note—I hereinn putt down my will that Abigail shall have my golde beads amen
note—alsoe in Ipswich bides a hunchback whose mother be hanged fore a witch & he be named lyttel Hate-Evil Hobbs & should I be hanged I trust Hon’d Sir yu will shew him kindness fore me & now no more amen.”
“Please God!” spoke the Cavalier, reverently, “Deliverance Wentworth hath done a mighty service for her King, and she shall not go unrewarded, for I am one who speaks with authority.”
At these words the student looked up with a flash of hope in his eyes, and Abigail drew nearer the bed.
“Arrange the pillows under my head, little mistress,” said the Cavalier, “and you, young sir, draw up the table and fill the mugs. ’Tis bad, I wot, for my leg, still a little good red wine for the stomach’s sake is not to be done away with.
“And now,” quoth he, solemnly, lifting high his mug, “we will drink to the health of Deliverance Wentworth, who hath done a mighty service for her King. She shall not go unrewarded, for I speak with authority. For,” swelling his chest importantly, “you behold in me Christopher Mallett, Lord of Dunscomb County and Physician to his Majesty, the King.”
Chapter XVI
At the Governor’s House
While they were still drinking, there came an imperious rap on the door. In response to Lord Christopher’s bidding, the Governor entered, followed by a young minister.