On the crowded canvas of the fourteenth century stands out as one of its most prominent figures that of the warrior Countess of Montfort. No reader of Froissart's Chronicle can forget the siege of Hennebon, and the valiant part she played in the defence of her son's dominions. Actuated by more personal motives than the peasant maid, she was nevertheless the Joan of Arc of her day, and of Bretagne.What became of her?
resent forty women broiderers a-working in the Palace, in such haste they be paid mighty high wage--fourpence halfpenny each one by the day."
In order to understand the value of these payments, we must multiply them by about sixteen. The wages of a broideress, according to the present worth of money, were, when high, six shillings a day.
"And the device, what is it?"
"Well, I counsel not any man to gainsay it. `It is as it is'--there you have it."
"Truly, a merry saying. And when shall it be, Clem?"
Mistress Alexandra was quite gracious now.
"Thursday shall be a fortnight, being Saint Maudlin's Day, at ten o' the clock in the forenoon. Will hath passed word to me to get me in, and two other with me. You'll come, my mistresses? There'll not be room for Mistress Amphillis; I'm sorry."
Alexandra tossed her head very contemptuously.
"What does Amphillis want of jousts?" said she. "She's fit for nought save to sift flour and cleanse vessels when we have a-don