"Hark! what's that?" whispered Lettice, "There's someone coming."
"Inside?"
"No, don't you hear them coming on the gravel?"
"Listen," exclaimed Doll, nervously, "'twas but Eustace, the page, stealing away; he's been playing eavesdropper."
"Like us," laughed the maid.
"Hush! Sir Henry is talking. How excited he is. Listen."
"I humbly crave his pardon then, fair lady. When shall I learn what fate you have in store for me?"
"Not till after the tournament, at least," promptly replied Lady
Vernon.
"And that will be—prithee when?"
"This day week, and in the meantime I would advise you as a friend to practise well with your arms," and, added the baron with grim humour, "say your prayers day by day, Sir Henry, for Manners has not fought in the Netherlands for naught."