and, lamp in hand, Joanna Sedley entered the apartment.

She was attired in costly stuffs of deep and warm colours, such as befit

the winter and the snow. Upon her head, her hair had been gathered

together and became her as a crown. And she, who had seemed so little

and so awkward in the attire of Matcham, was now tall like a young

willow, and swam across the floor as though she scorned the drudgery of

walking.

Without a start, without a tremor, she raised her lamp and looked at the

young monk.

What make ye here, good brother?" she inquired. "Ye are doubtless

ill-directed. Whom do ye require? And she set her lamp upon the

bracket.

"Joanna," said Dick; and then his voice failed him. "Joanna," he began

again, "ye said ye loved me; and the more fool I, but I believed it!"

Dick!" she cried. "Dick!"

And then, to the wonder of the lad, this beautiful and tall young lady

made but one step of it, and threw her arms about his neck and gave him a

hundred kisses all in one.

"Oh, the fool fellow!" she cried. "Oh, dear Dick! Oh, if ye could see

yourself! Alack!" she added, pausing. "I have spoilt you, Dick! I have

The Black Arrow