"
"Still," said the Sub-Prior, "this will not account for the youth
offering to you this piece of silver, as a token by which you were to
understand something, and, as we must needs conjecture, something
disagreeable."
"Your reverence is to conjecture what you will," said Sir Piercie;
"but I cannot pretend to lay your judgment on the right scent when I
see it at fault. I hope I am not liable to be called upon to account
for the foolish actions of a malapert boy?"
"Assuredly," said the Sub-Prior, "we shall prosecute no inquiry which
is disagreeable to our guest. Nevertheless," said he, looking to his
Superior, "this chance may, in some sort, alter the plan your lordship
had formed for your worshipful guest's residence for a brief term in
this tower, as a place alike of secrecy and of security; both of
which, in the terms which we now stand on with England, are
circumstances to be desired."
"In truth," said the Abbot, "and the doubt is well thought on, were it
as well removed; for I scarce know in the Halidome so fitting a place
of refuge, yet see I not how to recommend it to our worshipful guest,
considering the unrestrained petulance of this headstrong youth."
"Tush! reverend sirs--what would you make of me?" said Sir Piercie
Shafton. "I protest, by mine honour, I would abide in this house were
I to choose. What! I take no exceptions at the youth for showing a
flash of spirit, though the spark may light on mine own head.
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