They paused, looked at each other, and sighed.
"Yes, Evroult?" said Richard.
"Yes, be it then, father; we promise."
But there was another thought in Evroult's mind which he did not reveal.
The bell then rang for chapel, but we fear the boys did not take more than their bodies there; and when they were alone in their own little chamber—for they were treated with special distinction (their father "subscribed liberally to the charity")—the hidden purpose came out.
"Richard," said Evroult, "we must escape."
"What shall we do? where can we go?"
"To Wallingford."
"But our father will slay us."
"Not he; he loves us too well. We shall recover then. Old Bartimœus here told me many do recover when they get away, and live, as some do, in the woods. It is all infection here; besides, I must see our mother again, if it is only once more—MUST see her, I long for her so."