“—unless he believes you stand higher in the graces of a certain lady than he can ever hope to stand.”
Master Rainham’s smile gave Halfman the feel of goose-flesh. Brilliana’s face was, happily, averted.
“Madam, assure me ’tis so,” grunted boar’s-head.
“I must not say much,” Brilliana protested, “no more than this, that in this enterprise, if you but achieve it, you will win great credit with the King at no cost to yourself, you spoil a rival, and—but this is very private—you will give great pleasure to that same nameless lady.”
Master Peter shouted, “Why, then, all’s well. I will pick him as clean as a whistle.” Again caution overcrowded cheer. “But I must pick my time, look you.”
On this, Brilliana became emphatic.
“No time like the present. It is to my certain knowledge that Master Paul is away from home to-day.” Again she looked to Halfman for support, and again Halfman yielded it blithely.
“Ay, he has gone hawking,” he declared; “he will not be home this great while.”
Halfman’s confirmation decided Master Peter.
“Why, I go at once. When the cat’s away—! I will be back within the hour.”