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Page 398
sharp things about the idiocy of believing Marie's letter, which Walter had shown her, under such circumstances, exclaimed instead at his unwise movement and bent over him to look at his stitches. He pulled her upward and lower.
"And that is a thing I could never say of you," he suggested.
"You are all sore," Sybelle murmured with her lips against his.
"I will be stiffer and more sore tomorrow," Walter hinted, "and we have been long apart."
"Only four days," Sybelle said, but her hands were undoing her girdle as their lips came together again.
Walter said no more, but he assisted her undressing by pulling off her headdress and wimple, which were in easy reach. Having been helpful, he then proceeded to be a hindrance, even while encouraging a swift disrobing, by kissing her ears and neck, which he had managed to expose.
"This is not wise," Sybelle protested feebly.
"But we have gone too far to stop." Walter laughed. "I am already wounded, and you would not wish me to suffer a severe congestion, which could cause grave complications if not relieved by the proper treatment."
"I wonder," Sybelle giggled, "if a contusion on the head is not the proper treatment for this congestion?" But her threat was greatly weakened by the fact that she had rapidly cast off the remainder of her garments. However, as Walter lifted the covers to welcome her and she caught sight of his battered body, she hesitated and looked concerned again. "You will hurt yourself," she murmured.
"No, I will not," he assured her. "I will do nothing. My hips are sound. Sit astride me while I make you ready. Then you can mount me."
Sybelle blushed. "I am ready," she whispered, then giggled again softly. "And I see that you are also."
"Then mount me," he urged, holding his staff so she could the more easily impale herself.
Athough Sybelle was as surprised as Marie had been by Walter's suggestion, she accepted it with a good deal more enthusiasm. So much, in fact, that she was too soon contented and Walter had to bid her continue her ride. And, because he was really very tired and in some pain despite Sybelle's care not to rest too heavily on him, she was doubly satisfied before his release came. They lay, then, for a little

 
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