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given her a strong feeling of satisfaction. Sybelle was accustomed to her father's being high in the councils of the king. It was right and proper that her future husband should be equally respected. It was all she could do not to smile brilliantly on Walter and claim him as husband at once. |
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Perhaps because he saw her difficulty or perhaps out of sheer mischief, Simon saved her. "Good morning, Walter," he said gravely. |
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Walter's eyes flicked to his longtime friend, and if looks could kill, Simon would have dropped where he stood. His eyes returned to Sybelle. "Well, what have you to say to me, Sybelle?" he asked sharply. |
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A beautiful bell tone of laughter cascaded from Walter's right. "I think we are de trop, Simon," Rhiannon exclaimed. |
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"Oh, no," Simon replied. "He does not even know we are here. Walter, will you not say good morning to Rhiannon? She is the bride, you know, and must be treated with extra coutesy." |
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This time when Walter looked at Simon, there was resigned exasperation on his face. "I beg your pardon, Lady Rhiannon." He smiled. "To you I will say good morning with all my heart. But to you, Simon, I will say farewell. Go away, you nuisance. I never saw a more mischievous devil. Do you want your niece to remain unwed forever?" |
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Simon laughed. "Let me tell you something, Walter. It is a little out of the usual way to begin a courship with 'What have you to say to me?' Mostly men say their chosen one's beauty has drawn them to her, or" |
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"Sybelle knows she is beautiful," Walter said. |
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"She would be an idiot, if she did not," Simon agreed, "but nonetheless, women like to be told." |
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"Simon, if you do not go away, I will murder you." Walter sighed exasperatedly. "Let me manage my own affairs in my own way." |
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Rhiannon began to tug at Simon's arm, and he laughed and allowed himself to be drawn away. Walter called thanks after her and then turned to Sybelle again. |
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"I am very ready to tell you how beautiful you are," he said, "but I do not wish to be a fool. Last night you gave me reason to believe I was not distasteful to youbut was this only as a friend?" |
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Having subdued her first impulse to throw herself into |
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