But at the door she encountered Prudence, who hurried forward eagerly to know whither she was bound.
"Do not stop me, Prue," she answered in a strange, cold voice. "I am going to the White Hart Inn."
"To the White Hart! Not, surely, to see——"
"Yes, to see my Lord Jeffreys. I have——I have information to give him."
"But Lady Cicely, you cannot go alone. 'Tis impossible. Wait at least till dad can bear you company. Nay, you must, indeed."
Cicely put her aside firmly.
"No, Prue, I cannot wait. That which I have to do I must do at once, or perchance 'twill never be accomplished. Leave me to go my way."
She passed out into the street. Prudence stared after her in hesitation. Despite her youth, her quick burgher-wit taught her, far more clearly than Cicely, the dangers of such an errand undertaken alone. She knew, far better than did the elder girl, with her sheltered life and breeding, the nature of such men as bore the chief justice company in his nightly carouses at the White Hart Inn.
"No, no," she muttered. "She cannot go alone, alone among those devils."
Quickly she snatched up hood and cloak and followed Cicely into the quiet street.