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Simon was never sure whether Math really understood what was said to him or reacted to some combination of tone, expression, and movement. In any case, his behavior this time was typical of Simon's previous experience with addressing him directly. The cat stopped purring and moved with slow dignity to the hollow Simon was creating by lying on his side and bending his knees. Simon sighed with relief and shut his eyes. At the moment he cared not a whit why Math did what he desired. All he knew was that peace was restored. Gratefully, he sank back to sleep. |
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At the edge of the wood, Mallt suddenly began to tell Rhiannon the sad tale of her life. She was a fourth daughter in a pursepinched household, and there was no money to dower her. She might have been forced into a religious life, but fortunately the position in Llewelyn's household had opened and she had been chosen. But it was not fair, she complained to Rhiannon. Her blood was every bit as good as that of the others, but she was looked down upon because she had no fine clothing and no dower. Was it not reasonable, she said, that she should seek any method to win a husband and a settled, honorable place in life? |
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Because Rhiannon was very sure the herb preparation Mallt would make would have no effect on any man, she muttered some ambiguous answer. She was regretting bitterly that she had ever agreed to this expedition. Mallt's loud chatter broke the peace of the forest and drove away the birds and little animals that gave Rhiannon so much pleasure. Twice Rhiannon had tried to hush the continuous stream of Mallt's loud complaints. Mallt had looked at her in simulated surprise, protesting that there was no one to hear her in the woods, and even if there were, she was not ashamed of her condition or purpose. |
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In desperation Rhiannon had tried to hurry Mallt |
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