eep,
he saw no reason why his Grace's visit should be delayed at all.

"Nay, but under your leave, my good host, I will eat first," said the
Duke; "were it but to strengthen me for the ordeal which waiteth me."

Lady Foljambe disappeared at once, on hospitable thoughts intent, and
Sir Godfrey was profuse in apologies that the suggestion should have
needed to come from the Duke. But the only person in the hall who,
except his sister, was not afraid of the Duke, stepped forth and spoke
her mind.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

SATISFIED AT LAST.

"I am not eager, bold,
Nor strong--all that is past:
I'm ready _not_ to do,
At last--at last.

"My half-day's work is done,
And this is all my part;
I give a patient God
My patient heart.

"And grasp His banner still,
Though all its blue be dim:
These stripes, no less than stars,
Lead after Him."

"Fair Lord," said Perrote de Carhaix, in the native tongue of both
herself and the Duke, "I am your old nurse, who held you in her arms as
a babe, and who taught your infant lips to speak. I taught you the Ten
Commandments of God; have you forgotten them? or do you call such words
as you have spoken honouring your mother? Is this the reward you pay
her for her mother-love, for her thousand anxieties, for her risked
life? If it be so, God pardon you as He may! But when you too reach
that point which is the common lot of all humanity--when you too lie
awaiting the dread summons of the inevitable angel who shall lead you
either into the eternal darkness or the everlasting light, beware lest
your dearest turn away from you, and act by you as you have done by
her!"

The Duke's black eyes shot forth fire. He was an exceedingly passionate
man.

"Mademoiselle de Carhaix, do you know that you are my subject?"

"I am aware of it, my Lord."

"And that I could order your head struck off in yonder court?"

"You could, if yonder court were in Bretagne. In the realm of another
sovereign, I scarcely think so, under your gracious pleasure. But do
you suppose I should be silent for that? When God puts His words into
the lips of His messengers, they must speak them out, whatever the
result may be."

"Mademoiselle considers herself, then, an inspired prophetess?" was the
contemptuous response.

"The Lord put His words once into the mouth of an ass," replied Perrote,
meekly. "I think I may claim to be an ass's equal. I have spoken, fair
Lord, and I shal