THREE:"Please your noble grace, that man lies. I found that parchment in an hostelry-yard at Gloucester, six years agoI know it by the seals; and that John Oakley told me it was an old lease of no use, and so I gave it to him."The fire roared like a storm, and the wood crackled with sudden yelping reports. The dancing girls' hats flew off, their hair streamed wide, their skirts belled and swirled ... there was laughter and obscene remarks from the onlookers. Many from the rear pressed forward to join the dance, and those who were trampled on screamed or cursed, while one or two women fainted. Rose felt as if she would faint in the heat and reek of it all. She leaned heavily against Handshut and closed her eyes ... then she realised that his arm was round her. He held her against him, supporting her, while either she heard or thought she heard him say"D?an't be scared, liddle RoseI'm wud you. I w?an't let you fall."
