"For London?"
"Nay, methinks I heard he rode to York," replied De Lacy, who had learned enough on the Continent of the ways of churchmen not to tell them all he knew.
"To York!" said the Abbot in some surprise. "How many men did he take with him?"
"I was not present when the Duke departed and I did not see his following," returned Aymer.
The Abbot's keen eyes tried to read behind the answer, but evidently without success, for his next remark was: "I do not recall your face, Sir Aymer, among the many Knights who have traversed these parts."
"Your memory is entirely trustworthy," said De Lacy. "I came from France but lately, and have never seen this section until to-day."
"Fare you not to the coronation?"
"In truth, yes, your reverence; Deo volente."
"Then must you soon turn bridle; London lies to the South, my son," said the Abbot, with a smile.
De Lacy laughed. "Never fear—I shall be there—Deo volente."