other friends, waiting for them. Penn hastened to his lodgings to change his dress, requesting Mead to order horses directly, that he might proceed down to his father.

“Come,” said Mead to his old comrade; “many days have passed since I gave thee an invitation to my abode; but as I have not since then been a free agent, I could not have received thee as I desired.”

Chapter Five.

Wenlock Christison and his son proceeded up Cornhill a short time after the events which have been described. They were examining the various signs over the shop doors, in search of that which distinguished Master Mead’s abode.

“Ah! there it is,” said Wenlock; “that must be the ‘Spinning Wheel’ he told us of.”

A demure youth with well-brushed hair was standing at the door, in courteous language inviting passers-by to enter and inspect his master’s goods.

“Is this Master Mead’s abode, young man?” inquired Captain Christison.

“Verily, friend, it is,” answered the shopman. “If thou wilt enter, thou wilt find thy money’s worth for any goods thou mayst purchase. Master Mead bringeth good judgment to bear on his purchases, and buys only such goods as those in which he has confidence. Enter, friend; enter, I pray thee.”

“Thank you,” said Christison; “but I wish to see Master Mead himself.”

“If thou wilt enter through this door, thou wilt find him in the upper story with his family,” answered the shopman, leading the way; and Christison and Wenlock proceeded upstairs.

Master Mead cordially welcomed his old friend, introducing him to a comely matron whom he spoke of as his wife Martha. “And here is my daughter Mary,” he added, pointing to a remarkably pretty and fair-haired girl, who smiled sweetly, and held out her hand to her father’s guests. She might have been two or three years younger than Wenlock, though, being well grown, there seemed but little difference in their ages. While their elders were talking, the young people, after a few desultory remarks, found themselves drawn into conversation.

“I hear from my father that thou hast been a great traveller already,” said Mary Mead.

“Yes, indeed,” answered Wenlock. “I scarcely remember ever remaining more than two or three months in one place. When my mother 

 Prev. P 15/76 next