This paper, together with a copy of the King's commissions, Cicely with her own hand gave to a bold and trusty man, charged to ask an answer, who departed, carrying the white flag and wearing a steel shirt beneath his doublet, for fear of treachery.
When he had gone they sent for Jeffrey, who arrived clad in dry garments and still eating, for his hunger was that of a wolf.
"Tell us all," said Cicely.
"It will be a long story if I begin at the beginning, Lady.

When your worshipful father, Sir John, and I rode away from Shefton on the day of his murder----" "Nay, nay," interrupted Cicely, "that may stand, we have no time.

My lord and you escaped from Lincoln, did you not, and, as we saw, were taken in the forest ?" "Aye, Lady.

Some tricksy spirit called out with your voice and he heard and pulled rein, and so they came on to us and overwhelmed us, though without hurt as it chanced.

Then they brought us to the Abbey and thrust us into that accursed dungeon, where, save for a little bread and water, we have starved for three days in the dark.