"Nay, my son!" said the Archbishop, gently, to an officious young priest in his suite, who would have dragged the dog away--"grudge me not my welcome. Dogs be honest creatures, and dissemble not. Hast thou never heard the saw, that `they be ill folks that dogs and children will not go withal'?" And with another pat of Colle's head, the Archbishop dismissed him, and walked into the hall to meet a further welcome from the whole family and household, all upon their knees. Blessing them in the usual priestly manner, he commanded them to rise, and Sir Godfrey then presented his sons and squire, while Lady Foljambe did the same for the young ladies. "Mistress Margaret Foljambe, my son's wife, an' it please your Grace; and Mistress Perrote de Carhaix, my head chamberer. These be my bower-women, Agatha de La Beche and Amphillis Neville." "Neville!" echoed the Archbishop, instantly. "Of what Nevilles comest thou, my maid?" "Please it you, holy Father," said the confused Amphillis, more frightened still to hear a sharp "your Grace!" whispered from Lady Foljambe; "I know little of my kin, an' it like your Grace. My father was Walter Neville, and his father a Ralph, but more know I not, under your Grace's pleasure." "How comes it thou wist no more?" "May it please your Grace, my father dwelt in Hertfordshire, and he wedded under his estate, so that his family cast him off, as I have heard," said Amphillis, growing every moment more hot and confused, for it was no light ordeal for one in her position to be singled out for conversation by an archbishop, and she sorely feared an after ebullition of Lady Foljambe's wrath. "My child!" said the Archbishop with great interest, and very gently, "did thy father wed one Margery Altham, of London, whose father dwelt in the Strand, and was a baker?" "He did so, under your Grace's pardon," said poor Amphillis, blushing for the paternal shortcomings; "but, may it please your Grace, he was a master-pastiller, not a baker." A little smile of amusement at the delicate distinction played about the Archbishop's lips. "Why, then, Cousin Amphillis, I think thy cousin may ask thee for a kiss," said he, softly touching the girl's cheek with his lips. "My Lady Foljambe, I am full glad to meet here so near a kinswoman, and I do heartily entreat you that my word may weigh with you to deal well with this my cousin."