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Page 255
able to make up his mind about Sir Heribert in two and a half weeks, he would be no better off in two and a half years unless some incident put the man's loyalty to the test. Moreover, his collarbone was healed; the obvious thing to do was to explain the situation to Richard, but it was not the kind of explanation he could make in a letter. Too many shadings could be lost. Walter knew he himself would have to go and speak to Richard.
So, during the afternoon, he found a moment to whisper, "Come to me," to Sybelle.
Despite Walter's thoughts the night she had ventured into his room on her own initiative, it was the first time he had asked her to join him. Many times, every day and many times a day, the request had been on the tip of his tongue and he had swallowed it for lack of trust in himself and a vague feeling that it was not right to generate so strong a taste for coupling in Sybelle. He resolved, as he spoke, that he would not take Sybelle into his bed that night, either. His invitation was not for play but because he was a little at a loss for an excuse for leaving Clyro without dismissing Heribert and hoped that Sybelle's quick mind would find one for him.
However, Walter was more tired by the exercise he had taken than he expected, unaccustomed as it was, so that he slipped asleep and did not wake until Sybelle's lithe, bare body pressed itself against his. Then, of course, it was too late for good resolutions. Desire overwhelmed caution, and it was only by a miracle that Sybelle retained her maidenhead. However, this did not draw from her praise of her lover's self-control but teasing complaints of deprivation, which Walter answered with laughing threats of the shame of white sheets on her bridal morn. Far from making Sybelle cautious, these brought forth the story of her grandmother's wedding night and the service her husband had done her.
"And you are quite hairy enough," Sybelle purred, running her hands up and down through Walter's luxurious pelt.
"Stop that, you little devil!" he exclaimed. "You will start me off again, and I have a long ride to make tomorrow."
Sybelle's hand froze where it lay. "A long ride! To where?"
When Walter had explained his need to speak to Richard, Sybelle realized that it would not be possible to divert him again. Then an idea came to her. It would not keep Walter from going to Richard, but it would keep her with him.

 
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