"My mistress was ever a most noble lady, and the best of wives and mothers," said I. "I can believe any good of her, whether in prosperity or adversity." "And his Grace keeps court favor still?" asked mine uncle. "Ay—that is, he keeps that of the king, albeit he has enemies enough, for he hath never made any secret of his principles. Gardiner hates him, like the venomous adder that he is." "Nephew, nephew, deliver all with charity!" said my aunt, rather shocked. "I crave pardon, madam—of the snake," answered Walter, with a flash of his old fun in his eyes. "The poor reptile at least only acts out his nature, and uses no deceit. Gardiner is as much a Papist as ever he was, and so it will be seen if that side ever again gets uppermost." "But will it ever, think you?" "Not if our gracious Prince Edward is preserved to us. But he is a delicate lad, or so it is said, and failing him the Lady Mary is the next heir. Every one knows what her bent is; and besides that, her nature has been cankered and embittered by her own wrongs and those of her mother." "Small wonder, poor thing!" remarked my uncle. "Yet might she remember that both Tyndale and Luther took her mother's part. But come to my room, kinsman, and change your dress for somewhat more befitting, and then, when you have dined, we will hear your adventures." Walter's adventures were soon told. He had fallen under suspicion for preaching and teaching, and his Grace had thought it best for him to fly while there was yet time. He had heard that a new pastor was needed in the English community at Rotterdam, and had come hither to offer his services, till the time should come when he could return in safety to his beloved cure in Devon. I know not exactly how the matter was arranged, but Walter was soon installed as pastor over the small English congregation, and delivered his first sermon to the satisfaction of every one; though I believe some of the Dutch scholars who attended on the occasion, thought he was not sufficiently metaphysical, and that he dwelt too much on the need of good works. But his own people were content; so it mattered the less. A small parsonage was attached to the church, presided over by a somewhat severe English dame, and here Walter took up his lodging, though I think he supped as often at our house as at his own. A month after he was fairly settled in his new home and occupation, Walter asked me to be his wife. It was no great surprise to me, and I did not pretend that it was; but I asked him if his conscience was quite clear as to marrying after he had taken his vow of celibacy.