He wore no masque this time and boldly
entered the inn to refresh himself and prepare for a visit to the
castle. He took little heed of the slender young man who now lay, very
much drunken, upon a long bench; but ordered the best wine and sat
down before a table that was already accommodating some half-dozen
men. He appeared not to hear their excited whispers, and feigned
preoccupation until he was quite sure his manner had been noted, then
as if modesty held him, he spoke,--
"Is there not in these parts a monastery upon the estates of the
noble Lord Cedric of Crandlemar?" He hardly raised his eyes, so
indifferently did he put the question.
"There is, sir," one said.
"Then where hath flown my lord's religion?"
This struck consternation upon the group; for 'twas certain they
loved their patron's good name, even though he did forget their
importunities, and this sudden thrust struck home. One whispered
aside,--
"Perhaps 'tis one come to spy upon our lord's intentions and take him
to the Tower.
Pages:
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271