While the
noble Knight bathes, lay out in the ante-chamber the complete suit of
garments he was wearing on the day when the sudden fancy seized him to
have a swim in our river. I conclude they have been duly dried and
pressed and laid by with sweet herbs? . . . Good. That is well. Now,
my dear Hugh, allow Jasper to attend you. He will give his whole mind
to your comfort. Send word to Brother Philip, Jasper, that I will
speak with him here."
The Bishop accompanied the Knight to the door of the library; watched
him stride along the gallery, silent and sullen, in the wake of the
hastening Jasper; then turned and walked slowly back to the table,
smiling, and gently rubbing his hands together as he walked.
He had gained time, and he had successfully regained his sense of
supremacy. Taken wholly by surprise, he had not felt able to cope with
this gaunt, dusty, desperately determined Knight. But the Knight would
leave more than mere travel stains behind, in the scented waters of the
bath! He would reappear clothed and in his right mind. A good meal
and a flagon of Italian wine would further improve that mind, mellowing
it and rendering it pliable and easy to convince; though truly it
passed comprehension why the Knight should need convincing, or of what!
Even more incomprehensible was it, that a man wedded to Mora, not two
weeks since, should of his own free will elect to leave her.
The Bishop turned.
Pages:
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375