"The ox knoweth his owner," he cried, "the ass his master's crib; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." Grey pushed the bottle contemptuously across the table to the parson.
"Drink, man, and get sense, said he, and turned aside to question Battiscomb touching others of the neighbourhood upon whom they had depended.
"What of Sir Francis Rolles ?" he inquired.
Battiscomb answered the question, addressing himself to the Duke.
"Alas! Sir Francis, no doubt, would have been faithful to Your Grace, but, unfortunately, Sir Francis is in prison already." Deeper grew Monmouth's frown; his fingers drummed the table absently.
Fletcher poured himself wine, his face inscrutable.

Grey threw one leg over the other and in a voice that was carefully careless he inquired, "And what of Sidney Clifford ?" "He is considering," said Battiscomb.

"I was to have seen him again at the end of the month; meanwhile, he would take no resolve." "Lord Gervase Scoresby ?" questioned Grey, less carelessly.
Battiscomb half turned to him, then faced the Duke again as he made answer, "Mr.Wilding there, can tell you more concerning Lord Gervase." All eyes swept round to Wilding who sat in silence, listening; Monmouth's were laden with inquiry and some anxiety.

Wilding shook his head slowly, sadly.

"You must not depend upon him," he answered; "Lord Gervase was not yet ripe.