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him. The sensation this generated in him was so unpleasant that he forced himself to look away from Sybelle's absorbed attention to Sir Heribert's reply to a question. His eyes fell upon Sir Roland's face, which bore an expression of total astonishment. |
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Instantly, everything fell into place. It was plain that Sir Roland had never seen Sybelle behave in such a fashion. Moreover, Walter knew that he had expressed his doubts of Sir Heribert's trustworthiness to her. Her manner and her reply to Heribert's initial question, Walter realized, were masterpieces. It was just the kind of answer one would expect from a woman, placing personal matters in advance of anything else. Not a word of it was a lieWalter would certainly be quick to announce to his vassals his imminent marriage to a woman of powerful family. Nor did her reply commit Walter or deny to Walter any action. |
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In command of himself again, Walter was about to ask Sir Heribert to sit down when he heard Sybelle cry, "So far? Alas, I did not realize. How unkind I have been, keeping you talking when you must be very tired. Sir Roland, do summon your lady to attend to Sir Heribert's needs, and bid her, I beg you, have a full supper prepared for us, with hot pasties and brawn if it can be readied. Sir Heribert must have missed his dinner in his loyal haste, and he will be the better for a good meal after donning a clean, warmed gown." |
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Without a word, Sir Roland bowed ceremoniously and turned away. That would have worried Walter, since a ceremonious relationship was not characteristic between vassal and lord in Roselynde, but he saw that comprehension rather than anger had replaced the astonishment in Sir Roland's face. Walter used Sir Roland's movement as an excuse to step back, thank Sir Heribert in more collected terms for his prompt answer to the summons, and invite the man to sit down while matters were arranged for his comfort. |
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Walter gestured Heribert to a chair with its high back to the hall, the one in which he himself had been sitting. In a sense it was the seat of honor and thus fitting for a guest. It faced the fire directly, getting the best and most even heat, and the high back shielded the sitter somewhat from the noise and drafts of the hall. Of course, it also prevented anyone sitting in it from seeing what was going on. |
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If Sir Heribert felt fear or suspicion, it did not show. Nor |
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