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Updated: May 16, 2025
"Robert Sadler is a traitor, and we have much to do ere he return." Humphrey seemed bewildered. "And wouldst thou trust a traitor?" he at length demanded. "Abroad, good Humphrey, and in a small matter, but not within these walls." The dense Humphrey showing still by his countenance that he could not comprehend his mistress, Lady De Aldithely spoke more plainly.
Look and act as thou hast in the past. Call to mind thine uncle, the prior, and guard not only thy tongue, but the glance of thine eye, and the carriage of thy body." Hugo blushed. "I fear I am like to mar all without thy counsel," he said humbly. "Thou art but a lad," replied Lady De Aldithely, kindly, "and my counsel thou shalt freely have.
"Except thine uncle, the prior," said Lady De Aldithely. "Except my uncle," agreed Hugo. All this time Josceline had waited with impatience and he now spoke. "He is not to be put outside the walls, mother, is he?" "Nay, my son. That were poor hospitality. He may bide here so long as he likes." Life was rather monotonous at the castle, as Hugo found.
For a moment Richard Wood was silent. Then he said: "Answer me truly. It behooveth me to know the truth in this matter. Why did thy men-at-arms leave thee?" "I did but let fall the king's purpose toward the young lord, and name his father, De Aldithely, and they fell off from me as I had been myself a murderer.
"For why should he take my Black Tom and give me naught? I do but protect myself when I give him instead Black Dick." "Ay, and thou doest no unfriendly turn to the young lord neither. I have been to inquire, and there be those that say he is son to De Aldithely. And doubtless he fleeth away to his brave father in France. I did think he had a familiar look this morn.
When thou canst protect another, do so; and so farewell." Speaking in these general terms he not only gained from the bailiff a belief in his own benevolence, but effectually concealed from him the real reason of his helping him, which was to protect, so far as possible, the young Josceline De Aldithely. "It is well for a lad when his father hath many friends," mused the courtier.
Humphrey seemed to ruminate a short time. Then he put on a look of stupid wisdom. "Let us have breakfast now," he said. Hugo looked at him impatiently, and wondered how he could ever have found such favor with Lady De Aldithely. But in silence he took the brawn and oat-cake Humphrey gave him.
Each man knew he was facing death; each man was anxious for the safety of Lady Aldithely and her son; and each man cast a sober eye on Hugo and Humphrey. The effect upon Hugo was visibly depressing, while upon Humphrey it was irritating. Humphrey had been thinking: and while he would be ostensibly Hugo's servant, he had decided that he would be in reality the master of the expedition.
"He is a good man, my uncle, the prior," he said. "And ever he saith to me, 'In troublous times a prudent tongue is worth ten lances and shields." Lady De Aldithely smiled. "May he keep his priory in peace," she said. "'Twere a pity that he should lose it." Hugo looked at her gratefully. Not every one so leniently regarded the prior's prudence.
"For thee, because of thy kindness, I will risk that," declared Hugo, after a pause. Lady De Aldithely put up her hand. "Hush!" she said. "Speak no more at present to me, and nothing on the subject at any time to any but me. I hear footsteps." The footsteps, bounding and light, drew nearer, and presently Josceline looked in at the door. "Come, Hugo!" he cried.
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