"Were I a pedlar in earnest, I were a made merchant," thought Wayland,

as he busied himself to answer the demands which she thronged one on

another, with the eagerness of a young lady who has been long secluded

from such a pleasing occupation. "But how to bring her to a moment's

serious reflection?" Then as he exhibited his choicest collection of

essences and perfumes, he at once arrested her attention by observing

that these articles had almost risen to double value since the

magnificent preparations made by the Earl of Leicester to entertain the

Queen and court at his princely Castle of Kenilworth.

"Ha!" said the Countess hastily; "that rumour, then, is true, Janet."

"Surely, madam," answered Wayland; "and I marvel it hath not reached

your noble ladyship's ears. The Queen of England feasts with the noble

Earl for a week during the Summer's Progress; and there are many who

will tell you England will have a king, and England's Elizabeth--God

save her!--a husband, ere the Progress be over."

"They lie like villains!" said the Countess, bursting forth impatiently.

"For God's sake, madam, consider," said Janet, trembling with

apprehension; "who would cumber themselves about pedlar's tidings?"

"Yes, Janet!" exclaimed the Countess; "right, thou hast corrected me

justly. Such reports, blighting the reputation of England's brightest

and noblest peer, can only find currency amongst the mean, the abject,

and the infamous!"

"May I perish, lady," said Wayland Smith, observing that her violence

directed itself towards him, "if I have done anything to merit this

strange passion! I have said but what many men say."

By this time the Countess had recovered her composure, and endeavoured,

alarmed by the anxious hints of Janet, to suppress all appearance of

displeasure. "I were loath," she said, "good fellow, that our Queen

should change the virgin style so dear to us her people--think not of

it." And then, as if desirous to change the subject, she added, "And

what is this paste, so carefully put up in the silver box?" as she

examined the contents of a casket in which drugs and perfumes were

contained in separate drawers.

"It is a remedy, Madam, for a disorder of which I trust your ladyship

will never have reason to complain. The amount of a small turkey-bean,

swallowed daily for a week, fortifies the heart against those black

vapours which arise from solitude, melancholy, unrequited affection,

disappointed hope--"

"Are you a fool, friend?" said the Countess sharply; "or do you think,

because I have good-naturedly purchased your trumpery goods at your

roguish prices, that you may put any gullery you will on me? Who ever

heard that affections of the heart were cured by medicines given to the

body?"




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