"Only the old story, lad," was the quiet answer. "Aye, and a little further travail thereto. My Lord of Gloucester, mine uncle, hath sent for me. We must needs be away toward Fleshy as early as the sun to-morrow."
"At your Lordship's pleasure. Shall it be to tarry?"
"I trow not. Best, maybe, to be prepared for a two-three days. But I shall be here again in the even, an' I may."
Lawrence bowed, and withdrew from the chamber.
Half an hour later, Mr. Robesart entered it, and found the Earl bending over the large Bible.
"I was told," said he, "that your Lordship had asked for me a short space agone. Metrusteth you be not indisposed?"
"Not here, good Father, I thank you," answered the Earl, touching his head. "Only here"—and he laid a hand upon his heart. "Methought I would fain hear somewhat of your counsel ere my departing, which shall be right early on the morrow." And he repeated the explanation given to Lawrence.
"Your Lordship," responded the physician, "hath not, as methinks, overmuch trust in my Lord Duke?"
"Fair fall he that hath that in any man!" returned Roger with a gesture of contempt. "In truth, Father, my belief in the Duke's discretion, not to say loyalty, would go by the eye of a needle. If he would but keep his plots to himself and my fair cousin of Rutland, which 'joyeth so much therein that I could not for compassion wish him thereout! Verily, I am alway something afeard lest some day he essay to drag me in."
"Counts your Lordship that his Grace hath sent for you with that intent?"