"I am just telling you the question I want to lay before His Eminence. If you can, it will solve a good many difficulties at Paton Hall; and I shall go back."
"But I cannot," broke in Miles. "I was speaking to a priest the other day, and he said that the marriage of a man to his deceased brother's wife was contrary to the law of God, and could by no means be a legal—"
"Master Paton, I require you in my private chamber."
Miles started, and turned crimson, as he bowed before the speaker. It was the Cardinal himself. He must have opened the door and heard all that was said, for they were so intent upon what they were saying that they had not heard a sound.
Miles bowed his assent to the command, and, with a whispered word to his father to await his return, he silently followed Wolsey to his own private room.
"Who is that old man?" asked his master, when he had bidden him close the door of the room.
"My father, may it please your Eminence, and he has but now come from Woodstock."
"But he is prating of the king's matters."
"Nay, he told me he wished me to marry my brother's widow."
"And why not do it if it would be convenient?" said the Cardinal, as if he was counselling the purchase of a suit of clothes.