“I keep a dagger, sir, not a tongue.”
Fulk flashed round on him.
“Ha, cut-throat—Master Knife-in-the-back!”
“True for you, Fulk Ferrers. I serve. I keep mum. But I am your comrade to the death if you keep troth.”
“Play fair, lad, play fair.”
“Fair! Am I to be fair to you all and false to my own self?”
He turned, and, walking to the window, drummed with his fingers on the sill. Knollys had not spoken, but had watched and listened. He came forward now, and spoke in Salisbury’s ear.
“Love fires the blood, sir. There is a man’s heart in his words. Leave me alone with him.”
They went out, Cavendish remaining on guard outside the door.
Knollys walked to the window and laid a hand on Fulk’s shoulder.