Hugo looked at her and his eyes flashed indignation. "Deliver
Josceline, he shall not!" he cried.

"He could but for thee, for we are powerless."

"Then again I say, he shall not."

"Come nearer still," said Lady De Aldithely. "I would tell thee the
man's name. What sayest thou to Robert Sadler?"

Hugo stared. "Robert Sadler!" he repeated. "Why, 'tis he of all the
men-at-arms, save William Lorimer, who is kindest to Josceline and me.
He will be ever with us; in the tilt-yard, in the stables, in the hall,
everywhere."

"To watch you," said Lady De Aldithely. "To mark what you say. To catch
your plans."

"He shall catch no more plans from me!" cried Hugo, indignantly. "I
will speak no more with him, nor be with him."

"Ah, but thou must," counselled Lady De Aldithely. "Wert thou to turn
from him, as thou sayest, he would know at once thou hadst been warned
against him, and would hasten his own plans. What said he to thee
yesterday?"

"He did ask me when I should leave the castle."

Lady De Aldithely's face clouded with anxiety. "And what didst thou