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."