“Lady Custance! The dirt under your feet is no meet friend ne fellow (companion) for the like of you.”
“Truly, no, saving to make pies thereof,” laughed the little Princess. “Nathless, take my word for it, Maude and I shall be good friends.”
Was there a recording angel hovering near to note the words? For the two lives, which had that day come in contact, were to run thenceforth side by side so long as both should last in this world.
But the little Princess was soon tired of questioning her new acquaintance. She sauntered away ere long in search of some more novel amusement, and Dame Agnes desired Maude to change her dress, and then to return to the ante-chamber, there to await the orders of Dame Joan, as Doña Juana was termed by all but the Royal Family. Maude obeyed, and in the ante-chamber she found, not Juana, but Alvena (a fictitious person), and another younger woman, whom she subsequently heard addressed as Mistress Sybil (a fictitious person).
“So thou shalt be learned?” (you have to be taught) said Alvena, as her welcome to Maude. “Come, look hither on this gown. What is it?”
“’Tis somewhat marvellous shene!” (bright) said Maude, timidly stroking the glossy material.
Alvena only laughed, apparently enjoying the child’s ignorance; but Sybil said gently, “’Tis satin, little maid.”
“Is it for our Lady’s Grace?” asked Maude.
“Ay, when ’tis purfiled,” replied Alvena.
“Pray you, Mistress Alvena, what is ‘purfiled?’”