"Yes," continued Edmund, "we shall have him cited to London; he is surely within our power. He hath grievously broken the law, and will have to answer to the charge of murder and treason; and if we cannot compass his ruin, then, between us, I have other ways, of which no man knows."
"Hush," said Sir Ronald. "That led thee into trouble aforetime. Here is Lettice coming down the steps."
"That is not Nicholas with her, surely?" exclaimed Edmund.
"No, Nicholas has discarded us and turned monk, I hear, but where he is I cannot tell. That is John Manners, the nephew of the Earl of Rutland. He is after my Lucy, I trow."
"Manners, Manners, John Manners," murmured Edmund; "I have heard that name before. I have met him somewhere I am sure."
"Well, hither he comes," said the knight; "now do you remember him?"
As soon as Edmund caught sight of the young man's face he recognised him.
"Why," he exclaimed, "that's—I know him well enough: I have seen him at Haddon."
"At Haddon!"
"Yes, let me hide myself; I would rather not meet him here; it were better so for both of us. Where shall I go, tell me; quick?"