“Lady,” he said, with more deference in his voice, “step aside with me, I would speak with you privately,” and he walked to the window, where she followed him. “Now tell me, what was the value of these properties of yours?” “I know not rightly, Sir, but I have heard my father say about £300 a year.” His manner became more deferential still, since for those days such wealth was great. “Indeed, my Lady. A large sum, a very comfortable fortune if you can get it back. Now I will be frank with you. The King’s Commissioners are not well paid and their costs are great. If I so arrange your matters that you come to your own again and that the judgment of witchcraft pronounced against you and your servant is annulled, will you promise to pay me one year’s rent of these estates to meet the various expenses I must incur on your behalf?” Now it was Cicely’s turn to think. “Surely,” she answered at length, “if you will add a condition--that these good sisters shall be left undisturbed in their Nunnery.” He shook his fat head. “It is not possible now. The thing is too public. Why, the Lord Cromwell would say I had been bribed, and I might lose my office.” “Well, then,” went on Cicely, “if you will promise that one year of grace shall be given to them to make arrangements for their future.” “That I can do,” he answered, nodding, “on the ground that they are of blameless life, and have protected you from the King’s enemy. But this is an uncertain world; I must ask you to sign an indenture, and its form will be that you acknowledge to have received from me a loan of £300 to be repaid with interest when you recover your estates.” “Draw it up and I will sign, Sir.” “Good, Madam; and now that we may get this business through, you will accompany me to London, where you will be safe from harm. We’ll not ride to-day, but to-morrow morning at the light.” “Then my servant Emlyn must come also, Sir, to help me with the babe, and Thomas Bolle too, for he can prove that the witchcraft upon which we were condemned was but his trickery.” “Yes, yes; but the costs of travel for so many will be great. Have you, perchance, any money?” “Yes, Sir, about £50 in gold that is sewn up in one of Emlyn’s robes.” “Ah! A sufficient sum. Too much indeed to be risked upon your persons in these rough times. You will let me take charge of half of it for you?” “With pleasure, Sir, trusting you as I do. Keep to your bargain and I will keep to mine.” “Good. When Thomas Legh is fairly dealt with, Thomas Legh deals fairly, no man can say otherwise. This afternoon I will bring the deed, and you’ll give me that £25 in charge.” Then, followed by Cicely, he returned to where the Prioress sat, and said--