Tom and his companion were drawing near to the Duke’s property of Holywell, when Tom suddenly burst out with these words.  He had begun to feel a sort of proud, shy shrinking from thrusting himself, even as invited guest, into the house of the great Marlborough.  Moreover, the sight of the familiar country—­for he had been wont to pay visits afore times to St. Albans—­had awakened in him memories of the life which now seemed so very far distant, together with more tender thoughts of mother and sister than he had ever felt towards them in the days of old.

“I would meet you in three days’ time wherever you would appoint me,” he added, as Lord Claud remained silent and thoughtful; and there was a note of pleading in his voice which showed how much bent he was upon this visit of farewell.  “You have said you do not look to be less than three days at Holywell.  I pray you spare me for this last farewell.”

Lord Claud’s face softened, as though he felt sympathy for Tom’s eager desire.  He spoke kindly and thoughtfully.

“In sooth, I see no objection,” he replied.  “It is to me that the Duke must impart his wishes, as you know nought of foreign lands or tongues.  A stout and trusty comrade I need to take with me; but it is not necessary, so far as I see, for us both to wait upon the Duke.  Belike, too, he may be busy, and it may be I shall have to wait his leisure; or he may himself have to wait for despatches from abroad ere he can give me mine.  So do you take your ease at your home of Gablehurst; and when I have received instruction, I will, by your leave, join you there.  We shall certainly cross the sea to Holland; for we must not adventure ourselves in the hostile ports of France.  So ’twill all be in my way for the coast; and perchance your good mother will afford me the shelter of her friendly roof for one night.”

Tom’s face lighted up as though a sunbeam had touched it.

“For a dozen, my lord, if you will thus far favour us!  In sooth, I thank you heartily for this grace.  The village of Gablethorpe is well known to some persons even in these parts; and Gablehurst is the largest house in the place.  A hearty welcome will be yours, my lord, whenever you arrive there.”

“Thanks, good Tom.  I doubt it not if thy folks are of thine own trusting kidney.  And hark ye, look well to the mare Nell Gwynne; let her be well fed and well tended, for it may well be that she has hard times before her.  If we have to cross the sea on urgent business, I shall do my best to take our good steeds with us.  Dutch nags may be strong, but I would sooner feel the English blood stirring beneath me.  Besides, in matters where despatch and caution are needed, it is half the battle to have a horse who has been trained under one’s own eye.  They have ways with them that can be of vast use in moments of peril, and will brook no strange riders on their backs.  See to the mare, Tom, and do well by her; for it may be that thy very life may hang one day upon her speed and strength!”