What could it matter where the fellow had heard the thing; by now it would be the accusation on the lips of every man.

There was one course to take and he must take it instantly--as he had taken it once before in like case.

He must straight to Rosamund to forestall the tale that others would carry to her.

God send he did not come too late already.
He stayed for no more than to get his boots and hat, then to the stables for a horse, and he was away over the short mile that divided Penarrow from Godolphin Court, going by bridle and track meadow straight to his goal.

He met none until he fetched up in the courtyard at Godolphin Court.