“Then,” said he, “I will leave a token at Nottingham where I have taken her; whether home or at once to Hull.  If I leave Brown Roundle at the inn for thee, then come home; but if it be White Blossom, then come to Hull.  It will be best that thou dost not know while here, and I cannot go direct to Hull, because the fens at this season may not be fit for riding.  Heatherthwayte will need no proofs to convince him that she is not thy sister, and can wed you at once, and you will also be able to embark in case there be any endeavour to arrest her.”

“Taking service in Holland,” said Humfrey, “until there may be safety in returning to England.”

Richard sighed.  The risk and sacrifice were great, and it was to him like the loss of two children, but the die was cast; Humfrey never could be other than Cicely’s devoted champion and guardian, and it was better that it should be as her husband.  So he repaired to Sir Amias, and told him that he desired not to expose his daughter’s tender years and feeble spirits to the sight of the Queen’s death, and claimed permission to take her away with him the next day, saying that the permission of the Queen had already been granted through his son, whom he would gladly also take with him.

Paulett hemmed and hawed.  He thought it a great error in Mr. Talbot to avoid letting his daughter be edified by a spectacle that might go far to moderate the contagion of intercourse with so obstinate a Papist and deceiver.  Being of pitiless mould himself, he was incapable of appreciating Richard’s observation that compassion would only increase her devotion to the unfortunate lady.  He would not, or could not, part with Humfrey.  He said that there would be such a turmoil and concourse that the services of the captain of his yeomen would be indispensable, but that he himself, and all the rest, would be free on the Thursday at latest.

Mr. Talbot’s desire to be away was a surprise to him, for he was in difficulties how, even in that enormous hall, to dispose of all who claimed by right or by favour to witness what he called the tardy fulfilment of judgment.  Yet though he thought it a weakness, he did not refuse, and ere night Mr. Talbot was able to send formal word that the horses would be ready for Mistress Cicely at break of day the next morning.

The message was transmitted through the ladies as the Queen sat writing at her table, and she at once gave orders to Elizabeth Curll to prepare the cloak bag with necessaries for the journey.

Cicely cried out, “O madam my mother, do not send me from you!”

“There is no help for it, little one.  It is the only hope of safety or happiness for thee.”

“But I pledged myself to await Queen Elizabeth’s reply here!”

“She has replied,” said Mary.

“How?” cried Cicely.  “Methought your letter confirming mine offers had not yet been sent.”

“It hath not, but she hath made known to me that she rejects thy terms, my poor maid.”