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Sybelle's family. That is as ironbound to me as written words. I thought surely Richard had told you.'' |
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Unlike Richard, Walter had not seen the hatred in Marie's face, and now he recalled how she had tried and tried again during their lovemaking to bring him to say he loved her. He even remembered that she had said she would be willing to live in poverty so long as they could be together. He nearly wept with her in sorrow and remorse. However, Richard, having seen what he had seen, was totally unmoved. |
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"She loves you like boredom and death," he said. "She only wishes to make you suffer. Do not be a fool. Marie, you deserve a whipping for this meanness and stupidity." |
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"No!" Walter exclaimed, stepping in front of Marie. |
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Richard looked at him and slowly shook his head. "I had not thought you so vain," he remarked dryly. "However, reserving the punishment may serve a better purpose. Come, step aside so Marie can see me." He fixed his eyes on her broodingly for a moment and then said, "Take your hands from your face. I have already seen what you were too slow to hide, and by now you have had time enough to paint sorrow where hate sat. Out of mercy to Walter, who would suffer more than you, I believe, if you had the treatment you deserve, I will do nothing and say nothing of this disgusting scene." |
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"In God's name, Richard," Walter protested, "if anyone has done wrong, it is I." |
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"You were led by the nose, like the jackass women make of most men, and are still being led by it. Hold your tongue or go. Marie is my responsibility." Richard's eyes moved back to Marie. "Hear me, Marie. I said I would do and say nothing. I did not say I would forget. If one person other than the three now in this chamber should ever bear one whisper of the lie you told, I will whip you bloody and I will set you in Pembroke keep without the right to leave your chamber unless special approval under my seal is given by me. And there you will stay until I can find some manwho will be told every word of this so that he knows your evil intent and foul treacheryto take the care of you out of my hands." |
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"You wrong me," Marie whispered. "I meant no harm. I only wanted Walter." |
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"Do not repeat that again," Richard growled. "I know |
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