"Only that you left us at Kirkstall."
Darby gave him a quick, searching look. "It is a very meagre report."
De Lacy smiled. "There has naught happened since we crossed the Aire; and what was discovered between the Castle and the river has already been communicated to the King."
The Abbot watched Darby pass the gate. "His lordship would have liked much to know what you found at the Hermit's Cell and in the forest," he remarked.
"Doubtless, though it was little enough," said Aymer. "However, it is but a few leagues to Pontefract and there he will learn all the news of the Court."
"True, my son; yet, to an ardent lover and one not without hope of acceptance if rumor speak correctly, it would have been a satisfaction to know if you have anything that gives clue to the Countess or her captors."
De Lacy shrugged his shoulders. "Small comfort would I give him, then."
"Peste! my son, I am very stupid. I quite forgot that there are others than Darby who can see the attractions of the Lady of Clare. And of a surety will she be grateful to him who rescues her."
De Lacy made a gesture of dissent.
"It is scarce honorable, this motive you ascribe to me, my lord Abbot," he said curtly.