" Then he smiled blandly at him; "it is
unfortunate you have already started," he added.
Darby's black eyes brightened.
"Yes," said he, "it is."
He glanced quickly toward his escort, which was now at the foot of the
hill, and laid his hand upon his bugle, as though to sound the
recall--then he gave a mocking laugh.
"The luck is yours, this toss," he said; and with a wave of his hand,
that might have been as much a menace as a farewell, he spurred away.
There were no faces at the windows as De Lacy crossed the courtyard,
and he despatched a page to acquaint the Countess of Clare of his
arrival and of his desire for a short interview. Presently the boy
returned with the information that the Countess was with the Duchess,
and that she could not see him before evening.
He sought the presence chamber at the usual hour, but it was deserted;
and after waiting a short while he was on the point of leaving when the
arras suddenly parted and the Countess entered.
"I am glad to see you," she said, giving him her hand, "even though you
are a laggard and a thief."
"Why laggard?" De Lacy asked.
"Because you should be with the Duke and not here."
"Granted," said he.
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