human
Hans is all I could desire, said the old lady, returning to the subject:
gpt
May I ask wherefore?
human
You may ask, indeed, yet can I scarce tell. That is no wise-sounding thing to say: yet one may have cause for fear where he hath no evidence for demonstration.
gpt
He may so, indeed. Then you reckon there is good cause for fear?
human
Mr Marshall, you told us some time back that our neighbour Mr Rookwood was brother to a Papist. Know you aught of a friend of his, one Mr Winter, that is in London at times, and hath his lodging in the Strand?
gpt
A friend of this Mr Rookwood, your neighbour?
human
I reckon so. At least, a friend of his son.
gpt
Sons do at times make friends apart from their fathers, said Mr Marshall with a smile.
human
I cannot say, Lady Lettice, that the name is quite unknown to me; yet cannot I, like you, lay a finger on any special thing I may have heard thereabout.
gpt
What were the other names, Edith? I cannot call them to mind.
human
Mr Catesby, Mother, and Mr Percy, and Mr Darcy: those, I think, were what Aubrey told us.
gpt
Mr Percy!--what Percy is he?
human
I know not: some kin to my Lord Northumberland.
gpt
Where dwells he?
human
That know I not.
gpt
At the Green Dragon in Upper Holborn, in Saint Giles's parish,
human
Ha! echoed Mr Marshall, turning to his new informant.
gpt
A recusant, Madam, and a dangerous fellow. And if this Mr Catesby you name be Mr Robert Catesby of Ashby Ledgers, he also is a recusant, and if I know him, a worser man than the other.
human
Hans, art thou sure of this Mr Percy?--that he whom Aubrey wist is the same man of whom Mr Marshall speaks?
gpt
I have seen Aubrey leave his house, Madam.
human
And Mr Darcy?
gpt
Him I know not,
human
Hans, how much dost thou know?
gpt
Dear Lady Lettice, I know very little: and Aubrey would account me a sneak and a spy, were I to tell you what I do know. But I would not care for that if it might save him.
human
I do hope Mr Louvaine is not drawn in among them,
gpt
They have been away of late, replied Hans,
human
Are they away now?
gpt
No, lately returned.
human
I would I could win Aubrey for a talk,
gpt
Shall I call at my Lord Oxford's and leave a message that you would have him call here?
human
Truly, Mr Marshall, you should do me a great kindness.
gpt
Then I so will. Good-night.