"Here you may rest safely," said she. "No one ever comes to this house, save now and then a messenger from my good master and yours. I guess from all I see that you are a sufferer for the faith!"
"Indeed, madam, I hardly know myself," I answered. "I have suffered nothing worthy of the name as yet, but I trust I should have grace to endure should such trouble come upon me."
"Well, you are young, but the cross comes to all, young as well as old. There, sweetheart, get thee to bed, and rest well."
She kissed my forehead and left me. Oh, how delightful was that clean, well-lavendered linen, albeit my bed was somewhat harder than I had been used to. But young bones do not mind such trifles, and I was soon asleep, and did not stir till toward ten o'clock. I sprang up and dressed myself as soon as I was fairly awake, and hurried down stairs to find mine uncle thoughtfully pacing up and down the hall.
"Where is his Grace?" I inquired, so soon as I had asked and received his blessing.
"Up and away three hours ago!" was the answer. "He did but tarry till his horse was fed and refreshed, and then took his way to a hunting lodge he hath in these parts. He saith his people are well used to his freaks, so no one will wonder to see him."
"Yes, he often rides alone," I answered. "I would he did not, for his life is too precious to be risked. And what are we to do now, uncle—"
"Why, nothing just at present, except what the partridge does when the hawk is abroad—keep close and wait. His Grace assures me, we are safe in this place, which, indeed, is lonely enough, if that were all, and bids us remain here till the heat of the pursuit is passed, after which he will purvey means for us to go abroad."
"Then there is pursuit?"
"Ay, hot enough just now, but I fancy it will soon cool. The king is busy about his new marriage, and he seems, with all reverence, not to be in the same mind for two days together."