nk.
"Indeed, you might come up with him at Nottingham," he added carelessly.

"Peradventure, yes--Deo volente," wondering how much the Abbot knew of
the matter and how much was shrewd conjecture. "But will not your
reverence attend the Coronation? There is sure to be a brave array of
churchmen there."

"No doubt," returned the Abbot; "but I care little for such gay scenes
or for the intrigues of the Court. A country priest has no training
for such traps. However, I trust we shall soon meet again; and,
meanwhile, Kirkstall's gates are always open to you. _Pax vobiscum_."

"Hypocritical liar," muttered De Lacy, when the two troops had passed.
"I would think twice ere I trusted myself in your power if I chanced to
be an obstacle to your schemes. Giles, what think you of yon Abbot?"

"He is much of his kind and I like not the breed," replied Dauvrey.
"Methinks he resembles rather his brethren of Italy than those I have
seen in this land of mist and fog. He has been meddling with us, I
warrant."

The Knight laughed.

"He has shown a most Christian solicitude for us, at all events," he
said.

When De Lacy drew rein before the barbican of Pontefract, there was no
need to wind horn to gain entrance, for the drawbridge was down and
Lord Darby, with a score of attendants, was just departing.

"Now what in Satan's name brought him back?" Aymer muttered--though he
knew the answer well enough. Then he raised his hand in salute. "I
give you greeting, my lord," he said.

And Darby was even less pleased, for he was going and De Lacy was
coming; but he, too, masked his face, and gave the welcome back in kind.

"Methought you would be with the Duke," he observed, drawing aside to
let his men pass.

"And methought you were by now in London," De Lacy returned.

Darby smiled at the evasion. "Are you not for the Coronation?" he
asked bluntly.

De Lacy nodded. "Indeed, yes--unless I am untowardly prevented."

"If you fare further to-day," said Darby, "I will wait and we can ride
together to Doncaster--a short delay will be well repaid by your
company."

It was but a play to know if De Lacy intended to stay the night at
Pontefract, and it got its answer instantly.

"Your Lordship tempts me sorely," said Sir Aymer, "but I am obliged to
remain here until the morrow." Then he smiled blandly at him; "it is
unfortunate you have already started," he added.

Darby's black eyes brightened.

"Yes," said he, "it is."