"I know not," answered the lady.
"What is the relation," inquired Winthrop, with some hesitation, "wherein you stand to him?"
"I apprehend not the meaning of your question."
"Hath he not been your protector since leaving England?"
"He hath," answered the lady.
A look of intelligence passed between Dudley and Endicott at the answer.
"For what purpose came ye into these parts?"
"Am I at a confessional," demanded the lady, "that I am bound to expose the secrets of my soul?"
"If, madam," said Endicott, "you are familiar with the popish device, practice will enable you to answer the more glibly."
"Have pity upon me, gentlemen," said the lady. "I am quite deject and wretched. Take not advantage of your power to humiliate me into the dust."