and the Lancastrians live quietly with the Yorkists. Unless I were
so unfortunate as to meet a Yorkist noble who knew that I was a
banished man and one who had the honour of being in your Majesty's
confidence, I do not think that any danger could possibly arise.
What say you, wife?"

"I cannot think that there is no danger," Lady Tresham said; "but
even so I would not say a word to hinder you from doing service
to the cause. I know of no one else who could perform the mission.
You have left my side to go into battle before now, and I cannot
think that the danger of such an expedition can be as great as
that which you would undergo in the field. Therefore, my dear lord,
I would say no word now to stay you."

She spoke bravely and unfalteringly, but her face had paled when
Sir Thomas first made the proposal, and the colour had not yet
come back to her cheeks.

"Bravely spoken, dame," the queen said warmly. "Well, Sir Thomas,
I accept your offer, and trust that you will not be long separated
from your wife and son, who will of course journey with me when
I go to England, where doubtless you will be able to rejoin us
a few days after we land. Now let us talk over the noblemen and
gentlemen in the west, upon whom we can rely, if not to join our
banner as soon as it is spread, at least to say no word that will
betray you."

Two days later Sir Thomas Tresham started on his journey, while the
queen remained at Amboise eagerly awaiting the news that Warwick
had collected a fleet, and was ready to set sail. Up to this point