This thoughtfulness gave a depth to her eyes and a piquancy to her talk which Tom noted with surprise and admiration; and he was well pleased that both his home and his womenfolk pleased his friend so well.
Mrs.Tufton would fain have learned something of the nature of the errand upon which her son was to start upon the morrow; but Lord Claud fenced cleverly with her questions, and, whilst seeming to reply to them, left her little the wiser.

They were going to take ship for Holland, and thence make their way with despatches to one of the allies of the Duke; so much he let them freely know.

And when she asked if there were peril to face, he laughed lightly as he replied: "Madam, there is always peril to be faced whether we bide at home or travel beyond seas.

Your son Tom met more peril in the forest only a few short miles from home, than he has encountered in that great Babylon of London.

It is so with us all.