'Well, that is what I desire too,' he said instantly, 'or at least I wish to be in the neighbourhood of her father, that we may together discuss and plan measures——' He stopped short, looking suspiciously around. 'You understand?' he said.
Yes, I understood. He was still not without hope that Mary might be dethroned, and Lady Jane reinstated as Queen. What it is to be young! All things seem possible to the very young, especially when they are greatly desired.
'But Lady Jane Grey wished me to take you to your home, Margery,' he said, 'and indeed I know you would be safer there.'
'Yes,' said I, 'but that does not matter.'
'Would you not like to be back with Jack and Hal and your father?' he asked.
For a moment—I was so young and they were so very dear—I wavered. Then I made answer stoutly, 'I want, above all things, to return to my dear lady. If you love me, dearest, you will take me to her.'
'And if she chides me for disobedience?'
'I will bear the blame,' I said; 'I will bear all the blame.'
We had a little more talk about it, and then, the language of our hearts being one and the same, straightway turned about and retraced our steps, making a detour, that we might avoid the dangerous neighbourhood of Crossley Hall.
A couple of hours later, Sir Hubert, who had been riding on before, returned to us, saying anxiously, 'Margery, we are pursued. Quite a large company of horsemen have appeared in sight from the direction of Crossley Hall, and they are gaining upon us.'