"Sir Frederick, here, leaves this morning to join Lord Stanley.
"This evening, when thou dost return with our dear Hazel here, I can give thee a letter to the Earl. I would send it by Sir Frederick, but I do desire to give Earl Henry full particulars of the force that Richard doth take with him along. The powers of the Usurper's friends Richmond already knoweth. Mine agents shall bring in the desired information concerning the forces of the Usurper as soon as Richard doth leave the city."
"Then everything goeth well, so far as preparations are concerned, madam.
"About what time doth Richard march?"
"Soon after sun-up he did intend to go; at least so said the order given to me," replied Harleston.
"Then we will return before the set of sun.
"But what, madam, is your opinion of this same strange letter?"
"Truly, Sir Walter, I knew not of it until Sir Frederick told me its strange contents."
I then showed it to her in the hope that she might recognize the hand.
With great care did she observe the writing; then she raised her head and said:—"It looketh not unlike the hand of my Lord Stanley; though there is a tremble here not his. Mayhap he did disguise his hand to guard him from the danger of its falling into other hands than Sir Frederick's."