His father looked at him askance. "Do you doubt me, Reginald?"
"Not for one moment," answered his son; "but in this matter I desire to stand alone. We can never tell, Father; I have a clean record, which may be of use to you."
The colonel laughed. "I don't think I run much danger. Why, there is scarce a man who is welcoming Charles to London who has not fought with the Parliamentarians. He would have to take a scythe if he were to sweep off the heads of all those who have fought against him. And there is the Treaty of Breda to protect us."
"You forget the clause," said Reginald.
"Tut, tut!" answered the colonel. "De Vere and a few others will be arrested; the rest will get off."
"Possibly," said Reginald, "but I doubt it."
At that moment the supper-bell rang out from the belfry, and father and son went together into the great hall, which had been the refectory of the monks. It was a beautiful place, with carved oak panelling and fretted roof; but Ann noticed as she sat beside her father that he was somewhat querulous that night, and drank deeper than was his wont.
"Has anything happened?" she asked Reginald after supper, looking at her father.
"Nothing that I am aware of," answered Reginald. "Good-night, little one!" And so they parted.
Father and son rode forth together the following morning on their way to London.