The Washington times., 1913-05-22
CHAPTER XxII.-(continued.)

~ the dusk within the close-curtained
bed Thomsine held breath and lis
tened to the heavy slow footsteps
and the superhuous shifting Of fur
niture. Now and again she heard a
chill. accusing snir from Joan.
Look under yon stool, good thou!
They say this Castingbroke is no giant
of fellow. Haply You will hnd him
there. Try the chimney. prithee! Yea,
open the chest, an thou wilt. Yon il
my mistress petticoat, and that her
bedgown, and that"
Close that chest, sirrah!' Langdon's
voice came snappishly.
And maybe" Joan went on, with the
sarcasm possible to perfect art or per-
feet innocence. maybe you are fain to
shake the very mattress whereon my
mistress lies?"
spoke hurriedly. And I crave your
lady's pardon. Orders are orders. We
are to search all places likely or un-
likely. Crave your PARDON
His worried voice grew fainter; the
footsteps receded; the door was closed
Thomsine drew breath such as a
swimmer draws when he rises with
bursting lungs from long immersion.
Now sleep, an you can" bade Joan,
as she drew back the curtains. and her
rugged voice was amazing gentle I'll
stomach"
I'm passing hungry, JOAN" said
Thomsine. with thoughts Of his neds.
hungry, la" quoth Joan. We'll, It's
naught but posset you may have this
DAY to 'pease your hunger. Would YOU
be eating Gates, and you with fever
on ye?"
She laid a skilled hand to Thomsine's
sea-hot wrist and brow. and shook her
mead. and. grumbling, went away.
Thomsine stared upon the furnish
M ha
familiar in the light Of this prepos-
ferrous day. Afar. in the court, she
heard the clock strike s. She wondered
II ne still were sleeping. but with her
door unbolted. she dared rot lock or
even run the risk to whisper Him
With sudden nerving of herself to
meet the need. presented to her now
second time. she saw Joan come
again to the bedside. with a steamins
cup borne in her two hands.
Now drink this. mistress"
No hope to save a drop for him be-
meath the simlet eyes Of Joan. fearful.
for she found the mixture cruel hot.
Thomsine gulped down the contents of
the cup and thankfully relaxed upon
her pillow.
And my lord himself did besreak
me below In the corridor" Joan was
telling an interminable tale, land satin
he. Let not yorr lady be troubled. For
ceremony let her not jeopardize her
And the burying is at high noon,
mistress. but you are held excused of
all the world. and. indeed, what more
seemly conduct could be asked of a
Young maid than to mourn herself i'll
for her comely love- poor soul.'
Thomsine tucked her face into the
pillow and felt herself burning hypo-
critic.
And my lord himself will come this
hour TO speak word of comfort haply
nd inc hi
Joan ended. as IL all her statements
We're of equal import. this bed must
be dressed with clean linen
Thomsine turned her head upon the
pillow. She no longer burned.
White as marble and as still. she
looked at that ancient image Of fate |
with the fresh. white sheets that
smelled Of lavender upon her arm.
Nay. JOAN she said. in a voice so
tranquil that she heard il with amaze
ment. the bed shows seemly as tbs"
Not 10 my mind" replied Joan lay !
cock. terror of lazy maids at Allen |
thorn. Come, mistress. I'll about II |
straight"
mine head from OF the pillow
"I'H help thee. Mistress Tomsy. into |
yonder chair. Come-come now. chiIdr" |
Thomsine felt the womans strong |
arms laid around her body. To resist
were TO pull discovery upon him To |
rise and let Joan have her will led but
to the same end. with a face Of death.
Thomsjne slipped TO her feet and cast
her arms about the woman.
JOAN" she gasped. dry-lipped thou
must listen. Thou must help 'Tis my
very life II stands upon. A year agone
At Oxford-thou knowest not-Mr Won
Kerstenbroock-he helped me-helped
ne In sore strait-and now-and now
D Joan, Dear. old. good JOAN
She slithered down under Joan's
startled hold and caught her round the
knees.
Child, In mercy's name, Are you
lean distraught?"
No. no, Hear me. jean. Won Ker-
;tenbroock-'tis the spy they all are
lunting this hour-all Kings Staver-
hand against him, ana he