aking, dear (and this had been a queen's gift), for
sufficient to provide decently for some days; and, elated herself with
the prospect of so much good cheer, she readily consented to be the
messenger to Nicholas Alwyn. When with a light step and a lighter heart
Sibyll tripped back to the hall, she was scarcely surprised to find the
guest alone. Her father, after her departure, had begun to evince much
restless perturbation. He answered Marmaduke's queries but by abstracted
and desultory monosyllables; and seeing his guest at length engaged in
contemplating some old pieces of armour hung upon the walls, he stole
stealthily and furtively away, and halted not till once more before his
beloved model.

Unaware of his departure, Marmaduke, whose back was turned to him, was,
as he fondly imagined, enlightening his host with much soldier-like
learning as to the old helmets and weapons that graced the hall.
"Certes, my host," said he, musingly, "that sort of casque, which has
not, I opine, been worn this century, had its merits; the vizor is less
open to the arrows. But as for these chain suits, they suited only--I
venture, with due deference, to declare--the Wars of the Crusades, where
the enemy fought chiefly with dart and scymetar. They would be but a
sorry defence against the mace and battle-axe; nevertheless, they were
light for man and horse, and in some service, especially against foot,
might be revived with advantage. Think you not so?"

He turned, and saw the arch face of Sibyll.

"I crave pardon for my blindness, gentle damsel," said he, in some
confusion, "but your father was here anon."

"His mornings are so devoted to labour," answered Sibyll, "that he
entreats you to pardon his discourtesy. Meanwhile if you would wish to
breathe the air, we have a small garden in the rear;" and so saying, she
led the way into the small withdrawing-room, or rather closet, which was
her own favourite chamber, and which communicated, by another door, with
a broad, neglected grassplot, surrounded by high walls, having a raised
terrace in front, divided by a low stone Gothic palisade from the green
sward.

On the palisade sat droopingly, and half asleep, a solitary peacock; but
when Sibyll and the stranger appeared at the door, he woke up suddenly,
descended from his height, and with a vanity not wholly unlike his
young mistress's wish to make the best possible display in the eyes of
a guest, spread his plumes broadly in the sun.