"That is my only consolation. Yet I shall kill him whene'er the chance be given, tale or no tale."
"Where did you see the knave?"
"At Sheffield—and with whom, think you?"
"This whole matter has been so mysterious I cannot even guess," said De Wilton.
"And wide would you go of the clout if you did," De Lacy replied, as he flung a short gown about his shoulders and turned toward the door. "It was Lord Darby."
"Darby! Darby! … Mon Dieu, man! are you quite sure?"
Aymer laughed shortly.
"Methinks I am quite sure," he said. "And now I must away to the King."
"So you have come back to us at last," said Richard graciously, as De Lacy bent knee; "but I fear me, without your lady."
"Aye, Sire, without her. It is your business that has brought me."