CHAPTER XX

THE UNINVITED GUEST


"Mistress Audrey?" said the Governor graciously, as the lady in damask
rose from her curtsy. "Mistress Audrey whom? Mr. Haward, you gave me not
the name of the stock that hath flowered in so beauteous a bloom."

"Why, sir, the bloom is all in all,'" answered Haward. "What root it
springs from matters not. I trust that your Excellency is in good
health,--that you feel no touch of our seasoning fever?"

"I asked the lady's name, sir," said the Governor pointedly. He was
standing in the midst of a knot of gentlemen, members of the Council and
officers of the colony. All around the long room, seated in chairs arow
against the walls, or gathered in laughing groups, or moving about with a
rustle and gleam of silk, were the Virginians his guests. From the
gallery, where were bestowed the musicians out of three parishes, floated
the pensive strains of a minuet, and in the centre of the polished floor,
under the eyes of the company, several couples moved and postured through
that stately dance.

"The lady is my ward," said Haward lightly. "I call her Audrey. Child,
tell his Excellency your other name."

If he thought at all, he thought that she could do it. But such an