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 hostelry known as 'Made in Heaven' and Professor Ripley was suggesting that it was originally 'mayde' and referred to the Virgin Mary—the name had some way escaped the Reformation. One had slept in the 'Gold Gallows Tree' and another in the 'Blue Cow's Mouth.'

Marian Evans, the philosophical conversation having ended, joined the group. 'The strangest name for an inn I ever heard,' she said in her gentle voice so at variance with her massive face, 'is the "God-Begot House," in Winchester.' Lanice had never heard this word used in any connection except the Bible and was slightly shocked that so refined a female as this Mrs. Lewes should now admit it to her lips. Then she remembered how much less fastidious she had found the English than her own countrymen and how Lady Maude on the ship coming over had told a long story in a loud voice which hinged entirely upon the presence of a bull at a cricket match.

'And it's a fine old house too,' added Mr. Clapyard. 'I've been there myself—the best beef and ale in England.'

His cousin stared even harder at Lanice.

'There is something this girl knows,' she thought, 'but will not tell me and I will not ask her.'

'Shall we not go into the dining-room? 'It was Mr. Lewes who spoke.

She glanced up and her eyes met Sears Ripley's and he looked brave and rather miserable and wise and tolerant. To both of them the glance they exchanged meant much.