For a moment Sir John, taken utterly by surprise, kept silence; then he said—
"I would fain consult the boys themselves upon so momentous a point; or, at least, crave for time to consider it."
"Alas, my dear friend," replied Don Renard quickly, "the matter is very urgent. I must be prepared at all points when I see the King to-night. Moreover, do you not know that the machinery of the Star Chamber moves quickly, and it may be (which God forbid) that to-morrow our young friend Ralph may stand in the pillory at Tyburn. Think what may depend on your decision, and let me act on it, lest that should happen which we may have to regret all our lives."
"Remember also, Sir John," added the Cardinal, "that the military service of which the Ambassador speaks may be but of short duration; when the campaign is over, the lads may resume their legal studies if God spare their lives, and they so desire. As a matter of fact, am I not right in saying that you yourself have seen military service?"
"Yes, your Excellency, it is true," replied the Treasurer. "As a young man I did three years' duty at Calais and in Flanders, but I did not know that your Eminence was aware of the fact."
The Cardinal smiled and answered significantly—
"There are few circumstances connected with the family of the Jefferays which are unknown to those at Court."
Sir John put his hand upon his brow and pondered deeply. At length his mind seemed to be made up, and he replied—
"It is true that I cannot consult both the boys ere coming to a decision, and that delay may be fatal. I therefore take the responsibility upon myself, and I accept your Excellency's proposition; God grant that I have not to regret my action."
The Cardinal rose with a sigh of relief.