Chapter XVI.
TO LONDON TOWN.
The packet that Master Jeffreys handed to Dorothy was too large and too heavy for a mere missive; and the maid, recalling some jocular promises of Raleigh's, at once suspected that some London gew-gaw lay snug within, and tore off the wrappings with eager fingers. Her hopes were not disappointed, and a dainty pair of silver shoebuckles shone in the sunlight.
"Dear heart alive! surely they are not for me," cried Dolly.
"Read the letter, mistress," said Jeffreys.
A knot of blue ribbon was the only seal on the knight's letter, and the blushing maiden opened and read; and, as she read, the rich colour of her cheeks grew ever richer and deeper, and Johnnie pulled his cap-feather to pieces and watched her. She finished, sighed, looked at her lover and at the writer's messenger, then, with a "By your leave, Master Jeffreys," she handed the missive to Johnnie. "Read," she said.
"Nay, why should I?" was the somewhat sheepish response.
"Because I wish it," said Dolly promptly.
"I am bad at reading script; each one hath too much of his own fashion in the twists and curls of the letters."
"This is as plain as Bible print. Art going to London?"