Nothing could be kinder
than Mistress Hall was to her charge, of whom she was really proud,
and when they halted for the night at the nunnery of Queen Elfrida at
Wherwell, she took care to explain that this was no burgess's
daughter but the Lady Grisell Dacre of Whitburn, trusted to HER
convoy, and thus obtained for her quarters in the guest-chamber of
the refectory instead of in the general hospitium; but on the whole
Grisell had rather not have been exposed to the shock of being shown
to strangers, even kindly ones, for even if they did not exclaim,
some one was sure to start and whisper.
After another halt for the night the travellers reached London, and
learned at the city gate that the Earl and Countess of Salisbury were
absent, but that their eldest son, the Earl of Warwick, was keeping
court at Warwick House.
Thither therefore Mistress Hall resolved to conduct Grisell. The way
lay through narrow streets with houses overhanging the roadway, but
the house itself was like a separate castle, walled round, enclosing
a huge space, and with a great arched porter's lodge, where various
men-at-arms lounged, all adorned on the arm of their red jackets with
the bear and ragged staff.
They were courteous, however, for the Earl Richard of Warwick
insisted on civility to all comers, and they respected the scallop-
shell on the dame's hat. They greeted her good-humouredly.
"Ha, good-day, good pilgrim wife.
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