"What is the matter, child?" asked the Countess, taking it up.
The moment she saw the contents, however, she became agitated.
"Good faith!" she cried, "this is wise advice, Arabella; you had better take it. Who brought this note?"
"One of my girls," faltered Arabella.
"Well, well," said Lady Shrewsbury, "a morning's sail upon the Thames will do you no harm; and no one can say you have not a right to amuse yourself with a water-party for an hour or two. Quick, girl; do not tremble, but get some few clothes together. Let your gentlewoman go down to the stairs with them. You and I will follow; and a barge in two or three hours will carry you to your husband's ship."
"But Seymour--Seymour!" cried Arabella; "I fear more for him than for myself."
"Leave that to me!" answered the Countess. "I will send off a messenger instantly to warn him.--You get ready,--quick!"
In a few minutes Lady Shrewsbury joined her niece in her own room. Ida Mara, with one small box in her hand, was already at the door when the Countess entered.
"Where are the two maids, Ida?" asked Lady Shrewsbury.
"In the waiting-room, madam," replied Ida Mara.