"
"And he knighted you," said Grisell.
"True," with a sharp glance, as if he wondered how she was aware of
the fact; "but only as my father's heir. My poor old house and
tenants! I would I knew how they fare; but mine uncle sends me no
letters, though he does supply me."
"Then you do not feel bound in honour to Lancaster?" said Grisell.
"Nay; I did not stir or strive to join the Queen when last she called
up the Scots--the Scots indeed!--to aid her. I could not join them
in a foray on England. I fear me she will move heaven and earth
again when her son is of age to bear arms; but my spirit rises
against allies among Scots or French, and I cannot think it well to
bring back bloodshed and slaughter."
"I shall pray for peace," said Grisell. All this was happiness to
her, as she felt that he was treating her with confidence. Would she
ever be nearer to him?
He was a graver, more thoughtful man at seven and twenty than he had
been at the time of his hurried marriage, and had conversed with men
of real understanding of the welfare of their country. Such talks as
these made Grisell feel that she could look up to him as most truly
her lord and guide. But how was it with the fair Eleanor, and
whither did his heart incline? An English merchant, who came for
spices, had said that the Lord Audley had changed sides, and it was
thus probable that the damsel was bestowed in marriage to a Yorkist;
but there was no knowing, nor did Grisell dare to feel her way to
discovering whether Leonard knew, or felt himself still bound to
constancy, outwardly and in heart.
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