But so it was, and it grew to be quite a custom for Master Peasegood to welcome Father Brisdone daily, and lay his pipe ready to his hand when he seated himself at the table. "Yes," said Master Peasegood, as they sat together; "our gay spark has come back, and he has had a long talk with Jeremiah Cobbe. He wants to have our little maiden's hand." "But he must not," cried Father Brisdone, excitedly. "Better that she should enter some holy walls as the bride of Christ." "Humph!" ejaculated Master Peasegood; "I don't quite agree with you there, brother; but we will not argue. I am with you that he should not marry our little maiden. By the way, he let drop to friend Cobbe something about you." "How know you this?" said the father. "Why Cobbe told me, to be sure." "Under the seal of confession?" "Seal of stuff!" cried Master Peasegood, testily. "I don't confess. He told me, and asked my advice, and I tell my most intimate friend. Look here, brother. It seems they won't let thee alone." "Indeed! And why?" "There's a rumour out that thou art down here to purchase powder for some new plot, and Master Cobbe is in a fine way about it." "And you? What did you say to him?" "Told him he was a fool." "Hah!" said Father Brisdone. "I was just in the humour," said Master Peasegood. "I am just in the humour now. Why I'd rather marry the poor girl myself than see her handed over to that court pie." "And Master Cobbe--what says he?" "That he'd sooner see her in her grave." "Poor girl, poor, sweet girl!" said Father Brisdone. "It must not be, brother. We must fight on the other side." "There'll be no need." "Nay, but there will. Yon spark is cunning and crafty, and he will work upon the old man till he consents. If they have designs against me, I may at any time be removed or have to flee. If this be so, I leave you to on that poor girl's side to the very last." "Have you seen her lately?" "I was there four days since for a good and pleasant hour," said Father Brisdone, with a sigh. "Nay," he said, smiling, "look not so suspiciously; I said no word on religion to her. What need was there when her breast is so pure and free from guile?" Master Peasegood stretched out his broad fat hand, and pressed that of his friend. "Thank you, brother," he said, smiling. "It's strange how we have drifted together. I'll confess it; I've tried hard indirectly, and hoped to get thee over to our Church." "Not harder than I have tried indirectly with thee," said Father Brisdone, smiling. "Ah, brother, why should we trouble ourselves about it when we are both journeying on the highway. You like to walk in boots, and I prefer sandals." "Hah, yes," said Master Peasegood; "but then I do save my feet from the grit, and dust, and thorns of the way." "Yes, but then I travel with shaven crown and cooler head than you in your thick flap hat." "Yes, perhaps so. But there, there, why should we discourse about such matters?"