Part 17 (1/2)
”Nay, but the arch-fiends Buckingham and Monmouth. And with the King's consent they leave for a hunting bout and they ride hither. It says that the former in masque saw my meeting this morning with Lady Constance, and he followed and made love to her.” The Abbes stood in utter dismay and dejection. At last, Dempsy of the Cow and Horn began in deep, full tones the first movement of the ”Kyrie eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie eleison,” and one by one every voice leapt up in a G.o.d-have-mercy, and the walls echoed and without the birds seemed to take it up, and it was carried to a listening ear not far from the shadow of the wall. Then the prayer ceased and La Fosse--half soldier, half priest--spoke in ringing tones.
”And what else does thy billet say? Why are we to be attacked; are we not upon our own ground?”
”It is mooted that should my wife gain the King's ear, she will influence him to consent not only on this thy matter but others of great importance that now pend. It is said that Buckingham has boasted of rare sport in routing a full score of knaves; taking treasure--”
Cantemir's eyes swept keenly the visage of Constantine--of great value, beside the beauteous maid that is to arrive; for he says 'tis sure she will be worth as much to them as the King. He refers to himself and Monmouth, who mean to take my wife prisoner this very night.”
”'Tis enough,” said La Fosse, with a deprecating gesture. ”We must put on the armour of strength and gird ourselves for battle. We have all to fight for that that is honourable: home, virtue and religion. What more could we ask for to strengthen us?”
”'Tis well said,” quoth Constantine. ”Judging from thy billet, we are not to be attacked until the maid hath arrived. Is it known, also, at what hour she is to come?”
”If they know so much, they perhaps know even all.”
”Then we must hasten the hour by two, and 'twill incur no disadvantage save to bring the maid to a greater discretion and show of wit; for 'twill be harder for her to escape at nine than eleven.”
”Methinks 'twill be a greater task to warn the maid of the setting forth of the hour.” Adrian looked up hopefully; for he was of no mind to meet his wife upon the threshold of a battle, and two hours earlier, 'twould be time and to spare, and he spoke out bravely,--
”I'll see to the message,” and he was guilty of a low-bred wink at Dempsy.
”Then 'twill serve to set aside this matter for the next,” and La Fosse looking at Cantemir and speaking softly and deferentially bade him leave them for the present.
Adrian left the room by the door he had entered it, and pa.s.sing through a hall reentered the chamber that had been a.s.signed him.
The Russian, though a coward, was wary at times and allowed it to carry him into danger, and as an example he changed his riding garb for his cavalier costume, discarding his spurred boots for high-heeled slippers and deigning not to don coat or waistcoat started forth in search of--he must think what? He was without servant, as 'twas safer to leave him at the Cow and Horn;--especially one who has corners on his conscience. He must search for--the kitchen. This place was below stairs, and he stole this way and that to find a flight of steps.
Treading softly, listening intently and looking ravenously for opportunity to plunder, for there was treasure somewhere about the monastery, this was certain, and he might as well have part of it as Buckingham and Monmouth to have it all. And in case of any mischance and Mistress Penwick be lost to him, he must have something to live upon. Constance would never forgive him for allowing the maid to escape him, and consequently would not give him large loans as heretofore. But if he should gain the fair prize, some day he would give back to his church even more than he had taken. As he thus thought, he forgot for a moment his present surroundings and was suddenly reminded by a touch on the shoulder,
CHAPTER XIII
AS NINE TOLLED FROM THE CHAPEL BELFRY
He started quickly and looked up shuddering, and saw a tall, slender monk with cowl so drawn not a feature could be seen. The Abbe spoke low and hoa.r.s.ely, as though a cold prevented better utterance,--
”What seekest thou?”
”The kitchen,” Cantemir answered, with a great show of bravery.
”And what there to find, my young man?”
”Pen and paper. I must write to Mistress Penwick.”
”Ah yes, ah yes, my son. I had forgotten. Curve thy sentences to the point, without being so broad in a.s.sertion another might understand.
Thou hadst better put it this way--”
”Indeed I thought I had my meaning well covered. I had proposed to say--”
”Ah, we are not alone; step this way.” The monk turned to a panelling that gave way by a touch, and to Cantemir's surprise they were alone in a dark and vaulted pa.s.sage; indeed they were unable to discern aught. Quickly the Abbe drew his companion from the panelling through which they had pa.s.sed; and 'twas hardly done when three monks followed with lighted candles. The foremost was Constantine, carrying an enormous bunch of keys. Their long robes swept Cantemir's feet. He drew a quick breath, and before it sounded his companion placed his hand over his mouth. Now this hand smacked not of holy mould or monastic incense, but rather of rare perfume; but Cantemir was frightened and did not notice the worldliness of the admonis.h.i.+ng hand.
The monks proceeded down the pa.s.sage; stopping near the centre they lifted from the floor a trapdoor. A ladder was brought and swung down the opening and the three descended.