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"When do we leave for Clifford, Brother?" Marie asked. "If it is soon, I must tell Gervase so that we can pack." |
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"Tomorrow," Richard replied, looking somewhat startled, as if he had not previously thought of the problem of his wife's packing. Then he glanced at Walter, whose face was so carefully blank that it was clear he was appalled. Richard cleared his throat. "Perhaps I had better go and tell Gervase," he said, and turned away. |
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Marie seemed to follow him, but she hastened into her own chamber. So they would be at Clifford, only a few miles from Clyro; that was very interesting. Perhaps Sir Heribert would have time before he rode to meet Walter on the first of January to pay a short visit to Clifford. She need not say everything in her letter, only enough to bring Heribert to her if he really was Walter's enemy. And if he came, that would be proof he wished Walter ill. Perhaps between them they could devise something that would satisfy them both. |
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First she sent her maid to see if she could discover who would be sent as messenger to Clyro; if not, Marie could send someone herself, but she liked the idea of Walter's messenger carrying her letter. Then she set herself to write it as if it came from a man rather than a woman, saying that the writer had reasons, which "he" would not name, to wish Sir Heribert well and wish Sir Walter ill. Thus, overhearing talk between Sir Walter and the Earl of Pembroke concerning Sir Heribert and devising his downfall, the writer wished to warn him of it. |
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It was dangerous to say more or to identify the writer of this letter, which might not be delivered into his hand, "But," Marie wrote, "if you will come to Clifford, calling yourself Sir Palance de Tours, and ask for Lady Marie de les Maures, you will learn more. She did not write this letter and knows not what is in it, but out of gentle pity for me, she is willing to pass to you another letter containing information that may save your life and lands." |
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The ease with which Marie's maid was able to pass the letter to Walter's messenger, who was in haste and did not even inquire from whom it came, lifted Marie's spirits and made her feel her luck had turned. This feeling was confirmed when, early in the evening, a servant came to tell her that Richard was at leisure and ready to grant her private audience, |
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