Richard's lips softened into the very faintest smile.
"Our talk———!" he began.
Then suddenly Stanley started up and pointed to the window.
"Who is yonder listener?" he exclaimed.
Richard turned quickly, following the gesture.
"Are your eyes failing?" he asked. "It is De Lacy—he is on duty to-night."
"Did you know he was there?"
"Most assuredly, my lord."
Stanley stared at the King in amazed silence, and despite his careful dissimulation the indignation blazed in his eyes.
"If Your Majesty deem it wise to discuss such matters before a simple attendant," he said, "it is not for me to criticise … yet, methinks, if it be not risky, it is at least unusual."