Therefore, without a word, Susan led the way into the dining-room, where food and wine had been prepared through her loving care.
Then, dismissing the servants, she said—
"I myself have dined, now let me wait on you. Do not speak, my dear uncle; alas, I know all, and presently we will confer together; but now refresh yourself, for I see indeed that you need it."
Sir John proceeded to obey his imperious housewife; yet, ere he sat himself at table, he embraced her affectionately and said—
"You little know, dear girl, how sage and prudent is your advice, for I must needs tell you that in half-an-hour two visitors will be here to whom I must give immediate audience, for they come on matters of life and death!"
"Oh, uncle, is poor Ralph's case so desperate?" cried Susan, with a terror-stricken face.
"God only knows," replied Sir John; "but if there be any help in man, they who now are on their way hither are surely sent by Heaven to bring us that help, for they are none other than the Cardinal and the Spanish Ambassador."
Susan's eyes sparkled with a sudden access of joy; yet she resumed her first insistence.
"Then you have but a few minutes wherein to refresh yourself, dear uncle, and I will not speak again, nor allow you to do so till you have eaten."
Sir John's serious face relaxed into a smile, and he proceeded to obey.