The silence of the night was now shattered by the shouts of the men of Tunstall , as they galloped hither and thither , hunting fugitives ; and Dick broke boldly through the underwood and ran straight before him like a deer . The silver clearness of the moon upon the open snow increased , by contrast , the obscurity of the thickets ; and the extreme dispersion of the vanquished led the pursuers into wildly divergent paths . Hence , in but a little while , Dick and Joanna paused , in a close covert , and heard the sounds of the pursuit , scattering abroad , indeed , in all directions , but yet fainting already in the distance . `` An I had but kept a reserve of them together , '' Dick cried , bitterly , `` I could have turned the tables yet ! Well , we live and learn ; next time it shall go better , by the rood . '' `` Nay , Dick , '' said Joanna , `` what matters it ? Here we are together once again . '' He looked at her , and there she was -- John Matcham , as of yore , in hose and doublet . But now he knew her ; now , even in that ungainly dress , she smiled upon him , bright with love ; and his heart was transported with joy . `` Sweetheart , '' he said , `` if ye forgive this blunderer , what care I ? Make we direct for Holywood ; there lieth your good guardian and my better friend , Lord Foxham . There shall we be wed ; and whether poor or wealthy , famous or unknown , what , matters it ? This day , dear love , I won my spurs ; I was commended by great men for my valour ; I thought myself the goodliest man of war in all broad England . Then , first , I fell out of my favour with the great ; and now have I been well thrashed , and clean lost my soldiers . There was a downfall for conceit ! But , dear , I care not -- dear , if ye still love me and will wed , I would have my knighthood done away , and mind it not a jot . '' `` My Dick ! '' she cried . `` And did they knight you ? '' `` Ay , dear , ye are my lady now , '' he answered , fondly ; `` or ye shall , ere noon to-morrow -- will ye not ? ''
`` That will I , XXXXX , with a glad heart , '' she answered .
Ay Dick Joanna blunderer conceit doublet first knighthood noon valour