The Prince and the Page: A Story of the Last Crusade

mercy soft

iest heart

sdain may he

at once def

by the beautiful purple ling, blending into a rich carpet with the dwa

so steady and even, that his companions might have supposed it slow, had they only watched it, and not been obliged to keep up with it. Light of foot as

d where stood a long, low, irregular building, partly wood and partly stone, roofed with shingle in some parts, in others with heather. T

of the hard- tasked mother, were all uplifted towards the doorway, in which stood, slightly above them, a lady, with two long plaited flaxen tresses descending on her shoulders, under a black silken veil, that disclosed a youthful countenance, full of pure calm loveliness, of a simple but dignified and devotional expressio

e way through the poor at the gate; and advancing to the porch with a courteous bending of his head, he said

e, my dearest Lord: much did I need thee to hear the plaints of some of these thy lieges, which m

laws of chivalry, thine own true knight thus lays at thy feet, fair l

in a gruff startled murmur of "'Tis the Prince, or the devil himself!" while his young master, comprehending the gesture of the Prince, and overb

y reproachful yet exulting eyes. "Yet I will not be troubled! Naught is danger to thee! And yet alone and unarmed to encount

ard: "thou art the judge of both, and shall de

urning to the prisoners, she began to say in her foreign English, "Follow the good father, friends-" when she brok

thou hast cleared thy present court, and we can be private.-Fo

lock; and her lady spoke little but langue d'oui, the Northern French, which was as little serviceable in dealing with her Spanish and Provencal as with the rude West-Saxon- English. Edward's deep manly tones were to be heard, however, now interrogating the peasants in their own to

priest bade the two prisoners seat themselves. They obeyed-the boy slouching his cap over his face, averting it, and keeping as far as possible from the group of servants near the fire. The priest called for bread, meat, and beer, to be set before them; and after a moment's examination of Adam's bruise, applied the simple remedy that was all it required, and left them to the

ven in the Longshanks' grasp! I was a fool not to guess h

me daintily into the hall, gathering his green robe about him as if he disdained

reign accent, and as if it were a great condescension, "th

he struggled to withhold it; and likewise speaking English, said, "I wou

ver be meet for her presence! She had rather be rid of thee prompt

here was a scornful smile on the young prisoner's cheek, that caused

door was pushed open, and the Prince's voice cal

is offended that he hath not time to deck himself out

ying his hand on his young captive's shoulder, and putting him through the door with a familiarity that ast

ked it as her special abode. She was standing when they entered; and was turning eagerly with outstretched hand and face of recognition, when Prince Edward checked her by saying, "Nay, the cause is not yet tried:" and placing her in a

my Lord?"

ee for the doom of Adam de Gourdon, rebel first, and since that the terror of our royal father's lieges

me," said Eleanor imploringly, "unless,

said Edward, regarding Ada

true," gro

e treason of others? Here stands a young rebel, who would have perished at Evesham, but for the care and protection of this Gourdon- -who healed his wounds, guarded him, robbed for him, for him s

ife or death! What he merits he shall have, from my whole heart-mine own poor esteem for his fidelity, and our j

rude courtesy; "but it were b

ing aside her assumed judicial power, and again ho

ord against his King and uncle-the outlaw who would try whether Leicester fits as well a

without response to the Princess's invitation. "My Lord, you have spoken much of his noble devotion to me f

weep with gratitude to him for having preserved the life of his young nephew. Yes, Richard, oft have we grieved f

He stood flushed, irresolute, with eyes resolutely cas

dy, I am indeed beholden to you

oung cousin, thou art no outlaw: thine uncle will welcome thee gladly; an

boy's cheek, as he answered in a choked voi

s ground; but the Prince responded in a tone of deep feeling, "Well said, Richard: the term does not befit that worthy name. I should ha

same undertone, subdued but determined:

incess: "the poor boy thinks

ard, raising his face with sud

the Earl," said Eleanor; "but all

and sister?"

t this forest lodge: remain with us for that space- thy name and rank unknown if thou wilt-and if thou shalt still look on me as guilty of thy fathe

earching glance, to see whether

ng towards him with a young matron's caressing m

ard perceived in the tones that no choice was l