"We did not venture to come to your house," said Patience, after greeting Ann and her companion, "for fear of disturbing your mother. We felt sure if you had news that you would send us word."
"We have news," said Ann, "but it is of such an evil kind that the telling of it is grievous to me."
"Still we must hear it," said Patience.
They sat down on the bench facing the river, and there Ann told them all she knew.
"It is a very terrible state of affairs," said Delarry, looking serious; but he did not venture to say how serious he thought it, for he knew full well that the king was still very bitter against anyone who had had a hand in his father's murder. Nevertheless he tried to speak cheerfully.
"It will be better," he said, "for Reginald to go to the king himself. He is rather partial to the young man; indeed, only the other day he asked why he was not in attendance. He then learnt of the arrest of Colonel Newbolt, and expressed his regret that the son should have to suffer for the father."
Ann coloured. "That means that Reginald will have to resign his commission," she said.
"I am afraid so," answered Delarry. "It would hardly do, when his father is imprisoned for connivance with the regicides, for him to remain in the king's service. But we cannot tell. Charles is a strange character; he may not choose to accept your brother's resignation."
"It was not Colonel Newbolt's fault that he was on duty on that day at that place," said Agnes.
"No," said Delarry, "that was a coincidence, but still the fact is there."