Already the fatal news had reached the girl's ears, but she was far too prudent2 a housewife and too loving a niece and sister to show her grief to men who had not dined, who were probably well-nigh spent with anxiety and need of bodily refreshment3.
Therefore, without a word, Susan led the way into the dining-room, where food and wine had been prepared through her loving care.
Then, dismissing the servants, she said—
"I myself have dined, now let me wait on you. Do not speak, my dear uncle; alas4, I know all, and presently we will confer together; but now refresh yourself, for I see indeed that you need it."
Sir John proceeded to obey his imperious housewife; yet, ere he sat himself at table, he embraced her affectionately and said—
"You little know, dear girl, how sage5 and prudent is your advice, for I must needs tell you that in half-an-hour two visitors will be here to whom I must give immediate6 audience, for they come on matters of life and death!"
"Oh, uncle, is poor Ralph's case so desperate?" cried Susan, with a terror-stricken face.
"God only knows," replied Sir John; "but if there be any help in man, they who now are on their way hither are surely sent by Heaven to bring us that help, for they are none other than the Cardinal7 and the Spanish Ambassador."
Susan's eyes sparkled with a sudden access of joy; yet she resumed her first insistence8.
"Then you have but a few minutes wherein to refresh yourself, dear uncle, and I will not speak again, nor allow you to do so till you have eaten."
Sir John's serious face relaxed into a smile, and he proceeded to obey.
The minutes flew by, and soon Sir John's major-domo entered the room, after a discreet9 knock at the door.
"Two visitors await you in the library, Sir John. They did not give me their names, but they said they came by appointment."
Sir John rose at once.
"You will see that no one disturbs our conference in the library," he said to his servant. "And you, my children, await my return here; please God, I may have good news to bring you."
Then he proceeded to the library.
The two visitors stood near the great hearth10, where a fire sparkled, for the morning was chilly11. Hastening towards them, Sir John fell on one knee at the foot of the Cardinal, who, with a kindly12 smile, extended his hand towards him.
The Treasurer13 reverently14 kissed it.
Yet did he not kiss the hand of the great Churchman in his character of a Prince of the Roman Church, but rather because he saw in Reginald Pole a Plantagenet in whose veins15 ran royal blood. Then, rising, he warmly saluted16 the Ambassador, and at a courteous17 invitation from Sir John the three men took seats.
The Cardinal opened the conference.
"You are in trouble, Sir John, very grievous trouble, and there are many reasons why I should seek to bring you aid and comfort. I know from the Ambassador how great a service your two brave nephews have rendered to him, and when I saw them in Court to-day and marked their manly18 bearing, their evident mutual19 love, and the heroic loyalty20 of the condemned21 man as he cried 'God save the Queen,' I vowed22 to God that I would save him from the mutilating hand of the hangman and the pillory23 at Tyburn, if it lay in my power."
There was a deep compassion24 in the Cardinal's voice, and his noble face flushed with a generous excitement as he spoke25.
He marked the unbidden tears which suffused26 Sir John's eyes, and grasping his hand he cried—
"Have faith in God, Sir John, and hope for the best! Now tell me all about the Chiddingly affair from your own point of view; I heard the Pursuivant's tale, but I would fain have it supplemented by yours: I would know the motives27 which actuated Ralph, and what accomplices28 he had.
"Will your boys volunteer for that service?"
Then tell me all about that heroic deed of rescue on the Thames. I would know the smallest detail of that gallant29 action, for therewith I trust to move the Queen's heart to mercy!"
Then, folding his purple cassock over his knees, the Cardinal leant back in his seat and prepared to listen.
With consummate30 skill Sir John performed his task, for which his legal training eminently31 fitted him. Thus half-an-hour swiftly flew by, and at the conclusion of the somewhat long narration32 the Ambassador spoke briefly33.
"Sir John," he said, "I have an expedient34 in my mind which, perhaps, may win us through our enterprise if all other means fail. Your lads are born soldiers; why are you bent35 upon making such fine fellows lawyers? I wager36 that they are better hands with their rapiers than with their quills37. I fancy that if the matter were left to their choice they would rather see camps and beleaguered38 cities than pass their lives in musty law-courts!
"Now to my point. King Philip is here to gain England's help in his war with France; he seeks to raise a strong English contingent39, under Lords Pembroke and Clinton, which will proceed forthwith to join his army under the command of Count Egmont. Will your boys volunteer for that service if the Queen extend to them her gracious pardon?"
For a moment Sir John, taken utterly41 by surprise, kept silence; then he said—
"I would fain consult the boys themselves upon so momentous42 a point; or, at least, crave43 for time to consider it."
