“Since your majesty does not object, I feel quite easy,” said the earl. “Where are the visitors?” he added, to his brother.
“I left them on the lawn,” replied Charles. “I told them you had a friend with you—nothing more. Shall I prepare them, my liege!”
“No,” replied the prince. “I will chose my own time for the disclosure.”
“Haste back, then, and say I will be with them anon,” cried the earl.
“And be careful to give them no hint.”
“Your majesty may rely on me,” replied Charles, as he bowed and departed.
“This is our North Country custom,” said the earl. “We visit each other without the slightest ceremony—take friends with us—and stay as long as we please. In coming to me thus, uninvited, and bringing Sir John Webb and his family with him, Tom Forster is only doing what I should not hesitate to do, were I inclined to pay him a visit at Bamborough Castle.”
“I am very glad he has come, for it will give me an opportunity of beholding the fair Dorothy,” said the prince.
“Your majesty will also behold Anna Webb, who, in my opinion, is far more beautiful than the other.”
“Then you have seen her?” cried the prince.