He had thus set out on pilgrimage, as the best means
of visiting his dear lady. The first time he came, under his robe he
carried a girdle, where was sewn up a small supply from Father
Copeland for his nephew, and another sum, very meagre, but collected
from the faithful retainers of Whitburn for their lady. He meant to
visit the Three Kings at Cologne, and then to go on to St. Gall, and
to the various nearer shrines in France, but to return again to see
Grisell; and from time to time he showed his honest face, more and
more weather-beaten, though a pilgrim was never in want; but Grisell
delighted in preparing new gowns, clean linen, and fresh hats for
him.
Public events passed while she still lived and worked in the
Apothecary's house at Bruges. There were wars in which Sir Leonard
Copeland had his share, not very perilous to a knight in full armour,
but falling very heavily on poor citizens. Bruges, however, was at
peace and exceedingly prosperous, with its fifty-two guilds of
citizens, and wonderful trade and wealth. The bells seemed to be
always chiming from its many beautiful steeples, and there was one
convent lately founded which began to have a special interest for
Grisell.
It was the house of the Hospitalier Grey Sisters, which if not
actually founded had been much embellished by Isabel of Portugal, the
wife of the Duke of Burgundy. Philip, though called the Good, from
his genial manners, and bounteous liberality, was a man of violent
temper and terrible severity when offended.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203