Beale's arrival.
VI
Robin had hardly reached his room after supper and a little dessert in
the parlour, before Merton came in. He drew his hand out of his breast
as he entered, and, with a strange look, gave the priest a folded
letter. Robin took it without a word and read it through.
After a pause he said to the other:
"Who were those two men that came before supper? I saw them ride up."
"There is only one, sir. He is one of Mr. Walsingham's men."
"There were two," said the priest.
"I will inquire, sir," said the young man, looking anxiously from the
priest's face to the note and back again.
Robin noticed it.
"It is bad news," he said shortly. "I must say no more.... Will you
inquire for me; and come and tell me at once."
When the young man had gone Robin read the note again before destroying
it.
"I spoke to Sir A. to-day. He will have none of it. He seemed highly
suspicious when I spoke to him of you. If you value your safety more
than her Grace's possible comfort, you had best leave at once. In any
case, use great caution."
Then, in a swift, hurried hand there followed a post-script:
"Mr. B. is just now arrived, and is closeted with Sir A. All is over, I
think."
* * * * *
Ten minutes later Merton came back and found the priest still in the
same attitude, sitting on the bed.
"They will have none of it, sir," he said. "They say that one only came,
in advance of Mr.
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