“Ay, if it please your Grace.” Sir Godfrey repeated the substance of the answer already imparted to Perrote.
“Holy saints!” exclaimed the Archbishop. “And my Lady Basset, what saith she?”
“An’ it like your Grace, I sent not unto her.”
“But wherefore, my son? An’ the son will not come, then should the daughter. I pray you, send off a messenger to my Lady Basset at once; and suffer me to see your prisoner. Is she verily nigh death, or may she linger yet a season?”
“Father Jordan reckoneth she may yet abide divers weeks, your Grace; in especial if the spring be mild, as it biddeth fair. She fadeth but full slow.”
Sir Godfrey’s tone was that of an injured man, who was not properly treated, either by the Countess or Providence, through this very gradual demise of the former. The Archbishop’s reply—“Poor lady!” was in accents of unmitigated compassion.
Lady Foljambe was summoned by her husband, and she conducted the prelate to the turret-chamber, where the Countess sat in her chair by the window, and Amphillis was in attendance. He entered with uplifted hand, and the benediction of “Christ, save all here!”
Amphillis rose, hastily gathering her work upon one arm. The Countess, who had heard nothing, for she had been sleeping since her bower-maiden returned from supper, looked up with more interest than she usually showed. The entrance of a complete stranger was something very unexpected and unaccountable.
“Christ save you, holy Father! I pray you, pardon me that I arise not, being ill at ease, to entreat your blessing. Well, Avena, what has moved thee to bring a fresh face into this my dungeon, prithee? It should be somewhat of import.”
“Madame, this is my Lord’s Grace elect of York, who, coming hither on his way southwards, mine husband counted it good for your Grace’s soul to shrive you of his Grace’s hand. My Lord, if your Grace have need of a crucifix, or of holy water, both be behind this curtain. Come, Mistress Amphillis. His Grace will be pleased to rap on the door, when it list him to come forth; and I pray you, abide in your chamber, and hearken for the same.”