But Edward had other sport afoot.
"I pray you, Nigel, to send out the servants, so that we may be
alone. I would have two men-at-arms at every door lest we be
disturbed in our debate, for it is a matter of privacy. And now,
Sir Aymery, these noble lords as well as I, your master, would
fain hear from your own lips how all goes forward in France."
The Italian's face was calm; but he looked restlessly from one to
another along the line of his listeners.
"So far as I know, my liege, all is quiet on the French marches,"
said he.
"You have not heard then that they have mustered or gathered to a
head with the intention of breaking the truce and making some
attempt upon our dominions?"
"Nay, sire, I have heard nothing of it."
"You set my mind much at ease, Aymery," said the King; "for if
nothing has come to your ears, then surely it cannot be. It was
said that the wild Knight de Chargny had come down to St. Omer
with his eyes upon my precious jewel and his mailed hands ready to
grasp it."
"Nay, sire, let him come. He will find the jewel safe in its
strong box, with a goodly guard over it."
"You are the guard over my jewel, Aymery."
"Yes, sire, I am the guard."
"And you are a faithful guard and one whom I can trust, are you
not? You would not barter away that which is so dear to me when I
have chosen you out of all my army to hold it for me?"
"Nay, sire, what reasons can there be for such questions? They
touch my honor very nearly.
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