"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. "Did you call Lord Darby laggard, too?"

"You will have to ask him; I do not now remember."

"I passed him at the gate, and from his temper I might guess you called
him even worse."

"At least I know I did not dub him thief." Then she held out her hand.
"The kerchief," she said peremptorily.