"My Lord is unwilling to cross my mother at the present," said young
Cavendish with half a smile; "and though it be not likely that much
harm should come of the matter, yet if she laid hands on Humfrey at
the present moment, there might be hindrance and vexation, so it may
be well for him to set forth, in case Tony be unable to persuade my
Lady that it is nought."

Will Cavendish had been a friendly comrade of both Humfrey and Antony
in their boyish days, and his warning was fully to be trusted.

"I know not why I should creep off as though I had done aught that
was evil," said Humfrey, drawing himself up.

"Well," said Will, "my Lord is always wroth at brawling with swords
amongst us, and he might--my mother egging him on--lay you by the
heels in the strong room for a week or so. Nay, for my part,
methinks 'twas a strange requital of poor Babington's suit to your
sister! Had she been your love instead of your sister there might
have been plainer excuse, but sure you wot not of aught against Tony
to warrant such heat."

"He was importuning her when she would have none of him," said
Humfrey, feeling the perplexity he had drawn on himself.

"Will says well," added the father, feeling that it by all means
behoved them all to avert inquiry into the cause of Humfrey's
passion, since neither Cicely's birth nor Antony's perilous
inclinations could be pleaded. "To be detained a week or two might
hinder thy voyage. So we will speed thee on thy way instantly."