Puddock walked beside him, and they went swiftly and silently together.
When they reached the other side of the bridge, and stood under the thorn-hedge fronting the leafless elms, Devereux was irresolute.
'Would you wish _me_ to enquire ?' asked Puddock.

Devereux held him doubtfully by the arm for a moment or two, and then said gently-- 'No, I thank you, Puddock--I'll go--yes--I'll go myself;' and so Captain Devereux went up to the door.
John Tracy, at the steps, told him that he thought his master wished to speak with him; but he was not quite sure.

The tall muffled figure therefore waited at the door while John went in to tell his master, and soon returned to say that Doctor Walsingham would be much obliged to him to step into the study.
When the doctor saw Devereux, he stood up to meet him.
'I hope, Sir,' said Devereux, very humbly, 'you have forgiven me.' The doctor took his hand and shook it very hard, and said, 'There's nothing--we're both in sorrow.

Everyone--everyone is sorry, Sir, but you more.' Devereux did not say anything, being moved, as I suppose.

But he had drawn his cloak about his face, and was looking down.
'There was a little message--only a word or two,' said the doctor; 'but everything of hers is sacred.' He turned over some papers in his desk, and chose one.