“Leoline said no more. “Her divine errand was fulfilled; she looked long and wistfully after the stately form of Lord Edward, and then, with a slight sigh, she turned to Sir Charles. “‘This is the last time we shall meet on earth. Peace be with us all.’ “She then, with the same majestic and collected bearing, passed on towards the sisterhood. “And as, in the same solemn procession, they glided back towards the convent, there was not a man present, no, not even the hardened Redgill, who would not, like Sir Charles, have bent his knee to Leoline. “Once more, Sir Charles plunged into the wild revelry of the age. “His castle was thronged with guests. “Night after night the lighted halls shone down athwart the tranquil lake. “The beauty of his French bride, and the wealth of Sir Charles, attracted all the chivalry from far and near. “Yet gloom seized him in the midst of gladness, and the revel was welcome only as the escape from remorse. “The voice of scandal, however, soon began to mingle with that of envy at the pomp of Sir Charles. “The fair bride, it was said, weary of her lord, lavished her smiles on others. “The young and the fair were always most acceptable at the castle. “And above all, her guilty love for Redgill scarcely affected disguise. “Sir Charles alone appeared unconscious of the rumour; and though he had begun to neglect his bride, he relaxed not in his intimacy with Redgill. “It was noon, and the bride was sitting in her bower alone with her suspected lover. “Rich perfumes mingled with the fragrance of flowers, and various luxuries, unknown till then in English climes, gave a soft and effeminate character to the room. “‘I tell thee,’ said the bride, petulantly, ‘that he begins to suspect; that I have seen him watch thee, and mutter as he watched, and play with the hilt of his dagger. Better let us fly ere it is too late, for his vengeance would be terrible were it once roused against us. Ah! why did I ever forsake my own sweet land for these bleak shores! There, love is not considered eternal, and inconstancy a crime worthy death.’ “‘Peace, pretty one,’ said Redgill, carelessly; ‘thou knowest not the laws of our foolish chivalry. Thinkest thou I could fly from a knight’s halls like a thief in the night? Why verily, even the red cross would not cover such dishonour. If thou fearest that thy dull lord suspects, why let us part. The king hath sent to me. Ere evening I might be on my way thither.’ “‘And I left to brave the barbarian’s rage alone? Is this thy courage?’ “‘Nay, prate not so wildly,’ answered Redgill. ‘Surely, when the object of his suspicion is gone, thy woman’s art and thy French wiles can easily allay the jealous fiend. Do I not know thee? Why thou wouldst fool all men—save Redgill.’ “‘And thou, cruel, wouldst thou leave me?’ said the bride, weeping; ‘how shall I live without thee?’ “Redgill laughed slightly.