“The King?” and with the words it appeared each Abbe was upon his feet and leaning forward intent.

“Nay, but the arch-fiends Buckingham and Monmouth.  And with the King’s consent they leave for a hunting bout and they ride hither.  It says that the former in masque saw my meeting this morning with Lady Constance, and he followed and made love to her.”  The Abbes stood in utter dismay and dejection.  At last, Dempsy of the Cow and Horn began in deep, full tones the first movement of the “Kyrie eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie eleison,” and one by one every voice leapt up in a God-have-mercy, and the walls echoed and without the birds seemed to take it up, and it was carried to a listening ear not far from the shadow of the wall.  Then the prayer ceased and La Fosse—­half soldier, half priest—­spoke in ringing tones.

“And what else does thy billet say?  Why are we to be attacked; are we not upon our own ground?”

“It is mooted that should my wife gain the King’s ear, she will influence him to consent not only on this thy matter but others of great importance that now pend.  It is said that Buckingham has boasted of rare sport in routing a full score of knaves; taking treasure—­” Cantemir’s eyes swept keenly the visage of Constantine—­of great value, beside the beauteous maid that is to arrive; for he says ’tis sure she will be worth as much to them as the King.  He refers to himself and Monmouth, who mean to take my wife prisoner this very night.”

“’Tis enough,” said La Fosse, with a deprecating gesture.  “We must put on the armour of strength and gird ourselves for battle.  We have all to fight for that that is honourable:  home, virtue and religion.  What more could we ask for to strengthen us?”

“’Tis well said,” quoth Constantine.  “Judging from thy billet, we are not to be attacked until the maid hath arrived.  Is it known, also, at what hour she is to come?”

“If they know so much, they perhaps know even all.”

“Then we must hasten the hour by two, and ’twill incur no disadvantage save to bring the maid to a greater discretion and show of wit; for ’twill be harder for her to escape at nine than eleven.”

“Methinks ’twill be a greater task to warn the maid of the setting forth of the hour.”  Adrian looked up hopefully; for he was of no mind to meet his wife upon the threshold of a battle, and two hours earlier, ’twould be time and to spare, and he spoke out bravely,—­

“I’ll see to the message,” and he was guilty of a low-bred wink at Dempsy.

“Then ’twill serve to set aside this matter for the next,” and La Fosse looking at Cantemir and speaking softly and deferentially bade him leave them for the present.

Adrian left the room by the door he had entered it, and passing through a hall reentered the chamber that had been assigned him.