`` What cheer ! '' returned Dick . `` It was all written , and that which is written , willy nilly , cometh still to pass . But tell me a little what manner of a maid ye are , and how ye came into Sir Daniel 's hands ; that will do better than to bemoan yourself , whether for your sake or mine . '' `` I am an orphan , like yourself , of father and mother , '' said Joanna ; `` and for my great misfortune , Dick , and hitherto for yours , I am a rich marriage . My Lord Foxham had me to ward ; yet it appears Sir Daniel bought the marriage of me from the king , and a right dear price he paid for it . So here was I , poor babe , with two great and rich men fighting which should marry me , and I still at nurse ! Well , then the world changed , and there was a new chancellor , and Sir Daniel bought the warding of me over the Lord Foxham 's head . And then the world changed again , and Lord Foxham bought my marriage over Sir Daniel 's ; and from then to now it went on ill betwixt the two of them . But still Lord Foxham kept me in his hands , and was a good lord to me . And at last I was to be married -- or sold , if ye like it better . Five hundred pounds Lord Foxham was to get for me . Hamley was the groom 's name , and to-morrow , Dick , of all days in the year , was I to be betrothed . Had it not come to Sir Daniel , I had been wedded , sure -- and never seen thee , Dick -- dear Dick ! '' And here she took his hand , and kissed it , with the prettiest grace ; and Dick drew her hand to him and did the like . `` Well , '' she went on , `` Sir Daniel took me unawares in the garden , and made me dress in these men 's clothes , which is a deadly sin for a woman ; and , besides , they fit me not . He rode with me to Kettley , as ye saw , telling me I was to marry you ; but I , in my heart , made sure I would marry Hamley in his teeth . '' `` Ay ! '' cried Dick , `` and so ye loved this Hamley ! '' `` Nay , '' replied Joanna , `` not I. I did but hate Sir Daniel .
And then , Dick , ye helped me , and ye were XXXXX kind , and very bold , and my heart turned towards you in mine own despite ; and now , if we can in any way compass it , I would marry you with right goodwill .
Ay Daniel Dick Foxham Hamley Joanna Kettley betwixt right warding