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Page 83
headmen and bailiffs and I thought your Brother Philip was giving me more of the same. And I would like to know the reason for that pretended stupidity too."
"For that I am somewhat ashamed, my lord," Alinor replied. "It was in spite, because you rode out without me. I beg your pardon. I know it was your right and duty to see the lands and question the men, but I wished you to see how they loved me and obeyed me. I pray you, do not punish them for my pride. But no man lied to you. That I straitly forbade."
"No indeed. How could there be a lie when there was no substance to lie about." Simon shook his head. "It is a nice trail of old fish, but I am a wise dog and I do not follow false trails. Perhaps you did not begin with the intent to enrage me, but you went on to that purpose. You have not answered my question. Why?"
"You have not answered mine."
Simon stared, again wordless. No man would dare, and this frail child A strangled sound just outside drew his eyes from Alinor, and he suddenly realized he had a large appreciative audience. The lesser castlefolk melted away under his glare, but Sir Andre and Sir John felt obliged to stand their ground. Simon passed a hand across his face. Alinor, who had had her back to the Great Hall, swung around.
"What do you here?" she asked furiously.
Sir Andre gestured over his shoulder at the unusually industrious servants. "They feared some harm might come to you, my lady."
"And you also felt Lady Alinor needed protection?" Simon asked in a perfectly expressionless voice.
Sir John cleared his throat awkwardly. Sir Andre shrugged helplessly. "My lord," he said, "we know you to be a courteous knight, but having some years dealt with Lady Alinor My Lord," he continued in furious haste, "a saint could hardly help wishing to murder her at times. I have come within inches of it myself.

 
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