CHAPTER XXIII--THE CANKERED OAK GALL
That Walter was no fool, though that him list
To change his wif, for it was for the best;
For she is fairer, so they demen all,
Than his Griselde, and more tendre of age.
CHAUCER, The Clerke's Tale.
It was on an early autumn evening when the belfry stood out beautiful
against the sunset sky, and the storks with their young fledglings
were wheeling homewards to their nest on the roof, that Leonard was
lying on the deep oriel window of the guest-chamber, and Grisell sat
opposite to him with a lace pillow on her lap, weaving after the
pattern of Wilton for a Church vestment.
"The storks fly home," he said. "I marvel whether we have still a
home in England, or ever shall have one!"
"I heard tell that the new King of France is friendly to the Queen
and her son," said Grisell.
"He is near of kin to them, but he must keep terms with this old Duke
who sheltered him so long. Still, when he is firm fixed on his
throne he may yet bring home our brave young Prince and set the
blessed King on his throne once more."
"Ah! You love the King."
"I revere him as a saint, and feel as though I drew my sword in a
holy cause when I fight for him," said Leonard, raising himself with
glittering eyes.
"And the Queen?"
"Queen Margaret! Ah! by my troth she is a dame who makes swords fly
out of their scabbards by her brave stirring words and her noble
mien.
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