The worthy censitaire knelt down before the lady, and repeating her
name three times, pronounced the formula of foi et hommage
prescribed by the law, as owing to the lords of the Manor of Tilly.
"My Lady de Tilly! My Lady de Tilly! My Lady de Tilly! I render
you fealty and homage due to you on account of my lands of the
Bocage, which belong to me by virtue of the deed executed by the
Sieur Marcel before the worthy notary Jean Pothier dit Robin, on the
day of Palms, 1748, and I avow my willingness to acquit the
seigniorial and feudal cens et rentes, and all other lawful dues,
whensoever payable by me; beseeching you to be my good liege lady,
and to admit me to the said fealty and homage."
The lady accepted the homage of Sieur Tranchelot, graciously
remitted the lods et ventes,--the fines payable to the seigneur,--
gave him the cup of wine to drink when he rose to his feet, and
ordered him to be generously entertained by her majordomo, and sent
back to the Bocage rejoicing.
So the days passed by in alternation of business and pastime, but
all made a pleasure for the agreeable inmates of the Manor House.
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