We had not gone far when A’Dale came hurrying after me. He had not at first missed me when I fled from Smithfield, but hearing some one remark with a laugh that a lad had been frightened by the fires, and had taken to flight, he concluded that I was the person spoken of. Friar Roger expressed his satisfaction at the appearance of A’Dale, and, confiding me to his charge, wished us farewell.
At length I reached Master Gresham’s house in Lombard Street. The Lady Anne remarked upon my pale face and haggard features, and inquired what had occurred. Knowing her kind disposition, I told her the occurrences of the morning.
“Alas! alas!” she answered. “We must commiserate their fate, though I believe firmly that all of them are tasting the joys of heaven. But for that poor lady you speak of I feel more particularly. Can you tell me her name?”
I bethought me of the packet, for to the Lady Anne I knew that I could confide it properly.
“That will tell us,” I observed.
We carefully opened the packet, which I drew from my bosom. Lady Anne read it.
“Alas! alas!” she said; “even while you were describing the poor lady I had an idea that she might be one I knew well in my early days, and for whom I had a warm affection. Even at that time I thought her opinions dangerous. And, my sweet Barbara, has such been indeed your fate? I would that I had the means of discovering her daughter; this document gives but a slight clue, saying little more than she told you. She believes that her child will be found among certain Flemish artisans settled at Norwich. There are many in that city, and thus among them it will be difficult to discover her. Still it must be done, and I will consult my husband on his return.”
“Could I not go down to Norwich and search among the artisans there?” I asked. “I have indeed a fellow-feeling for the poor young lady, and I would thankfully be employed on such a service.”
“I will think about it,” answered Lady Anne; “but Norwich is a long way off, and you are young to undertake such a journey alone. If James Brocktrop can be spared I will send him, though he might not undertake the task with the zeal I should desire.”
“But could not I accompany him?” I asked. “The holidays will soon begin, and if Master Gresham does not return, I shall be at liberty.”