in that district, was already on the
march to rejoin his brother; and not long after the return of my Lord
Foxham's retainers, Crookback himself drew rein before the abbey door.
It was in honour of this august visitor that the windows shone with
lights; and at the hour of Dick's arrival with his sweetheart and her
friend, the whole ducal party was being entertained in the refectory with
the splendour of that powerful and luxurious monastery.

Dick, not quite with his good will, was brought before them. Gloucester,
sick with fatigue, sat leaning upon one hand his white and terrifying
countenance; Lord Foxham, half recovered from his wound, was in a place
of honour on his left.

"How, sir?" asked Richard. "Have ye brought me Sir Daniel's head?"

"My lord duke," replied Dick, stoutly enough, but with a qualm at heart,
"I have not even the good fortune to return with my command. I have
been, so please your grace, well beaten."

Gloucester looked upon him with a formidable frown.

"I gave you fifty lances, {3} sir," he said.

"My lord duke, I had but fifty men-at-arms," replied the young knight.

"How is this?" said Gloucester. "He did ask me fifty lances."

"May it please your grace," replied Catesby, smoothly, "for a pursuit we
gave him but the horsemen."

"It is well," replied Richard, adding, "Shelton, ye may go."

"Stay!" said Lord Foxham. "This young man likewise had a charge from me.
It may be he hath better sped. Say, Master Shelton, have ye found the
maid?"

"I praise the saints, my lord," said Dick, "she is in this house."

"Is it even so? Well, then, my lord the duke," resumed Lord Foxham,
"with your good will, to-morrow, before the army march, I do propose a
marriage. This young squire--"

"Young knight," interrupted Catesby.

"Say ye so, Sir William?" cried Lord Foxham.

"I did myself, and for good service, dub him knight," said Gloucester.
"He hath twice manfully served me. It is not valour of hands, it is a
man's mind of iron, that he lacks. He will not rise, Lord Foxham. 'Tis
a fellow that will fight indeed bravely in a mellay, but hath a capon's
heart. Howbeit, if he is to marry, marry him in the name of Mary, and be
done!"

"Nay, he is a brave lad--I know it," said Lord Foxham. "Content ye,
then, Sir Richard. I have compounded this affair with Master Hamley, and
to-morrow ye shall wed."

Whereupon Dick judged it prudent to withdraw; but he was not yet clear of
the refector