"'When He maketh inquisition for blood, He remembereth the poor!'" said Winifred, in a low voice, and speaking more to herself than to any one else. "What, you too, my fairy? Nay, then I must indeed stand reproved! Sir Edward, do you allow female preachers upon your lands? Methinks the vicar should resent such an encroachment upon his office." "We allow old women to say what they please, so long as they do not forget the respect due to their betters. Winifred, you are too forward with your words! Your lady would be much displeased." "Oh she did but discharge her conscience or her mind, which comes to much the same thing," said Kirke, laughing. "It would be hard indeed to refuse women the use of their tongues, since they have no other weapons. And so, my fair Saint Winifred, you will not come to London with me, for all the fine things?" "No, sir!" replied Winifred. "London is no place for such as I am. Amy Crofoot went to London, and I have heard she came to no good." "Well, you are a wise maid, and I will tease you no more. But tell me, child, why are you so afraid of me? You trembled and changed color when I spoke to you first in the park, as though you expected no less than to be ordered to execution, and I think you are little better now. Why should you fear me?" "Because I have heard such tales of you," replied Winifred, modestly but firmly. "I mean no offence," she added, seeing his brow darken, "but since you are pleased to ask me, I must needs speak the truth." "You should have known, Winifred, that even were he so inclined, Colonel Kirke would never have dreamed of offering injury to any member of 'my' family," said Sir Edward, with more than usual stateliness; "and such I may well call you, since my lady is pleased to distinguish you by her favor, though you do not at present dwell under my roof." Winifred made her lowest reverence, in acknowledgment of Sir Edward's words. "I thank you humbly, Sir Edward," said she. "I do not fear Colonel Kirke so much now, for I see he can be kind when it pleases him." "Aye, and how do you know that, sweetheart?" said Kirke. "Because you would not let the dog hunt and worry Dame Sprat's cat, and because you do not seem angry at her plain speaking," replied Winifred. The soldier's brow smoothed itself, and a smile stole over his face, which seemed for the moment to make another man of him. "It is but a small matter to change your mind upon," said he. "I should indeed be a brute to make such a return to an old friend for her hospitality. But, Winifred, do you not know that these people of whom you have heard were the king's enemies, and deserved to be punished?" "I know that the Duke of Monmouth was the king's enemy, and that the people were wrong in following him," replied Winifred. "But I think, with all submission, that the way for the king to turn them into his friends would be to treat them kindly, and show mercy toward them."