When Isoult came down into the little parlour the day after, she was surprised to find there a stranger, in close conversation with Lady Lisle and Philippa. She hesitated a moment whether to enter, but Lady Lisle desired her to come in; so she sat down and began to work. Little of the conversation reached her, for it was conducted almost in whispers; until the door opened, and Lady Frances came slowly into the room. A quick colour rose to her cheek, and she slightly compressed her lips; but she came forward, the stranger, a dark good-looking man, kissing her hand before she sat down. "Is there aught new, Mr Monke?" asked Philippa, changing the conversation. "I have heard but one thing," said he, "yet is that somewhat strange. My Lord's Grace of Canterbury is become a Gospeller." "Wherefore, gramercy?" inquired Lady Lisle, scornfully. "Wherefore not, I can say," said Philippa. "'Twill scarce serve to curry Favelle." [Note 8.] "Very little, as I think," answered Mr Monke. "As to the wherefore, Madam, mecounteth my Lord Archbishop is gone according unto his conscience. 'Tis his wont, as men do know." "Humph!" was all Lady Lisle said. "Men's consciences do lead them by mighty diverse ways now o' days," observed Philippa. "I little wis wherefore all men cannot be of one fashion of belief, as they were aforetime. Thirty years gone, all was peace in religion." "The dead are at peace ever, Sister," said Frances, softly. "The living it is that differ." "`Living,' quotha!" exclaimed Lady Lisle. "Thy fashion of talk is aside of me, Frank.--But what think you, Mr Monke? Hath every man the born right to do that which is good in his eyes, or should he bow and submit his conscience and will unto holy Church and the King's Highness' pleasure?" Lady Lisle spoke scornfully; but Frances turned and looked earnestly at Mr Monke. Isoult did the same, and she wondered to see his face change and his eyes kindle. "Madam," said he, "maybe your Ladyship doth but set a trap for to hear what I shall say touching this matter. But verily, if I must tell mine opinion, in matters so near to a man's heart and conscience as are his soul and her affinity with God, methinks neither the King's Highness' pleasure, neither the teaching of the Church, hath much ado. I would say that a man should submit his will to God's will, and his conscience to God's Word, and no otherwise." Lady Frances' eyes were radiant, and a quick flush was kindled on her cheeks. Her mother rose from her chair. "Are you a Gospeller?" she said, yet in a tone from which no one could have guessed whether she were one herself or not. "I am so, Madam," answered Mr Monke, his colour deepening, but his voice as firm as ever. "Then get you gone out of mine house," cried she in a rage, "and come hither no more a-tempting of my daughter!"