"
"Can you read?" the King asked of Hugh when he had spelt out this
superscription.
"Ay, Sire; at least if the writing be that of Sir Andrew Arnold, for he
was my master."
"A learned one and a brave, Hugh de Cressi. Well, break seal; we
listen."
Hugh obeyed, and read as follows:
"Your Grace:
"Mayhap, Sire, you will remember me, Andrew Arnold, late master of the
Templars in this town of Dunwich, in whose house, by your warrant for
certain services rendered to your grandsire, your sire, and to yourself,
I still dwell on as a priest ordained. Sire, the bearer of this, Hugh de
Cressi, my godchild, is the son of Geoffrey de Cressi, of this town, the
great wool-merchant, with whom your Highness has had dealings----"
"In truth I have!" interrupted the King, with a laugh. "Also I think the
account is still open--against myself. Well, it shall be paid some day,
when I have conquered France. Forward!"
"Sire, this Hugh is enamoured of Eve Clavering, daughter of Sir John
Clavering of Blythburgh, a cousin of his House, a very beauteous maiden,
commonly known as Red Eve, and she in turn is enamoured of and betrothed
to him----"
Here Queen Philippa suddenly became interested.
"Why is the lady called Red Eve, sir?" she asked in her soft voice.
"Because her cheeks are red?"
"No, Madam," answered Hugh, blushing; "because she always loves to wear
red garments.
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