“It pains me,” answered the Knight, whose courtesy increased with the other’s coldness, “not to obtain thine approval.  But, Master Spikeman, now that we are alone, (for Arundel, at the very beginning of the conversation, without greeting, or in any wise noticing, the Assistant, had passed on and was out of sight), I avail myself of the good chance to avow my anxious desire to secure thy friendship.”

“If such truly be the wish of Sir Christopher Gardiner,” returned the Assistant, “it is a thing easy to be compassed.”

The countenance of the Knight lighted up, as he replied, “I rejoice greatly at thy words.”

“But,” continued Spikeman, “I am a man of deeds and not of words.  I will be plain with you, Sir Christopher, and show you that it is no fault of mine that I have been unable (however much desiring it) to look upon you as a well wisher of mine, but your own.  Have you not interfered in favor of, and harbored, that Philip Joy, convicted of contumelious language against the magistrates and elders, and whom, I have reason to believe, is specially evil-disposed toward myself; and are you not now in open familiarity with, and a supporter of this young man, who but just now parted from you; who deigned not, even by a look, to notice me; and whose business here seems to be to scatter reports intended to work detriment to my character?  It is conduct like this which hath separated us one from the other.”

“Master Spikeman,” said the Knight, deprecatingly, “the relation wherein I stand to Philip is of public notoriety, and, therefore, cannot be unknown to you; and, meseems, is sufficient to excuse the slight favor I show him.  Yet, herein will I approve myself loyal unto my regard for thee.  I believe thou errest in ascribing an evil intent on the part of Philip, but if he cherish any such, I will take order with him, which shall redound to thy satisfaction.  As for this Master Arundel, thou layest more stress upon a casual acquaintance with him than it deserves.  I countenance him not.  I attach no more consequence to what he may say than belongs to the prattle of a beardless boy.  Wouldst have me rude to one who enlivens my solitude, being fresh with news from the old world, and who visits me only through a like love with myself of sylvan sports?”

“I presume not to dictate to Sir Christopher Gardiner,” said Spikeman, coldly, “who shall be his associates, or what course in any respect he shall pursue.  You will remember that your exculpation (such as it is) was volunteered by yourself.”

The eyes of the Knight fell to the ground at this ungracious reply, so that his resentment, if he felt any, was hid under their drooping lids.  A faint suffusion passed over his face, but after the pause of a moment, he extended his hand with a smile, while he said: 

“I will find means to dissipate this delusive cloud that interposes itself betwixt us.  Meanwhile, accept my hand, in token that, however changed thyself, I remain the same.”