Philippa was silent for awhile, but her curiosity was too lively to allow her to sulk, as usual, and she presently began to ask me about the last court fashions, in gowns and headgear. I was willing to do her a pleasure, though surprised at her interest in such a matter, for she had always affected a great indifference to dress. I had observed, indeed, a change in her own attire. She no longer wore her everlasting black gown, but was becomingly dressed in blue damask; and her veil and close coif were exchanged for a becoming hood. When she left the room, I noticed the change to Mistress Davis, who smiled, somewhat mischievously.
"Yes, she came to me not long since, and, saying she thought it her duty to submit to my wishes more than she had done, she asked my counsel about her attire. I have my own ideas about what the change portends, but I shall say nothing."
Master Davis now coming in, the subject was dropped, and did not come up again.
[CHAPTER X.]
AT THE GREAT HOUSE.
WHEN I returned to Suffolk House, which I took care to do in good season, I bestowed my book of the New Testament in my room, and the next morning I carried it to Mistress Patience, who received it with real pleasure. I read to her a little in the beginning of St. Matthew's Gospel, and left her turning over the leaves and spelling out a verse here and there. She would by no means take back the price of the book, but bade me bestow it in charity, if I would not spend it for mine own pleasure.
It was still early, when I went down stairs. I carried with me two books, one of songs, the other of lessons for the organ, which Master Hall had given me. I was playing one of these lessons with great pains, and stopping now and then, for it was somewhat difficult, when I heard the door open. Supposing it might be Mistress Mandeville, I did not speak till I had finished my lesson; when I said, without looking round:
"There, Mistress Mandeville, how do you like that?" (We were always good friends, though never were two women who had less in common.)
"It is not Mistress Mandeville, but I like it very much, indeed!" said a pleasant voice.