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were assembled, and a wave of movement passed over them as they knelt to the Queen. Sir Simon, Sir Andre, and Sir John dismounted, bent the knee briefly, and went to help their ladies down. Once on the ground Alinor prepared to curtsy again, but the Queen stopped her. |
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"Enough, child. You make me giddy with all your bobbing up and down. And I am fain to be in a cooler place." She gestured at the kneeling crowd. "You may rise and be about your business. See that you are as brisk about that as about staring and louting." |
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When they had passed through the forebuilding into the large guard room, three sturdy retainers hurried forward. One stood between the foreshafts of a high-backed, armed chair covered with fine new cushions, and two others held the newly affixed strong rear poles. They knelt promptly, which set the chair down on its legs. The Queen stared at the sumptuous affair with starting eyes. Alinor blushed poppy red. Sir Simon burst into a guffaw of laughter that rang through the huge chamber. |
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"For what is that, may I ask?" |
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"I beg pardon, Your Grace," Alinor gasped, sinking into a curtsy again. "It isoh, dearMy grandmotherif she climbed the stairs, she could not find her breath and a great pain took her across the breastAnd she was younger than you. Oh, dear! I beg Your Grace's pardon. II did not know you were soso young." |
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The surprised indignation faded from the Queen's face. She extended a hand and lifted Alinor to her feet, drew her close, and kissed her. "You are a kind child, and very thoughtful. Of course you have my pardon. None is needed for an act of kindness. You have my thanks for your good will to me." Still holding the blushing girl close, she turned on Simon. "And what are you laughing at, you old war-horse? It is fortu- |
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