Mistress Penwick had flushed at the presentation of two such noble
names, but at his following assertion, which corroborated with
Constance' own words, made her not a little jealous; for the handsome
young Monmouth had already shown his regard (God pity her innocence)
for Lady Constance by giving her a valuable ring, and now had
contrived to make her of their party that he might be constantly with
her.
She straightway became very sober-minded, vouchsafing no remarks and
inviting none. Her pique would have given way had she but heard the
Duke's conversation a few moments previous.
"Damme!" said young Monmouth, "I have kidnapped the wrong girl.
'Tis not my fault; thou saidst, Duke, to take any pretty girl from
Crandlemar castle, and I have captured Lady Constance, whom, I took
it, was the girl in question; and I made up my mind thou shouldst not
choose beauty for me. I shall throw her on thy shoulders to dispose
of."
The Dukes, bent on provoking the maid to her former manner, began
witty tales of wayside inns.
Pages:
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259