"We shall have a clear day to-morrow, I think," he said. "If you are at liberty, sir, and these ladies are not too wearied—I have a little business in Westminster; and—"
"Why, yes," said Anthony, "for to-morrow night we expect friends. From
Rheims, sir."
The priest dropped his foot and leaned forward.
"From Rheims?" he said sharply.
The other nodded.
"Eight or ten at least will arrive. Not all are priests. One is a friend of our own from Derbyshire, who will not be made priest for five years yet."
"I had not heard they were to come so soon," said Father Campion. "And what a company of them!"
"There are a few of them who have been here before. Mr. Ballard is one of them."
The priest was silent an instant.
"Mr. Ballard," he said. "Ballard! Yes; he has been here before. He travels as Captain Fortescue, does he not? You are a friend of his?"