and for his Grace's use; it is too fair spoil to be readily relinquished."
"Let the estate go, if you were but safe; but how can you hope to remain in this neighbourhood undiscovered?"
"There are true hearts among our trusty foresters; I sleep as securely in the shelter of its lonely glades as ever king did in his guarded palace. Were it but for my father's sake, there are many here who would forfeit life and land to guard me from harm. Believe me, dearest, I am in no danger."
"But you encounter all risks in seeking me—selfish that I am to feel so happy!"
"I can well forgive such selfishness; but, tell me, when shall I next see you?"
"Alas, alas!—how can I see you, and yet not trifle with your precious life? I have no means of communicating with you. Alice, my attendant, is kind and true, but too timid and too simple for trust."
"I can easily find messengers that may be relied upon. I will send to you to-morrow, for I must see you again. My beloved Francesca, our destiny is now in our own hands. I can no longer offer the fair halls and the broad lands of the once honoured house of Evelyn; my portion is an ob-
