"
"Nigel, I thank you. There is no man in Christendom to whom I
would sooner turn."
"But I would lean your mind in one matter, fair sir. This man,
Paul de la Fosse, owns broad acres, as I understand, and comes of
noble blood. There is no reason if things be as we fear that he
should not marry your daughter?"
"Nay, she could not wish for better."
"It is well. And first I would question this Hannekin; but it
shall be done in such a fashion that none shall know, for indeed
it is not a matter for the gossip of servants. But if you will
show me the man, Mistress Mary, I will take him out to tend my own
horse, and so I shall learn all that he has to tell."
Nigel was absent for some time, and when he returned the shadow
upon his face brought little hope to the anxious hearts at the
high table. "I have locked him in the stable loft, lest he talk
too much," said he, "for my questions must have shown him whence
the wind blew. It was indeed from this man that the note came,
and he had brought with him a spare horse for the lady."
The old Knight groaned, and his face sank upon his hands.
"Nay, father, they watch you!" whispered Mary. "For the honor of
our house let us keep a bold face to all." Then, raising her
young clear voice, so that it sounded through the room: "If you
ride eastward, Nigel, I would fain go with you, that my sister may
not come back alone.
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