returned the guest. "My child, do you
not see that I am attired as a soldier?"

"I crave forbearance," faltered Francis in some confusion. "I did not
notice thy dress, but judged from thy manner. Nathless, priest or
soldier, I give thee greeting. Prithee heed not mine error."

"'Twas naught," smiled Captain Fortescue. "It is to my praise that thou
didst accost me as an holy man. My lord, methinks the maid will serve our
purpose well."

"I trow so," answered Lord Stafford with a proud look. "She hath spirit
and courage to a rare degree in a maid. I know no lad of her age that can
equal her in hunting or hawking. No tercelet for her, but the fiercest
goshawk that e'er seized quarry. How now, Francis?"

"My father, I knew that thou wouldst believe my skill," said Francis
eagerly. "Yet a lad did but now contend that he it was who shot a deer in
the forest," and she related the incident graphically.

"Beshrew me, I doubt not but that thine was the arrow that slew the buck,
yet it contents me well that the lad should endure the penalty of the
deed in thy stead. How now, Greville?" to the tutor. "Was the youth of
noble birth?"

"Methought there seemed something of the gentle in him, though he was
but meanly garbed. Yet the apparel doth not always make the man,"
answered Greville.

"Not always," acquiesced Lord Stafford.

"He was not noble," interjected Francis shortly. "Else he would not have
claimed the deer. I would, good my father, that you compass his release,
and let me take the consequences of my action. I killed the deer."

"Be that as it may, child, the lad must bear the penalty. There are
matters of grave import that must now be considered, and thou canst aid
me."

"I aid thee?" asked the girl in surprise. "Father, didst thou say my
aid?"

"Thine, child. Come to me anon, and I will acquaint thee with the full
import of the matter. Greville, thou standest like a hind. Give greeting
to our guest. One would think that thou hadst never been at court."

"I give thee welcome, sir," said Greville bowing. "As my lord's friend, I
welcome thee."

"Methinks thy countenance is not unfamiliar, Master Greville," and the
soldier returned his obeisance courteously.

"In London mayhap thou hast seen me. It was mine abode for a time,"
replied the tutor carelessly.

"Perchance 'twas there," mused the other with a searching look at the old
man. "But howsoe'er that may be, later will I pledge to our better
friendship.