The varlet, as he was then called, followed Mr Altham into the shop. Aralet is a contraction of this word. But varlet, at that date, was a term of wide signification, including any type of personal attendant. The varlet of a duke would be a gentleman by birth and education, for gentlemen were not above serving nobles even in very menial positions. People had then, in some respects, "less nonsense about them" than now, and could not see that it was any degradation for one man to hand a plate to another. Alexandra rose when the varlet made his appearance. She did not keep a heart, and she did keep a large stock of vanity. She was consequently quite ready to throw over Clement Winkfield as soon as ever a more eligible suitor should present himself; and her idea of mankind ranged them in two classes--such as were, and such as were not, eligible suitors for Alexandra Altham. Mr Altham, however, led his guest straight through the shop and upstairs, thus cutting short Miss Altham's wiles and graces. He took him into what we should call his study, a very little room close to his bedchamber, and motioned him to the only chair it contained; for chairs were rare and choice things, the form or bench being the usual piece of furniture. Before shutting the door, however, he called--"Phyllis!" Somebody unseen to the varlet answered the call, and received directions in a low voice. Mr Altham then came in and shut the door. "I have bidden the maid bring us hypocras and spice," said he; "so you shall have a look at her." Hypocras was a very light wine, served as tea now is in the afternoon, and spice was a word which covered all manner of good things--not only pepper, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmegs, but rice, almonds, ginger, and even gingerbread. Mr Tynneslowe--for so the varlet was named--sat down in the chair, and awaited the tray and Amphillis. CHAPTER TWO. _The Goldsmith's Daughter_. "I can live A life that tells on other lives, and makes This world less full of evil and of pain-- A life which, like a pebble dropped at sea, Sends its wide circles to a hundred shores." Rev Horatius Bonar, D.D. The coming hypocras interested Mr Tynneslowe more than its bearer. He was privately wondering, as he sat awaiting it, whether Mr Altham would have any in his cellar that was worth drinking, especially after that of his royal master. His next remark, however, had reference to Amphillis. "It makes little matter, good Master, that I see the maid," said he. "The lady or her waiting-damsels shall judge best of her. You and I can talk over the money matters and such. I am ill-set to judge of maids: they be kittle gear."