“He did well. Why took he not the book from you?”
“Because he showed it to Friar Andrew Rous, his and my confessor, who thought there was no harm in the book, and that I might safely retain the same.”
“Then Friar Andrew Rous is the longest-eared ass I have lightly seen. Whence got you this book?”
“It is mine own writing. I copied it.”
“Whence had you it?”
No answer.
“I say, whence had you this book?” roared Lord Marnell.
“My Lord,” said Margery, gently, but decidedly, “I think not that it needeth to say whence I had the same. The book was lent unto me, whence I copied that one; but I say not of whom it was lent unto me.”
“You shall say it, and soon too!” was the reply. “This matter must not be let drop—it passeth into the hands of holy Abbot Bilson. I will seek him presently.”
And so saying, Lord Marnell strode out of the room, leaving Margery in a condition of intense terror.