hall's?" "No, your Grace?"