“That is what I do mean.”
“Yes, exactly,” said the secretary, thoughtfully; “and when the troubles are over, and the king has chastised all these insolent people who have risen against him, and, lastly, when I meet Sir Granby Royland, and he asks me why I deserted his wife and son in their emergency, what can I say?”
Lady Royland was silent for a few moments, and her eyes rested in a softened manner upon the secretary’s face.
“Say,” she said at last, and her voice sounded a little husky, “that it was my wish that you should go, for I did not desire that any one but I should be compromised.”
“Thank you, Lady Royland,” said the secretary, quietly; and as he spoke, Roy felt his dislike to the man increasing moment by moment up to a certain point. “And, of course,” he said, “I must require money for travelling and to make my way back to London.”
“That you shall be properly supplied with, of course, Master Pawson.”
“Thank you again, Lady Royland,” he said, as he went on calmly with his breakfast; “it is very good of you, and when I require it, I will ask.”
“Better that it should be done at once, sir,” Lady Royland said, firmly, “and that you should go.”
“And leave you and Master Roy here to your fate!”
“We can protect ourselves, sir.”