They passed under the entrance arch inwards, and found themselves in a smaller garden than the outer, enclosed on three sides by the house and its adjacent outbuildings. In the midst was a spreading tree, with a form underneath it; and in its shade sat a lady and a girl about the age of Amphillis. Another girl was gathering flowers, and an elderly woman was coming towards the tree from behind. Saint Oly conducted Amphillis to the lady who sat under the tree. "Dame," said he, "here, under your good leave, is Mistress Amphillis Neville, that is come to you from London town, to serve her you wot of." This, then, was Lady Foljambe. Amphillis looked up, and saw a tall, handsome, fair-complexioned woman, with a rather grave, not to say stern, expression of face. "Good," said Lady Foljambe. "You are welcome, Mistress Neville. I trust you can do your duty, and not giggle and chatter?" The girl who sat by certainly giggled on hearing this question, and Lady Foljambe extinguished her by a look. "I will do my best, Dame," replied Amphillis, nervously. "None can do more," said her Ladyship more graciously. "Are you aweary with your journey?" "But a little, Dame, I thank you. Our stage to-day was but short." "You left your friends well?" was the next condescending query. "Yes, Dame, I thank you." Lady Foljambe turned her head. "Perrote!" she said. "Dame!" answered the elderly woman. "Take the damsel up to your Lady's chambers, and tell her what her duties will be.--Mistress Neville, one matter above all other must I press upon you. Whatever you see or hear in your Lady's chamber is never to come beyond. You will company with my damsels, Agatha--" with a slight move of her head towards the girl at her side--"and Marabel,"-- indicating by another gesture the one who was gathering flowers. "Remember, in your leisure times, when you are talking together, no mention of _your_ Lady must ever be made. If you hear it, rebuke it. If you make it, you may not like that which shall follow. Be wise and discreet, and you shall find it for your good. Chatter and be giddy, and you shall find it far otherwise. Now, follow Mistress Perrote." Amphillis louted silently, and as silently followed. The elderly woman, who was tall, slim, and precise-looking, led her into the house, and up the stairs. When two-thirds of them were mounted, she turned to the left along a passage, lifted a heavy curtain which concealed its end, and let it drop again behind them. They stood in a small square tower, on a little landing which gave access to three doors. The door on the right hand stood ajar; the middle one was closed; but the left was not only closed, but locked and barred heavily. Mistress Perrote led the way into the room on the right, a pleasant chamber, which looked out into the larger garden.