Thither Antony Babington came down to lay out the crown which had
been given to him on his birthday, and indeed half Master Sniggius's
scholars discovered needs, and came down either to spend, or to give
advice to the happy owners of groats and testers. So far so good;
but the huckster-woman soon made Bridgefield part of her regular
rounds, and took little commissions which she executed for the
household of Sheffield, who were, as the Cavendish sisters often said
in their spleen, almost as much prisoners as the Queen of Scots.
Antony Babington was always her special patron, and being Humfrey's
great companion and playfellow, he was allowed to come in and out of
the gates unquestioned, to play with him and with Cis, who no longer
went to school, but was trained at home in needlework and
housewifery.

Match-making began at so early an age, that when Mistress Susan had
twice found her and Antony Babington with their heads together over
the lamentable ballad of the cold fish that had been a lady, and
which sang its own history "forty thousand fathom above water," she
began to question whether the girl were the attraction. He was now
an orphan, and his wardship and marriage had been granted to the
Earl, who, having disposed of all his daughters and stepdaughters,
except Bessie Cavendish, might very fairly bestow on the daughter of
his kinsman so good a match as the young squire of Dethick.

"Then should we have to consider of her parentage," said Richard,
when his wife had propounded her views.

"I never can bear in mind that the dear wench is none of ours," said
Susan. "Thou didst say thou wouldst portion her as if she were our