eyes. Should you see her as you pass
Pontefract--if you return that way--say to her that I am here, and that
a short visit from her would be very welcome."

"It may be that the Duchess has left the castle," replied Aymer, "but
your message shall reach the Countess."

"Best deliver it in person," said Sir John, kindly.

"Trust me for that," De Lacy answered--"and now farewell."

"A most gallant youth," said De Bury, when Sir Aymer was gone, "and of
the right fighting stock; yet, if I mistake not, that sweet niece of
mine is likely to make trouble for him."

The shorter route to London was by Sheffield, but De Lacy chose to go
by way of Pontefract. It would, of course, bring him upon the main
highway between York and London further North than by the Sheffield
road; yet he took the chance of the Duke being delayed an extra day at
York, in which event he would be able to await him at Doncaster, and
join him at that place instead of at Nottingham.

It was still wanting something of noon when the low white walls of
Kirkstall glinted before them. De Lacy rode steadily on, however,
nodding pleasantly to the porter, who was standing in the gateway, but
declining his invitation to enter. It was better, he thought, that
Abbot Aldam should have no opportunity to question his men as to their
destination of yesterday. When they reached the banks of Aire, he
ordered a short halt; then swinging again into saddle, they splashed
through the clear waters and breasting the opposite bank resumed the
march at a rapid walk. Presently a body of horsemen hove in sight and,
as they approached, De Lacy eyed them carefully. They were less than a
dozen in number, and though they displayed no banner, yet the sun
gleamed from steel head-pieces and chamfrons. The man in front,
however, was plainly not in armor and his horse was strangely small.
Then, as the distance was reduced, the horse became an ass and the
rider the Abbot of Kirkstall.

"You travel early, Lord Abbot," said Aymer, as they met and halted.

"It is of our calling, my son. Religion knows no night. But you also
must have risen early--on your way to the Coronation--Deo volente?"
with a quizzical smile.

"As fast as horse will carry me."

"Perchance you may overtake the Duke of Gloucester; he left York
to-day, I believe."

"He has rather a long start, methinks, for a stern chase," replied
Aymer.

"Six hundred men move not so quickly as twelve, my son," said the mo