_John_ and she being gone to bed together, and the Maide likewise, it was not long after, before _Frederigo_ came, and knocking once softly at the doore, which was very neere to their lodging Chamber, _John_ heard the noise, and so did his wife. But to the end, that _John_ might not have the least scruple of suspition, she seemed to be fast asleepe; and _Frederigo_ pausing a while, according to the order directed, knockt againe the second time. _John_ wondering thereat very much, jogd his wife a little, and saide to her: _Tessa_, hearest thou nothing? Me thinkes one knocketh at our doore. _Monna Tessa_, who was better acquainted with the knocke, then plaine honest meaning _John_ was, dissembling as if shee awaked out of a drowsie dreame, saide: Alas Husband, dost thou know what this is? In the name of our blessed Ladie, be not affraid, this is but the Spirit which haunts our Countrey houses, whereof I have often told thee, and it hath many times much dismayed me, living heere alone without thy comfort. Nay, such hath bin my feare, that in divers nights past, so soone as I heard the knockes: I was feigne to hide my selfe in the bedde over-head and eares (as we usually say) never daring to be so bold, as to looke out, untill it was broad open day. Arise good wife (quoth _John_) and if it be such a Spirit of the Countrey, as thou talkest of, never be affraid; for before we went to bed, I said the _Telucis_, the _Intemerata_, with many other good prayers beside. Moreover, I made the signe of the Crosse at every corner of our bed, in the name of the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, so that no doubt at all needs to be made, of any power it can have to hurt or touch us.