hey were quite gone those two turned away from the window, and the
days which were next to come seemed empty and dull.

But the Maiden told the Carline all that the Blue Knight had said to
her about fleeing straightway to the Grey Sisters if he himself should
fall in the war; and the two looked at each other a while, and each
knew the thoughts which were in the other's heart, and which each left
unspoken; to wit that Sir Mark feared his mother's pride and malice,
what she might do if he were no longer there to refrain it; yea, and
she seeking some outlet to her grief and solace for it in wrath and
cruelty.

Chapter LXI. The Maiden and the Carline Flee to the Grey Sisters

Now wore away the days of March, and all was peaceable, but no tidings
came from Sir Mark, nor forsooth was any looked for so early. The Blue
Knight had left but three score of men-at-arms at Brookside, under an
ancient knight who had won his spurs with hard fighting and was as
wise of war as may be, but whose strength was worn away somewhat. But
this seemed of little import, as none looked for any war, save it
might be the riding of a band of strong-thieves, who would scarce try
the tall ramparts of Brookside, or had been speedily thrust aside had
they so done. Yet did the seneschal look well to his gates, which were
shut save for a few hours midmost of the day, and kept good watch and
ward day-long and night-long. And few people were suffered to enter
the Castle, save the neighbours who were well known, or now and again
a wandering chapman; but such an one was ever put out a-gates before
sunset: and no one of these even made a show of giving any news of the
country of the war. But midmost of April came some news, such as it
was, to wit that the Barons' League had driven him of Longshaw out of
the field by the mere terror of their host and the wind of its
banners, and he had shut himself up in Longshaw, whereto they were
drawing speedily, and that the King of the City of the Sundering Flood
had brought his host into the field to help the Barons. But when the
Castle-folk heard this they doubted not but that the Lord of Longshaw
was undone, and they were exceeding joyous thereof. But the Maiden,
though she might hope the more to see her friend come back whole and
sound, was unmerry at the tidings, she could scarce tell for why;
neither did the Carline blame her therefore.

But again, almost in the face of May, chapmen more than two or three
brou