Perhaps Leonard would have laid his single sword at her feet if he
had known of her presence, but tidings travelled slowly, and before
they ever reached Neufchatel the Duke had bestowed on her wherewithal
to continue her journey to her father's Court at Bar.
However, he did not move. Indeed be did not hear of the Queen's
journey to Scotland and fresh attempt till all had been again lost at
Hedgeley Moor and Hexham. He was so good and efficient a man-at-arms
that he rose in promotion, and attracted the notice of the Count of
Charolais, the eldest son of the Duke, who made him one of his own
bodyguard. His time was chiefly spent in escorting the Count from
one castle or city to another, but whenever Charles the Bold was at
Bruges, Leonard came to the sign of the Green Serpent not only for
lodging, nor only to take up the money that Lambert had in charge for
him, but as to a home where he was sure of a welcome, and of kindly
woman's care of his wardrobe, and where he grew more and more to look
to the sympathy and understanding of his English and Burgundian
interests alike, which he found in the maiden who sat by the hearth.
From time to time old Ridley came to see her. He was clad in a
pilgrim's gown and broad hat, and looked much older. He had had free
quarters at Willimoteswick, but the wild young Borderers had not
suited his old age well, except one clerkly youth, who reminded him
of little Bernard, and who, later, was the patron of his nephew, the
famous Nicolas.
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