“I have nothing in the world,” said Amphillis, with a shake of her head, “save an uncle and cousins, which dwell in London town.”
“Ha!” said Mistress Perrote, in a significant tone. “That is wherefore you were chosen.”
“Because I had no kin?” said Amphillis, looking up.
“That, and also that you were counted discreet. And discreet you had need be for this charge.”
“What charge?” she asked, blankly.
“You know not?”
“I know nothing. Nobody would tell me anything.”
Mistress Perrote’s set features softened a little.
“Poor child!” she said. “You are young—too young—to be given a charge like this. You will need all your discretion, and more.”
Amphillis felt more puzzled than ever.