I saw Master Hall change color for a moment, and then he was himself again. As he bade me good-night, he whispered in my ear:
"Loveday, if I am not seen again, take my love and blessing to Margaret."
It may be believed I had no stomach for music that night, and the Duchess seeing or guessing that something was the matter, dismissed me at an early hour.
The next morning, she sent for me to come to her at least an hour earlier than usual. When I entered her dressing room, I found the Duke there before me.
"Mistress Corbet," said he, after he had himself closed the door, and made sure there were no eavesdroppers, "my wife tells me that you are a model of discretion, and can keep secrets."
"Her Grace praises me too highly," said I, wondering what could be coming next. "I may venture to say that I am no tale-pyet at the least."
"I trust not, for in truth I have to put into your hands a somewhat weighty matter. A warrant will be issued this morning to take your friends, Master Hall and his wife, for heresy, and for publishing and selling heretical books."
The world seemed to turn round with me, but I did not altogether lose my wits.
"I must warn them!" were the words which seemed to come of themselves from my lip.
"There is no need!" said his Grace. "They have already escaped, and I have good hope that they are by this time beyond reach of pursuit."