This, he said, grieved his heart, and
confirmed his fears.
So he went on, and about three o'clock in the afternoon came to the gate;
and, ringing there, Sir Simon's coachman went to the iron gate; and he
asked for the housekeeper; though, from what I had written, in his heart
he could not abide her. She sent for him in, little thinking who he was,
and asked him, in the little hall, what his business with her was?--Only,
madam, said he, whether I cannot speak one word with the 'squire? No,
friend, said she; he is engaged with several gentlemen and ladies. Said
he, I have business with his honour of greater consequence to me than
either life or death; and tears stood in his eyes.
At that she went into the great parlour, where my master was talking very
pleasantly with the ladies; and she said, Sir, here is a good tight old
man, that wants to see you on business of life and death, he says, and is
very earnest. Ay, said he, Who can that be?--Let him stay in the little
hall, and I'll come to him presently. They all seemed to stare; and Sir
Simon said, No more nor less, I dare say, my good friend, but a bastard-
child. If it is, said Lady Jones, bring it in to us. I will, said he.
Mrs. Jewkes tells me, my master was much surprised, when he saw who it
was; and she much more, when my dear father said,--Good God! give me
patience! but, as great as you are, sir, I must ask for my child! and
burst out into tears.
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