“There is no debt between us on that score,” answered his lordship shortly, brusquely almost. “Well, then—” He checked, and looked about him. “We might be approached without hearing any one,” he said.
Mr. Caryll smiled, and shook his head. “I am not wont to neglect such details,” he observed. “The eyes of Argus were not so vigilant as my Leduc's; and he understands that we are private. He will give us warning should any attempt to approach. Be assured of that, and believe, therefore, that we are more snug here than we should be even in your lordship's closet.”
“That being so, sir—hem! You are receiving letters daily. Do they concern the business of King James?”
“In a measure; or, rather, they are from one concerned in it.”
Ostermore's eyes were on the ground again. There fell a pause, Mr. Caryll frowning slightly and full of curiosity as to what might be coming.
“How soon, think you,” asked his lordship presently, “you will be in case to travel?”
“In a week, I hope,” was the reply.
“Good.” The earl nodded thoughtfully. “That may be in time. I pray it may be. 'Tis now the best that we can do. You'll bear a letter for me to the king?”
Mr. Caryll passed a hand across his chin, his face very grave. “Your answer to the letter that I brought you?”
“My answer. My acceptance of his majesty's proposals.”