The hospitality of Bletso could not suffer this, and both Anne and the seneschal were urgent that all should remain, Wenlock reflecting that if the store for winter consumption were devoured, even to the hog waiting to be killed, he could obtain fresh supplies from the tenants, so he ushered all into the court, and summoned steward, cooks, and scullions to do their best.  It was not a castle, only a castellated house, which would not have been capable of long resistance in time of danger, but the court and stables gave ample accommodation for the animals and the waggons, and the men were bestowed in the great open hall, reaching to the top of the house, where all would presently sup.

In the meantime the seneschal conducted the ladies and their two attendants to a tiny chamber, where an enormous bed was being made ready by the steward’s wife and her son, and in which all four ladies would sleep, the Prioress and Anne one way, the other two foot to foot with them!  They had done so before, so were not surprised, and the lack of furniture was a matter of course.  Their mails were brought up, a pitcher of water and a bowl, and they made their preparations for supper.  Anne was in high spirits at the dreaded meeting, and still more dreaded parting, having been deferred, and she skipped about the room, trying to gather up her old recollections.  ’Yes, I remember that bit of tapestry, and the man that stands there among the sheep.  Is it King David, think you, Mother, about to throw his stone at the lion and the bear?’

’Lion and bear, child!  ’Tis the three goddesses and Paris choosing the fairest to give the golden apple.’

‘Methought that was the lion’s mane, but I see a face.’

’What would the Lady Venus say to have her golden locks taken for a lion’s mane?’

‘I like black hair,’ said Anne.

’Better not fix thy mind on any hue!  We poor women have no choice save what fathers make for us.’

’O good my mother, peace!  They are all in France, and there’s no need to spoil this breathing time with thinking of what is coming!  Good old Wenlock!  I used to ride on his shoulder!  I’m right glad to see him again!  I must tell him in his ear to put Hal well above the salt!  May not I tell him in his ear who he is?’

’Safer not, my maid, till we know what King Harry can do for him.  Better that his name should not get abroad till he can have his own.’

A great bell brought all down, and Anne was pleased to see that her seneschal made no question about placing Harry Clifford beside the Prioress, who sat next to the Lord of Peelholm, who sat next to the young daughter of the house in the seat of honour.

The nuns, Master Lorimer, and one of the archers, who was a Border squire, besides Master Wenlock, occupied the high table on the dais, and the archers, grooms, and the rest of the household were below.

The fare was not scanty nor unsubstantial, but evidently hastily prepared, being chiefly broiled slices of beef, on which salting had begun; but there was a lack of bread, even of barley, though there was no want of drink.