ye must eat. Why sup ye not?"

Dear Mistress Risingham," replied Dick, "I did but wait first upon my

prisoner; but, to say truth, penitence will no longer suffer me to endure

the sight of food. I were better to fast, dear lady, and to pray."

Call me Alicia," she said; "are we not old friends? And now, come, I

will eat with you, bit for bit and sup for sup; so if ye eat not, neither

will I; but if ye eat hearty, I will dine like a ploughman."

So there and then she fell to; and Dick, who had an excellent stomach,

proceeded to bear her company, at first with great reluctance, but

gradually, as he entered into the spirit, with more and more vigour and

devotion: until, at last, he forgot even to watch his model, and most

heartily repaired the expenses of his day of labour and excitement.

"Lion-driver," she said, at length, "ye do not admire a maid in a man's

jerkin?"

The moon was now up; and they were only waiting to repose the wearied

horses. By the moon's light, the still penitent but now well-fed Richard

beheld her looking somewhat coquettishly down upon him.

Madam"--he stammered, surprised at this new turn in her manners.

Nay," she interrupted, "it skills not to deny; Joanna hath told me, but

come, Sir Lion-driver, look at me--am I so homely--come!"

The Black Arrow