This of course changed the physicians’ minds, and Buckingham was allowed to have converse with the Duke and finished that he came to do at the castle.

But Sir Julian had somewhat to say, and ordered his horse to accompany the Duke on his return journey.

This was not unlooked for, and Buckingham, fearing no imbroglio, intended to hasten Sir Julian’s speech, as there was no time to spare.  They started forth ’neath the dripping trees.

“Where is Mistress Penwick, George?”

“With her nurse, Julian.”

“And where the nurse?”

“At Hornby’s.”

“Where is Monmouth’s place of hiding her?”

“That is more, I dare say, Julian, than he knows himself.”

“How long will they remain at the inn?”

“Until I return.”

“Then—?”

“Then, London way is my desire, and I doubt not ’tis Monmouth’s also.”

“Dost love me, Duke?”

“Aye, as always.  What is thy desire?”

“Canst thou keep the maid safe for thirty-six hours?” For a moment there was no answer; then calmly and cold came the word “No.”

“By God! is it so bad that you, you George, cannot take care of her?”

“’Tis the worst of all!”

“Is she safe then now—­now?”

“If the eye of the nurse doth not perjure its owner, I would say she was safe for all time.”

“Good—­”

“But, Pomphrey, one would wonder at thy devotion to Cedric?”

“I loved him, first.”

“That does not say thou lovest thy second love better, eh?”

“By heaven, I love her, there—­thou hast it.”  Buckingham gave vent to his natural inclination and laughed boldly.

“Then, follow her.  We may presume she will be safe kept ’til London gives her rest and wine and finds a locker for her nurse.”

“Then my errand is finished.  I will bid thee adieu.”

CHAPTER XVI

BUCKINGHAM’S ADVENTURE

Buckingham, returning to the village, where his escort met him, then went to a small unused cabin in the thick woods beyond.  Here he changed his attire, making ready for a quick journey and one fraught with some adventure.

As he donned his clothes, ever and anon he paused to hear the low murmuring of voices that came up from the village.  ’Twas evident the mob was gathering.

An hour he waited impatiently, when his servant entered, saying that the mob had started and were hurrying along the high-road at great speed.

The Duke mounted and rode after them, quite far enough in the rear for them not to hear his horse’s step or see as he passed where some cottage light fell aslant the road.

By the time they came in sight of the monastery, he was exasperated beyond measure to be so held behind and was in no mood to wait the mob’s leisure.  He leapt from his horse and threw rein to his man.