From enquiries he had made through various agents employed by the Cardinal, he had come to the conclusion that it would be better to get the printing done at one of the printing presses on the continent. To do this it would be necessary for Master Tyndale to go himself, and this would make it more expensive than if they had got it done in London; but his friend wished it to be this way, and he must help him; and so he did not offer to take upon himself the burden of paying his father's taxes, but let the old man pour out all the trouble and vexation that had brought him to London before he said a word.
But presently Sir Thomas said, "I want you to bring me privately to His Eminence, for I want to ask him a question that he only, as Cardinal legate, and the Pope himself, can answer,—so far as England is concerned."
"Cannot you tell me first what this question is, father? for I may be able to answer it from what I have heard of other cases—other examples."
"There is but one example of what I want to know; but seeing it's good for the king, I don't see why it shouldn't be good for his people."
"But there are many things the king may do that are neither fitting nor convenient for other men," said Miles.
He thought that his father must have lived in the country so long, and brooded over the same difficulties so much, that his wits had gone astray a little; and certainly the baronet's next words did not help to remove this impression.
"Well, lad, did you ever hear of another man beside the king marry his brother's wife?"
Miles stared as if he did not comprehend the question.
"Hast never heard that our king married his brother Arthur's wife?" demanded the old man ironically. Now Miles, if he had heard it, had well-nigh forgotten it, for no one talked of the matter just now. "What I want to know is this—could you legally marry the Lady Audrey?"
"Father! father! What are you saying?" he interrupted, as he started to his feet.