"Alas, my dear friend," replied Don Renard quickly, "the matter is very urgent. I must be prepared at all points when I see the King to-night. Moreover, do you not know that the machinery44 of the Star Chamber45 moves quickly, and it may be (which God forbid) that to-morrow our young friend Ralph may stand in the pillory at Tyburn. Think what may depend on your decision, and let me act on it, lest that should happen which we may have to regret all our lives."
"Remember also, Sir John," added the Cardinal, "that the military service of which the Ambassador speaks may be but of short duration; when the campaign is over, the lads may resume their legal studies if God spare their lives, and they so desire. As a matter of fact, am I not right in saying that you yourself have seen military service?"
"Yes, your Excellency, it is true," replied the Treasurer. "As a young man I did three years' duty at Calais and in Flanders, but I did not know that your Eminence46 was aware of the fact."
The Cardinal smiled and answered significantly—
"There are few circumstances connected with the family of the Jefferays which are unknown to those at Court."
Sir John put his hand upon his brow and pondered deeply. At length his mind seemed to be made up, and he replied—
"It is true that I cannot consult both the boys ere coming to a decision, and that delay may be fatal. I therefore take the responsibility upon myself, and I accept your Excellency's proposition; God grant that I have not to regret my action."
The Cardinal rose with a sigh of relief.
"Then that closes our conference. There is much to do between now and nightfall. To-night we see the Queen and King Philip, and the matter will be decided47. Ere I seek my couch this night I will let you know the result. Farewell, my friend!"
Sir John, as before, sank reverently on one knee before him, and the good Cardinal, extending his hand, pronounced the benediction48 of the Church—the Ambassador kneeling likewise at Sir John's side.
Then the two illustrious visitors departed, Sir John himself going before them to the entrance gate of Gray's Inn.
The Treasurer returned to the library, and for a while sat in deep thought; he was greatly agitated49, yet there was springing up in his heart a blessed feeling of hope!
After a while he rose, and, remembering his promise, went into the dining-room, where William and Susan sat anxiously awaiting him.
Susan flew to meet him.
"My dearest uncle," she cried, "you bring us good and comforting news, I can see it in your eyes."
Sir John stooped and kissed her fondly.
"Let us go into the library," he said; "we shall be undisturbed there, and I will tell you all."
There Sir John resumed his seat, and with Susan nestling fondly at his feet, and William standing50 at his side, he detailed51 the conversation which had passed between him and his visitors, omitting nothing. His eyes were closely fixed52 upon William as he came to the military proposition of the Ambassador.
William's face flushed scarlet53, and his eyes flashed with evident joy.
"The Ambassador was right," he said within himself; "the boy is a born soldier; it is in the blood!"
Then aloud he said—
"Was I acting54 rightly when I accepted Don Renard's proposal?"
Instantly William flung himself at his uncle's knees with all affection and reverence55, and seizing his hand, cried—
"I ask nothing better, it is my dearest heart's wish; and when I speak for myself I speak for Ralph also; I can answer for him."
"I thought so," replied the Treasurer, "but as far as Ralph is concerned (and he is chiefly concerned) I will go to the Fleet prison at once and learn his own decision."
But poor Susan was mute!
To be robbed of her two brothers at once, from whom she had never been long separated; to see them go forth40 to all the dangers of war; to think that she might never see them more, all this wrung56 her tender heart, and she began to sob57 gently.
But she was yet to bear another trial, for William, turning to his uncle as he prepared to go forth, said—
"One moment, uncle. Geoffrey de Fynes comes to London this day from Lewes on business of State. He longs for active service, and he is heartsick with his present mode of life.
"Let me hie to the Ambassador at once and propose that De Fynes's name be added to ours.
He will be here to-night, and I can vouch58 for him that he will rejoice to join us."
The Treasurer hesitated for a moment, then said—
"Yes, go, William, and at once. De Fynes is a brave man and true, I could not ask for a better comrade for my boys; I think it can be done."
Thereupon he left them, and William prepared to go also. A deep sigh from Susan, almost a groan59 was it, arrested his steps.
The poor girl had thrown herself upon a couch in an attitude of despair.
William knelt at her side.
"What is it, my dear one?" he said compassionately60.
"Oh, William," Susan murmured, "was it not enough that I should lose my two brothers in one day that you must needs take my lover also?"
"What!" cried William, "is that so?—and yet you told me not?"
The poor girl blushed to the roots of her hair, amid all her sorrow, as she answered—
"We were betrothed61 last week, and this night he would have told you all; he comes to London on no State business: it was to ask my uncle's consent. And now," murmured the heart-stricken girl, "now I may lose him—lose him for ever!"
"Oh, Susan," said her brother, throwing his arms around her, "I knew not of this; and yet I might have guessed it when I saw that bright ring sparkling on your finger. I rejoice thereat greatly; now we shall be brothers indeed, Geoffrey and Ralph and I! Trust him to us, my dear one; we will watch over him as he will over us; we will bring him back to you by the blessing62 and help of God!"
