"I sent Clupp to Master Hungerford," Halfman answered, "and Garlinge to Master Rainham, bidding them to your presence peremptory. But I warn you, my lady, from all I hear, that if you hope to raise coin for the King's cause from either of the skinflints you will be sadly at a loss."
"At least I must try," Brilliana declared. "Am I not the King's viceroy in Oxfordshire, and are not the two money-bags my proclaimed adorers? It will go hard with me but I compel them to swell the King's exchequer."
"You have done marvels," Halfman admitted. "Can you work miracles? With all due reverence, I doubt. But we shall soon see, for here comes Tiffany tiptoe through the trees. I'll wager it is to herald one of the vultures."
As he spoke, Tiffany tripped in pink and grinning.
"My lady," said she, "Master Paul Hungerford has ridden in and seeks audience."
"Go, bring him in, Tiffany; and, Tiffany child, if Master Peter Rainham comes, as I shrewdly expect, keep him apart, on your life, till I know of his coming."
Tiffany vanished. Brilliana turned to Halfman.
"Stay with me, captain, and aid me to trap these badgers."
Halfman smiled delight. "I will help you extempore," he promised. "I will eke out my part with impromptus."
He stood a little apart, grim mirth in his eyes, as Tiffany ushered into the circle a lean, shabby country-gentleman, whose habit would have shamed a scarecrow. Tiffany disappeared and the new-comer made Brilliana an awkward bow. "Sweet lady, you sent for me and I come, love, quickly."
Brilliana had much ado to keep from laughing in the face of the uncouth genuflector, but she kept a grave face and uttered grave complaint.
"Master Hungerford! Master Hungerford! They tell me sad tales of you. Though you are as wealthy as wealthy you will not mend the King's exchequer."
Master Paul gave vent to such a wail as a dog makes when one treads unaware upon his tail, and clapped his hands about piteously.
"I wealthy! Forgive you, lady, for listening to such tales. I am not so graced. I am little bigger than a beggar."
"Why, now, Master Hungerford, you have a great estate."
Master Hungerford's whine rose higher, and he paddled at the air as if he sought to come to some surface and breathe free.
