“Thou hast not vexed me, my child,” he said kindly. “But I am troubled—grievously troubled and sorrowful. And the heavier part of my question, Blanche, thou hast not dealt withal.”
“Which part, Father?”
She knew well enough. She only wanted to gain time.
“Hath this young man tampered with thy faith?”
“He hath once and again spoken thereof,” she allowed.
“Spoken what, my maid?”
Blanche’s words, it was evident, came very unwillingly.
“He hath shown me divers matters wherein the difference is but little,” she contrived to say.
Sir Thomas groaned audibly.
“God help and pardon me, to have left my lamb thus unguarded!” he murmured to himself. “O Blanche, Blanche!”