|
|
|
|
|
|
behind for them to flee if we were too strong." Then he shrugged and smiled. "We will never know, I guess, and I do not think it important, but it is a question that teases the mind. " |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
While this discussion had gone forward, Sybelle had been uncharacteristically silent. Ordinarily she would have been as interested as any of the men in the political significance of Walter's suggested policy of attacking the property of the king's ministers while sparing that of the king himself and even of those barons loyal to the king rather than to Winchester. The truth was that since she had received Marie's letter a few hours before, she had not been able to think of anything except its probable contents. She had hardly heard anything that was said, her mind skipping from wondering what Marie wanted to wondering how she would get Walter away from everyone else. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The latter problem at last was solved when Sir Roland's wife, in a pause in the talk, said hesitantly, "My lord, Sir Walter must be very tired and uncomfortable. Do you not think it would be well to let him unarm" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Indeed it would," Sybelle interrupted, springing to her feet. "Pardon me, my lord, that I should have neglected your comfort. If you will come above to our chamber, I will see to it at once." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walter rose with alacrity. While he was talking about the raid and its probable consequences, he had been aware that Sybelle was unusually quiet, and he had been delighted yet again with the myriad perfections of his wife. He assumed her modest manner was devised to show him off in the best light to his new castellan, Sir John. His eagerness to be unarmed was far less owing to any discomfort than to a desire to be alone with Sybelle and tell her that he understood and appreciated her behavior. This, of course, was true, but Walter also hoped by showing his pleasure to encourage a like modesty in her at other times. He had learned to accept her bold entry into male conversation in her own family but was concerned about its effect on others less accustomed to Roselynde ways. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It was impossible to speak on the narrow, winding stair, and Sybelle preceded him with such speed to the principal bedchamberyielded by Sir Roland and his wife to their overlady and her matethat Walter had not been able to say a word. One does not shout compliments at the back of a |
|
|
|
|
|