Joyce made no remark to this, and they retraced their steps in silence till they had crossed the drawbridge and were in the palace grounds.
"I have thought so much of you," he said, earnestly. "I am now come, as I said I should, to present my petition. Is there any hope?"
Joyce turned away her head, and did not answer.
When they reached the palace, a footman threw open the door:
"Dinner is served," he said, in a voice which was intended to be a mild reproof.
"Can I see his lordship?" Gilbert asked; while Joyce ran upstairs to her room on the upper floor.
"His lordship is just sitting down to dinner, sir. What name——"
Gilbert took out a card and handed it to the man, leaving him in the hall till he knew the Bishop's will.
Presently he reappeared.
"I am requested to beg you, sir, to go into the dining-room at once: this way."