"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?"