Lady De Aldithely shivered. "I pray thee, speak not of prisons,
Humphrey," she said firmly, "but attend my words."

"Am I not faithful?" demanded Humphrey.

"Thou art, my good Humphrey," was the reply.

"Was it then for Robert Sadler to do thine errand?"

"I have a greater errand for thee," was the grave answer. "Robert
Sadler is a traitor, and we have much to do ere he return."

Humphrey seemed bewildered. "And wouldst thou trust a traitor?" he at
length demanded.

"Abroad, good Humphrey, and in a small matter, but not within these
walls."

The dense Humphrey showing still by his countenance that he could not
comprehend his mistress, Lady De Aldithely spoke more plainly. "I must
tell thee, Humphrey, that Robert Sadler designeth for a sum of money to
deliver Josceline to the king."

Humphrey stared.

"I have discovered it, and have been almost crazed in consequence. But
a deliverer hath come."

"I saw no one," said Humphrey in a dazed tone.