The Earl of Rutland presented himself at Westminster Palace before his sister left it, attended as usual by his squire, Hugh Calverley. Bertram and Maude at once wished to know all the news of Langley, from which place they had come. Hugh seemed acquainted with no news except one item, which was that Father Dominic, having obtained a canonry, had resigned his post of household confessor to the Palace; and a new confessor had been appointed in his stead.
“And who is the new priest?” asked Bertram. “One Sir Marmaduke de Tyneworth.” (A fictitious person.)
“And what manner of man is he?”
“A right honest man and a proper (a fitting, satisfactory man), say they who have confessed unto him; more kindly and courteous than Father Dominic.”
“He hath then not yet confessed thee?”
“I never confess,” said Hugh quietly. The impression made upon Bertram’s feelings by this statement was very much that which would be left on ours, if we heard a man with a high reputation for piety calmly remark that he never prayed.
“Never confess!” he repeated in astonished tones. “Not to men. I confess unto God only.”
“But how canst, other than by the priest?”
“What hardship, trow? Can I not speak save by the priest?”
“But thou canst receive no absolving!”