vers put yourselves in jeopardy, and take me from
my trade of war to play the peacemaker! Surely I have chosen the safer
path in open breach and battle, though would that my war was ended, and I
sitting spinning again beside my dear mother." Hereon her face grew more
tender and sad than ever I had seen it, and there came over me
forgetfulness of my private grief, as of a little thing, and longing to
ride at the Maiden's rein, where glory was to be won.

"Would that even now I could march with you," I said; and she, smiling,
made answer--

"That shall yet be; yea, verily," and here the fashion of her countenance
altered wondrously, "I know, and know not how I know, that thou shalt be
with me when all have forsaken me and fled."

Then she fell silent, and I also, marvelling on her face and on the words
which she spoke. There came a light tap at the door, and she awoke as it
were from a trance which possessed her. She drew her hands over her
face, with a long sigh; she knelt down swiftly, and crossed herself,
making an obeisance, for I deem that her saints had been with her,
wherefore I also crossed myself and prayed. Then she rose and cried
"Enter!" and ere I could speak she had passed into the oratory, and I was
alone with Elliot.

Elliot gave one low cry, and cast her arms about my neck, hiding her face
on my breast, and sobbing as if her heart would break.

"I have been mad, I have been bad!" she moaned. "Oh! say hard words to
me, and punish me, my love."

But I had no word to say, only I fell back into a great chair for very
weakness, holding my lady in my arms.

And thus, with words few enough, but great delight, the minutes went
past, till she lifted her wet face and her fragrant hair; and between
laughing and crying, studied on my face and caressed me, touching my thin
cheek, and wept and laughed again. "I was mad," she whispered; "it
seemed as if a devil entered into me. But She spoke to me and cast him
out, and she bade me repent."

"And do penance," I said, kissing her till she laughed again, saying that
I was a hard confessor, and that the Maid had spoken no word of penances.

"Yet one I must do and suffer," she said, "and it is more difficult to me
than these austerities of thine."

Here her face grew very red, and she hid it with her hands.

"What mean you?" I asked, wondering.

"I must see her, and thank her for all her kindness to thee."

"The Maid?" I asked.

"Nay, that other, thy-