“Raymond!” exclaimed John, with a look that spoke volumes of welcome.

“Good mine uncle, welcome at all times, thou art doubly welcome in such company as this.  But I had not looked to see you in merry England again for long.  Men say that Calais is closely besieged by the King, and methought he had need of thee and my father likewise whilst the campaign across the water lasted.”

“True, lad, the King has need of those he graciously dubs his trusty counsellors; and I have but come hither for a short while.  The King is full of anxiety about this outbreak of the hardy Scots, which has been so gallantly frustrated at Neville’s Cross by our gracious Queen, worthy to be the mate of the world’s greatest warrior.  I am come hither charged with much business in this matter, and so soon as all is accomplished I am desired to bring the Queen to join her royal spouse before the walls of Calais.  It is not long that I may linger here.  I have but a few short hours to set mine own affairs in order.  But thinking I should be like to find thee here, Nephew John, as the autumn weather in low-lying Windsor generally drives thee forth from thence, I hastened hither to bring to thee a companion for thy winter’s loneliness.  Methinks thou hast known and loved him before.  Treat him as a cousin and a friend.  He will tell thee all his story at his leisure.”

The slight stress laid upon the word “cousin” by the prelate caused John to glance quickly and curiously at Raymond, who answered by a slight smile.  Just at that moment there was no time for explanations.  Master Bernard engrossed the whole of John’s time and attention, being eager to learn from that young man every detail of the campaign in the north which had reached his ears.  And John, who took a wide and intelligent interest in all the passing affairs of the day, and from his position was able to learn much of what went on in the world, sat beside his uncle at the hastily-spread board, and told all the leading facts of the brief and triumphant campaign in terse and soldier-like fashion.

Meantime Raymond sat at ease in the corner of a deep settle beside the fire, leaning back against the soft fur rug which draped it, unable to eat through very weariness, but eagerly interested in all the news his uncle was hearing from John.

Master Bernard had to push on to London that night.  He and his companion had landed at Southampton the previous day, and had taken Guildford upon their way to the capital.  There Raymond was to remain under the kindly care of John; and as soon as the Rector had set off with fresh horses and his own retinue of servants, his nephew turned eagerly back to the hall, where his cousin was still resting, and taking him warmly by the hands, gazed into his face with a glance of the most friendly and affectionate solicitude.

“Good my cousin, I have scarce had time to bid thee welcome yet, but I do so now with all my heart.  It is as a cousin I am to receive and treat thee?  What meant my good uncle by that?  Hast thou told him what I myself know?  Methought he spoke like one with a purpose.”