I felt the kindness under the rough exterior, and still, as it were, holding my senses together by main force, I followed the turnkey's wife to the market, feeling all the time like one in a bad dream. Presently a decent old serving man ran against me. "I crave pardon," said a familiar voice, hastily, and then in a tone of utmost wonder: "Can it be—surely it is Mistress Loveday, who used to wait upon my lady." I looked at him in surprise, and recognized John Symonds. "But how came you here, in such a plight and in such company?" he asked, in a tone which it was perhaps as well the dame did not hear. "It is a long story," said I; "but, John, will my mistress see me, think you? I am in deep trouble, and not a friend to help me." "I dare be sworn she will," he answered. "But where are you staying?" I told him. "Ay, I know the place. Well, Mistress Corbet, I will come to see you after nightfall. The sun does not shine on our side of the hedge any more than on yours, but my lady is not any lady if she find not some way to help you." [Illustration] CHAPTER XVII. THE WANDERERS. I WAS utterly worn out when I reached Dame Giles's little hostel. She had never missed me it seemed, and I slipped quietly into mine own room. I felt that I had not one atom of endurance left, and throwing myself on the bed, I fell, I suppose, into a deep sleep, from which I did not wake till noon. Then I arose, bathed my face, and put myself into decent trim. As I was mending my tattered gown, Dame Giles entered the room. I made her sit down by me, and told her where I had been. She shook her head disapprovingly. "'Twas a great risk, and yet I can not blame you," said she; "but how did you bruise your face so sadly?" I told her my adventure with the child. "'Twas a great deal to do for a child no ways akin to you," said she; "but I dare to say you never thought of that." "No, indeed!" I answered. "Since mine own babe was given me, I feel that all children are akin to me, for her sweet sake. But now that I am decent once more, I will finish your ruffle while I have time, since one can not tell from one hour to another what will happen, or would you rather I made some more cakes, that you may be sure you understand the confection?" For I had learned in Holland to make certain light sweet-cakes, which, boiled in hot lard, were both toothsome and wholesome, and I had been practicing my skill for the benefit of the good woman, my hostess. Dame Giles looked at me in wonder, and indeed I could not but wonder at myself. I seemed somehow so strangely held up above my sorrow and care.