"
Ridley interrupted her with imprecations on the knight, and
exhortations to her to hold her own, and not abandon her rights. "If
he keep the lands, he should keep the wife," was his cry.
"His word and heart--" began Grisell.
"Folly, my wench. No question but she is bestowed on some one else.
You do not want to be quit of him and be mewed in a nunnery."
"I only crave to hide my head and not be the bane of his life."
"Pshaw! You have seen for yourself. Once get over the first glance
and you are worth the fairest dame that ever was jousted for in the
lists. Send him at least a message as though it were not your will
to cast him off."
"If you will have it so, then," said Grisell, "tell him that if it be
his desire, I will strive to make him a true, loyal, and loving
wife."
The last words came with a sob, and Ridley gave a little inward
chuckle, as of one who suspected that the duties of the good and
loving wife would not be unwillingly undertaken.
Castle-bred ladies were not much given to long walks, and though the
distance was only two miles, it was a good deal for Grisell, and she
plodded on wearily, to the sound of the lap of the sea and the cries
of the gulls. The caverns of the rock looked very black and gloomy,
and she clung to Ridley, almost expecting something to spring out on
her; but all was still, and the pale eastward light began to be seen
over the sea before they turned away from it to ascend to the
scattered houses of the little rising town.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162