So they pursued their way quietly, discussing many plans; and before the first light of day had begun to glimmer in the east it was settled that, whilst Arthur should go direct to Oxford with the cardinal's mandate, and should make all needful arrangements for the immediate transportation of the sick men to Poghley, Anthony should ride there direct, to advise the young wife and her sister of what they might expect, and to see all made ready there.
Eager as Arthur was to return home to Magdalen, he knew that his authority and his purse would go farther in Oxford than Anthony's.
It was needful for him to be there in person; but it might be just as well for Anthony to keep away from the town at that juncture.
Dalaber did not himself think of or fear any peril, but Arthur's other arguments prevailed with him; and shortly after dawn, at the parting of the ways, the two friends separated, Arthur and the servants riding direct to Oxford, whilst Dalaber took his solitary way towards Poghley.
His heart beat high as he began to trace the familiar outline of wood and hill.

When he rode away a week ago, it was with a very strong presentiment that he would never see the place again.

So resolved had he been to make confession of such of his beliefs as were accounted heresy that he had not dared to believe he could escape.

Yet here he was, safe and sound, and rid at last of that haunting fear and remorse which had eaten into his very soul.
True, he had not said much, yet he knew that the cardinal had understood, and had, as it were, declined a further and fuller revelation.

He had understood, on his side, that the church did not desire to push matters to extremity, and to lose the love and adherence of its most promising sons.