But Susan wept bitterly, her heart refused comfort. And so with reluctant steps William left her; his errand to the Embassy must be done!
"God wills it, God wills it," he said to himself in the spirit of the old Crusaders as he set forth.
点击收听单词发音
1 watchful | |
adj.注意的,警惕的 | |
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2 prudent | |
adj.谨慎的,有远见的,精打细算的 | |
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3 refreshment | |
n.恢复,精神爽快,提神之事物;(复数)refreshments:点心,茶点 | |
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4 alas | |
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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5 sage | |
n.圣人,哲人;adj.贤明的,明智的 | |
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6 immediate | |
adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的 | |
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7 cardinal | |
n.(天主教的)红衣主教;adj.首要的,基本的 | |
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8 insistence | |
n.坚持;强调;坚决主张 | |
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9 discreet | |
adj.(言行)谨慎的;慎重的;有判断力的 | |
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10 hearth | |
n.壁炉炉床,壁炉地面 | |
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11 chilly | |
adj.凉快的,寒冷的 | |
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12 kindly | |
adj.和蔼的,温和的,爽快的;adv.温和地,亲切地 | |
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13 treasurer | |
n.司库,财务主管 | |
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14 reverently | |
adv.虔诚地 | |
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15 veins | |
n.纹理;矿脉( vein的名词复数 );静脉;叶脉;纹理 | |
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16 saluted | |
v.欢迎,致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 );赞扬,赞颂 | |
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17 courteous | |
adj.彬彬有礼的,客气的 | |
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18 manly | |
adj.有男子气概的;adv.男子般地,果断地 | |
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19 mutual | |
adj.相互的,彼此的;共同的,共有的 | |
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20 loyalty | |
n.忠诚,忠心 | |
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21 condemned | |
adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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22 vowed | |
起誓,发誓(vow的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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23 pillory | |
n.嘲弄;v.使受公众嘲笑;将…示众 | |
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24 compassion | |
n.同情,怜悯 | |
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25 spoke | |
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说 | |
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26 suffused | |
v.(指颜色、水气等)弥漫于,布满( suffuse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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27 motives | |
n.动机,目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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28 accomplices | |
从犯,帮凶,同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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29 gallant | |
adj.英勇的,豪侠的;(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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30 consummate | |
adj.完美的;v.成婚;使完美 [反]baffle | |
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31 eminently | |
adv.突出地;显著地;不寻常地 | |
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32 narration | |
n.讲述,叙述;故事;记叙体 | |
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33 briefly | |
adv.简单地,简短地 | |
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34 expedient | |
adj.有用的,有利的;n.紧急的办法,权宜之计 | |
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35 bent | |
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的 | |
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36 wager | |
n.赌注;vt.押注,打赌 | |
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37 quills | |
n.(刺猬或豪猪的)刺( quill的名词复数 );羽毛管;翮;纡管 | |
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38 beleaguered | |
adj.受到围困[围攻]的;包围的v.围攻( beleaguer的过去式和过去分词);困扰;骚扰 | |
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39 contingent | |
adj.视条件而定的;n.一组,代表团,分遣队 | |
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40 forth | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
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41 utterly | |
adv.完全地,绝对地 | |
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42 momentous | |
adj.重要的,重大的 | |
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43 crave | |
vt.渴望得到,迫切需要,恳求,请求 | |
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44 machinery | |
n.(总称)机械,机器;机构 | |
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45 chamber | |
n.房间,寝室;会议厅;议院;会所 | |
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46 eminence | |
n.卓越,显赫;高地,高处;名家 | |
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47 decided | |
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
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48 benediction | |
n.祝福;恩赐 | |
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49 agitated | |
adj.被鼓动的,不安的 | |
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50 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
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51 detailed | |
adj.详细的,详尽的,极注意细节的,完全的 | |
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52 fixed | |
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的 | |
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53 scarlet | |
n.深红色,绯红色,红衣;adj.绯红色的 | |
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54 acting | |
n.演戏,行为,假装;adj.代理的,临时的,演出用的 | |
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55 reverence | |
n.敬畏,尊敬,尊严;Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称;v.尊敬,敬畏,崇敬 | |
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56 wrung | |
绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 ); 握紧(尤指别人的手); 把(湿衣服)拧干; 绞掉(水) | |
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57 sob | |
n.空间轨道的轰炸机;呜咽,哭泣 | |
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58 vouch | |
v.担保;断定;n.被担保者 | |
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59 groan | |
vi./n.呻吟,抱怨;(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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60 compassionately | |
adv.表示怜悯地,有同情心地 | |
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61 betrothed | |
n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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62 blessing | |
n.祈神赐福;祷告;祝福,祝愿 | |
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