"And who on earth gave you a gown of the Lady's?" "Her own self!--and, Stephen, it is of her own wearing; she hadn't done with it; but she gave it me, and she was so nice!--so much nicer than all the others except Cumina." "Well, if ever I did!" gasped Stephen. "Derette, you are a terrible child! I never saw your like." "I don't know what I've done that's terrible," replied the child. "I'm sure Agnes won't think it terrible to have that pretty gown to wear. What is terrible about it, Stephen?" They had left the Castle a few yards behind, were over the drawbridge, and winding down the narrow descent, when a sharp call of "Ste-phen!" brought them to a standstill. "Oh dear, that's Cousin Anania!" exclaimed Derette. "Let me run on, Stephen, and you go back and see what she wants." "Nay, I must not do that, child. The Lady sent orders that I was to see you home. You'll have to go back with me." "But she'll worry so! She'll want to know all about the gown, and then she'll want it undone, and I'm sure she'll mess it up--and Cumina folded it so smooth and nice:" urged Derette in a distressed tone. "We won't let her," answered Stephen, quietly, as they came to the entrance gate. "Well, what's up, Anania?" "What's Derette doing here? Who came with her? Where are you going?-- and what's in that fardel?" "Oh, is that all you're after? I'll answer those questions when I come back. I've got to take Derette home just now." "You'll answer them before you go an inch further, if you please. That child's always in some mischief, and you aid and abet her a deal too often." "But I don't please. I am under orders, Anania, and I can't stop now." "At least you'll tell me what's in the fardel!" cried Anania, as Stephen turned to go on his way without loosing his hold of the parcel. "A gown which the Lady has given to Derette," said Stephen mischievously, "and she sent commands that I was to escort her home with it." "A gown!--the Lady!--Derette!" screamed Anania. "Not one of her own?-- why on earth should she give Derette a gown?" "That's the Lady's business, not mine." "Yes, one of her own," said Derette proudly. "But what on earth for? She hasn't given me a gown, and I am sure I want it more than that child--and deserve it, too." "Perhaps you haven't asked her," suggested Derette, trotting after Stephen, who was already half-way across the bridge. "Asked her! I should hope not, indeed--I know my place, if you don't. You never mean to say you asked her?" "I can't stop to talk, Cousin Anania." "But which gown is it?--tell me that!" cried Anania, in an agony of disappointed curiosity. "It's a crimson woollen one. Good morrow." "What! never that lovely robe she had on yesterday? Saints bless us all!" was the last scream that reached them from Anania. Stephen laughed merrily as Derette came up with him. "We have got clear of the dragon this time," said he. A few minutes brought them to the Walnut Tree.