Now so far as that went, I had got mightily little out of the late Sir Geoffrey’s patronage, but whatever duty I could compass I would gladly pay the little lady who stood before me.
“Mistress, you misjudge me. He had taken Sir Geoffrey’s sword, saying that he had won it with everything else. I took it from him. When he said those words about you I struck him across the face, no light blow, I assure you. When he grasped his own sword I wrenched it away from him, broke it, and cast it away. You may find the broken pieces in the spinney. I told him that you were meet for his betters and that you were well rid of him, and bade him begone.�
“In that,� she said in a certain strained way, “you acted as a loyal servitor of the house and I thank you.�
“I am to give orders to have his baggage sent to the inn at once,� said I.
“And Lord Luftdon?�
“He came to your defense as if he were still the gentleman he had once been. But he goes hence with his friend. His baggage will also follow him.�
“I will attend to that for them both,� said Mistress Lucy, growing strangely and firmly resolved again, and even I could guess the tremendous constraint she put upon herself. “Enough of Arcester. I am well rid of him and of his companion. Summon the servants to bring my father’s body to the castle. I suppose the crowner will have to be notified.�
“Yes,� said I. “I will see to that myself.�
“Of all my friends,� said she piteously, almost giving way, “you seem to be the only one left me, Master Hampdon.�
“I have been your faithful servant always, Mistress Lucy,� I answered as I ushered her into the hall.