"We must not forget, dear heart," was John's answer, "that though we are unto him in place of elders [parents], Robin is truly his own master, even afore he be of full age. He is not our ward in law, neither in articles nor apprenticeship; and he hath but himself to please. And even were we to let [hinder] him now (when I doubt not his natural kindly and obedient feeling for us should cause him to assent thereto), yet bethink thee that in a year and an half, when he cometh to his mature age, he shall be at liberty in every way. There be many husbands in the realm younger than he; and truly, I see no way but leaving him to his will, so soon only as we can be satisfied that it is no mere passing fantasy that swayeth him, but that his heart and mind are verily set and engaged therein. Remember, we have no right over him; and think yet again, that his choice (so far as I am able to judge) is a thorough good one. I see not what else may be done." "But he did refer him unto our judgment by asking me thereon," said Isoult. "Truth," he answered; "wherein he showed his own judgment and wisdom, and himself to be a good and gentle lad, as he is alway. The more reason, sweet heart, that our judgment should be gracious, and should lean unto his wishes, so far as we may in right dealing and love unto himself consent thereto. And in good sooth, I see no cause for dissent." "Then," said Isoult, somewhat surprised, though she scarcely knew why she should have expected any other decision, "thou wilt speak unto Mr Rose?" "Certainly," said he, "if Robin desire it." "And we really shall have a wedding!" said Isoult. "I said not that, dear heart," answered John, smiling. "Mr Rose may refuse consent; or were he to give it, methinks I should allgates [at all events] move (wherein I would look for Rose to agree with me) that it should not be by and bye [immediately]; but to wait until Robin be fairly settled in his calling." The calling which Robin had chosen was holy orders. He was studying divinity, and Bishop Ridley had already promised to ordain him when he should arrive at the proper age, if he were satisfied as to his fitness on examination. Mr Rose directed his reading--a fact which had caused him to be thrown rather more into Thekla's society than he might otherwise have been, in his frequent visits to West Ham, and occasional waiting required when the Vicar happened to be absent. "But, Jack!" cried Isoult, with a sudden pang of fear, "supposing that the King were to die issueless (as God defend!) and the Lady Mary to come in, and set up again the mass, and--" "And the Bloody Statute," he answered, reading her thought. "Then we should have a second Walter Mallet." "And Thekla to be Grace!" murmured Isoult, her voice faltering. "O Jack, that were dreadful! Could we do nought to let it?" "Yes," he said in a constrained tone. "We might do two things to let it. Either to hinder their marriage, or to let Robin from receiving orders."