Two floors were passed , and at every landing the younger and shorter of the two ladies had looked back keenly at the monk . He , keeping his eyes lowered , and affecting the demure manners that suited his disguise , had but seen her once , and was unaware that he had attracted her attention . And now , on the third floor , the party separated , the younger lady continuing to ascend alone , the other , followed by the waiting-maids , descending the corridor to the right . Dick mounted with a swift foot , and holding to the corner , thrust forth his head and followed the three women with his eyes . Without turning or looking behind them , they continued to descend the corridor . `` It is right well , '' thought Dick . `` Let me but know my Lady Brackley 's chamber , and it will go hard an I find not Dame Hatch upon an errand . '' And just then a hand was laid upon his shoulder , and , with a bound and a choked cry , he turned to grapple his assailant . He was somewhat abashed to find , in the person whom he had so roughly seized , the short young lady in the furs . She , on her part , was shocked and terrified beyond expression , and hung trembling in his grasp . `` Madam , '' said Dick , releasing her , `` I cry you a thousand pardons ; but I have no eyes behind , and , by the mass , I could not tell ye were a maid . '' The girl continued to look at him , but , by this time , terror began to be succeeded by surprise , and surprise by suspicion . Dick , who could read these changes on her face , became alarmed for his own safety in that hostile house . `` Fair maid , '' he said , affecting easiness , `` suffer me to kiss your hand , in token ye forgive my roughness , and I will even go . '' `` Y ' are a strange monk , young sir , '' returned the young lady , looking him both boldly and shrewdly in the face ; `` and now that my first astonishment hath somewhat passed away , I can spy the layman in each word you utter . What do ye here ? Why are ye thus sacrilegiously tricked out ? Come ye in peace or war ? And why spy ye after Lady Brackley like a thief ? '' `` Madam , '' quoth Dick , `` of one thing I pray you to be very sure : I am no thief .
And even if I come here in XXXXX , as in some degree I do , I make no war upon fair maids , and I hereby entreat them to copy me so far , and to leave me be .
Brackley Dick Hatch choked easiness first right third waiting-maids war