He seized upon writing materials, and hastily traced these words:-"Sir Richard Varney, we have resolved to defer the matter entrusted to

your care, and strictly command you to proceed no further in relation

to our Countess until our further order. We also command your instant

return to Kenilworth as soon as you have safely bestowed that with which

you are entrusted. But if the safe-placing of your present charge shall

detain you longer than we think for, we command you in that case to send

back our signet-ring by a trusty and speedy messenger, we having present

need of the same. And requiring your strict obedience in these things,

and commending you to God's keeping, we rest your assured good friend

and master, "R. LEICESTER.

"Given at our Castle of Kenilworth, the tenth of July, in the year of

Salvation one thousand five hundred and seventy-five."

As Leicester had finished and sealed this mandate, Michael Lambourne,

booted up to mid-thigh, having his riding-cloak girthed around him

with a broad belt, and a felt cap on his head, like that of a courier,

entered his apartment, ushered in by the valet.

"What is thy capacity of service?" said the Earl.

"Equerry to your lordship's master of the horse," answered Lambourne,

with his customary assurance.

"Tie up thy saucy tongue, sir," said Leicester; "the jests that may suit

Sir Richard Varney's presence suit not mine. How soon wilt thou overtake

thy master?"

"In one hour's riding, my lord, if man and horse hold good," said

Lambourne, with an instant alteration of demeanour, from an approach to

familiarity to the deepest respect. The Earl measured him with his eye

from top to toe.

"I have heard of thee," he said "men say thou art a prompt fellow in

thy service, but too much given to brawling and to wassail to be trusted

with things of moment."

"My lord," said Lambourne, "I have been soldier, sailor, traveller, and

adventurer; and these are all trades in which men enjoy to-day, because

they have no surety of to-morrow. But though I may misuse mine own

leisure, I have never neglected the duty I owe my master."

"See that it be so in this instance," said Leicester, "and it shall do

thee good. Deliver this letter speedily and carefully into Sir Richard

Varney's hands."

"Does my commission reach no further?" said Lambourne.

"No," answered Leicester; "but it deeply concerns me that it be

carefully as well as hastily executed."




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