"Anselmus," he said in Latin, "bring hither yonder messenger. I must read his letters before I have further speech with Douglas."
"He hath summoned thee," whispered Sir Robert to Richard. "Speak not at all to him, lest thou err greatly. Yon is the knight of Liddesdale, the prowest spear of Scotland. His presence bodeth no good to England, I fear."
The monk came and touched Richard's arm and led him forward. Glad was he of his injunction not to speak, for he was greatly awed to be in that presence. He walked onward with bowed head, and on the dais he knelt before the archbishop.
"Thy letters, my son," said the prelate.
Not a word spoke Richard, but he silently presented three sealed missives. One he knew was from the prince, one from the Earl of Warwick, and the third was to him a secret. Nevertheless he heard the archbishop mutter:
"The king's own hand?"
Then he said aloud:
"Wait thou here, my son. Rise; I will return presently. My Lord Douglas, come thou with me into my cabinet."
Richard arose and stood in his place, but it seemed not long before the archbishop strode back again, and with him came the knight of Liddesdale.
"Your Grace," said the latter, "I ride within the hour."