"You have seen your beloved father, my dear master. And I do not think he told you that the Lord dealt ungently with him." Four hours earlier, as I was sewing in my chamber, Barbara came to me. "Mistress," said she, "below is Mrs Basset, and with her two ladies in doole." Methought these might perhaps be the Lady Elizabeth Jobson and Mr James Basset's widow, whom she had brought with her; and down went I to greet Philippa. But I found the two ladies were strangers; at the least I knew not their faces. I greeted Philippa, and sat down, when I had louted to the others; but to mine amaze one of the ladies saith-- "Mrs Avery, have you forgot Kate Ashley?" I rose in astonishment, and begged my Lady Ashley's pardon, for of a surety I had not known her. So I took her by the hand and kissed her; and was about to sit down again, when, with a smile that I could scarce fail to know, the other stranger saith-- "And hath Isoult Barry forgot Anne Basset?" "My darling Nan!" cried I, "that I should not have known _thee_." "Nay," saith she, again with her own sweet smile, "'tis no marvel, dear heart, seeing thou hast not seen me for sixteen years." For I had missed seeing her in the procession at Queen Mary's coronation. Then after we had embraced, Philippa said-- "I scantly know, Isoult, if thou wilt be glad to see us, considering the ill news we bring." "Why, Philippa, what ill news?" asked I. "I heard of thy brother's death,--Mr James,--and writ to thee thereupon,"--for methought Philippa had not received my letter. "Ay, I had thy letter, and I thank thee for it," answered she. "But hast heard aught further?" "No," said I, fearfully. "What is it, Philippa?" "Kate," she pursued, "hath brought us woeful news from Potheridge--the death of Frances, twenty days ago." "Frances?" I well-nigh startled at mine own cry. "An ill time," addeth Philippa, "close on James's death. We have hardly time to dry our eyes betwixt them." "The right time, dear heart," said my Lady Ashley, gently. "God knoweth best when His corn is ripe." "Was she ever other, if thou mean ripe for heaven?" said she. "Perhaps," answered my Lady Ashley, "we could not see much difference, but He might." I begged her to tell me, if she were present, any particulars of the matter.