"But are you one who hath also suffered for God's work? Forgive my asking, for while your attire is that of a Court gallant, your face is as if set towards the city of God."
"I have suffered imprisonment for not obeying the king," I made answer.
He looked at me steadily. "Surely I have seen you before," he said, "and yet your face is strange to me. Have you by chance ever visited this neighbourhood before?"
"Yes," I replied.
"Long ago, young master? Oh, you need not fear to tell me. If you have suffered because of your disobedience to the king, you should be one of God's children."
"I was in the Chapel of Herne twelve months ago last June," I replied.
"Surely, surely you cannot be he who helped our friend out of——" He stopped and gazed eagerly at me as if afraid to say more.
"My name is Roland Rashcliffe," I said, whereupon he grasped my hand in joy.
"This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes," he said.
"Know you aught of her?" I said, wellnigh overcome with the hope that was in my heart.