That was the answer.

Yet almost he could find it in his heart to wish that he had never made that bargain; that he had kept Peter, who had waited so long, waiting for another month.

Well, it was too late now.

He had passed his word, and he would keep it, whatever the cost might be.
Rising, he called one of the servants, and bade her summon Margaret.
Presently she returned, saying that her mistress had gone out walking with Betty, adding also that his horse was at the door for him to ride to the river, where he was to pass the night on board his ship.
Taking paper, he bethought him that he would write to Margaret, warning her against the Spaniard.

Then, remembering that she had nothing to fear from him, at any rate at present, and that it was not wise to set down such matters, he told her only to take good care of herself, and that he would be back in the morning.
That evening, when Margaret was in her own little sitting-chamber which adjoined the great hall, the door opened, and she looked up from the work upon which she was engaged, to see d'Aguilar standing before her.
"Senor!" she said, amazed, "how came you here ?" "Senora," he answered, closing the door and bowing, "my feet brought me.
Had I any other means of coming I think that I should not often be absent from our side." "Spare me your fine words, I pray you, Senor," answered Margaret, frowning.