again, and Lord Foxham bought my marriage over Sir Daniel's; and from

then to now it went on ill betwixt the two of them. But still Lord

Foxham kept me in his hands, and was a good lord to me. And at last I

was to be married--or sold, if ye like it better. Five hundred pounds

Lord Foxham was to get for me. Hamley was the groom's name, and

to-morrow, Dick, of all days in the year, was I to be betrothed. Had it

not come to Sir Daniel, I had been wedded, sure--and never seen thee,

Dick--dear Dick!"

And here she took his hand, and kissed it, with the prettiest grace; and

Dick drew her hand to him and did the like.

Well," she went on, "Sir Daniel took me unawares in the garden, and made

me dress in these men's clothes, which is a deadly sin for a woman; and,

besides, they fit me not. He rode with me to Kettley, as ye saw, telling

me I was to marry you; but I, in my heart, made sure I would marry Hamley

in his teeth."

"Ay!" cried Dick, "and so ye loved this Hamley!"

Nay," replied Joanna, "not I. I did but hate Sir Daniel. And then,

Dick, ye helped me, and ye were right kind, and very bold, and my heart

turned towards you in mine own despite; and now, if we can in any way

compass it, I would marry you with right goodwill. And if, by cruel

destiny, it may not be, still ye'll be dear to me. While my heart beats,

it'll be true to you."

The Black Arrow