But they had ridden all
Tuesday night without drawing rein, and Robin, going up to the room that
he was to share with the young man, fell upon the bed, and asleep, all
in one act.
* * * * *
He was awakened by the trumpets sounding for dinner in the castle-yard,
and sat up to find young John looking at him. The news that he brought
drove the last shreds of sleep from his brain.
"I have seen Mr. Melville, my master, sir. He bids me say it is useless
for Mr. Bourgoign, or anyone else, to attempt anything with Sir Amyas
for the present. Mr. Melville hath spoken to Sir Amyas as to his
separation from her Grace, and could get no reason for it. But the same
day--it was of Monday--her Grace's butler was forbidden any more to
carry the white rod before her dishes. This is as much as to signify,
Mr. Melville says, that her Grace's royalty shall no longer protect her.
It is their intention, he says, to degrade her first, before they
execute her. And we may look for the warrant any day, my master says."
The young man stared at him mournfully.
"And M. de Preau?"
"M. de Preau goes about as a ghost. He will come and speak with your
Reverence before the day is out. Meanwhile, Mr. Melville says you may
walk abroad freely. Sir Amyas never goes forth of the castle now, and
none will notice. But they might take notice, Mr. Melville says, if you
were to lie all day in your chamber."
* * * * *
It was after dinner, as Robin rose from the table in a parlour, where he
had dined with two or three lawyers and an officer of Mr.
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