Netherlands."

"Ay! who seem to have left pity and conscience behind them there,"
said Humfrey, looking anxiously up at the fine old gabled house with
its projecting timbered front, and doubting inwardly whether it would
be wise to act on his old playfellow's invitation, yet with an almost
sick longing to know on what terms the youth stood with Cicely.

In another quarter of an hour they were at the gateway of Shrewsbury
House, where the porter proved to be one of the Sheffield retainers,
and admitted them joyfully. My Lord Earl was in Yorkshire, he said,
but my Lord and Lady Talbot were at home, and would be fain to see
them, and there too was Master William Cavendish.

They were handed on into the courtyard, where servants ran to take
their horses, and as the news ran that Master Richard's sons had
arrived from the Indies, Will Cavendish came running down the hall
steps to embrace them in his glee, while Lord Talbot came to the door
of the hall to welcome them. These great London houses, which had
not quite lost their names of hostels or inns, did really serve as
free lodgings to all members of the family who might visit town, and
above all such travellers as these, bringing news of grand national
achievements.

Very soon after Gilbert's accession to the heirship, quarrels had
begun between his wife and her mother the Countess.

Lord Talbot had much of his father's stately grace, and his wife was
a finished lady. They heartily welcomed the two lads who had grown
from boys to men. My lady smilingly excused the riding-gear, and as