Owing to his serious wound, they had moved very
slowly, reaching home near three o'clock in the morning. The Duchess
was greatly shocked by Cedric's condition and most indignant with
Mistress Penwick and Constance.
The matter was blown about by servants, and before the dismal rainy
day was ended, all Crandlemar knew of the goings-on at the castle
and were greatly stirred that their lord had been so used by the
Catholics. 'Twas inflammable matter that meant the possible uprising
in arms of the whole village. It was said the Protestants were
aggrieved that Lord Cedric had thus long allowed the monks freehold,
and now that he was helpless they would take it upon themselves to
drive them away at the point of the sword and see if, by so doing,
greater fortune would not fall to them, for such bravery would
certainly bring them to their lord's notice and mayhap he would build
up many of his houses and do better by them than heretofore.
Over the ale mugs at the village inn 'twas whispered by the landlord
that the day before two men, wearing masques, had left the place
together, one bearing under his saddle-bag a monk's robe; and a
crucifix had fallen from his pocket as he mounted.
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