"Sir Squire hath refused to accept any presents from the contents of the castle, save only two mounts for the ladies from the best steeds the stables could provide. With those chargers and our thanks we must bid Godspeed to them, hoping that such a dread experience as the siege beneath the castle moat may never again be thrust upon them. Farewell, true friends, farewell!" The priest advanced and embraced each of the party in turn, while the simple peasant folk crowded about, and, with many ejaculations of gratitude, signified in their own way their thanks for the strong and timely aid rendered them in their fight for freedom. As soon as he could, Edgar gave the signal for the party to mount, and with a last farewell they rode slowly and thoughtfully from the scene. * * * * * The shadow which lay over the Wolsingham ladies and their escort all the time they were in the neighbourhood of Ruthènes gradually lifted as they left the thick, dark woods and the slopes of the Pyrenees behind them. More and more freely they rode, until they were almost as gay as in their departure from Wolsingham but a month or two--though it seemed a lifetime--before. Edgar took the journey in easy stages. True, Sir John would be anxiously awaiting their return; but the ladies were still scarcely recovered from their ordeal, and he had no mind to make any calls upon their endurance. Besides, somehow he seemed to look forward to the time when he should hand his charges over to his master with strangely little eagerness. So they lingered somewhat, and enjoyed to the full their journey through the beautiful land which was so soon to be devastated by invasion and internal strife. Beatrice, too, seemed to be content, and made no complaint that the pace was slow. One day Edgar had been speaking of Sir John, and wondering whether he would now be recovered sufficiently to take his place with the earl’s force, which had doubtless by this time moved forward. "Wilt thou stay with Gertrude in Bordeaux or travel to Faucigny, Beatrice?" he asked. "I know not, Edgar," she replied. "I wish with all my heart that we might take Sir John back to Wolsingham. I am sure he will not be really strong enough for more campaigning for months to come." "Ah--then I fear I shall have to bid you all a long adieu." "Why--what meanest thou? Thou must come, of course." "Nay, how can I? If Sir John cannot lead the Wolsingham men-at-arms against the foe, he will be certain to bid me take his place." "That must not be. I will myself speak to Sir John. Thou hast warred enough--let others do their share. Thou oughtest now to settle down in peace." "Ah--’tis the impossible of which thou speakest. Thou know’st, surely, that I have naught but my sword. ’Tis easy for those with broad acres to speak of peace, but for me, war and preparations for war are my sustenance."