, the
messenger, whose horse thou didst steal, brought no other word in his
mouth save this, that my Lord Earl was coming; and come he did; but
that was toward sunset, long after they had laid the blood-hounds on thy
slot, and I had been whipped for letting thee find the way out a-gates.
Now, our Lady, when thou hast seen the Earl, and hast become our Lady
and Mistress indeed, wilt thou bethink thee of the morn before yesterday
on my behalf?"

"Yea," said Goldilind, "if ever it shall befall."

"Befall it shall," said Aloyse; "I dreamed of thee three nights ago, and
thou sitting on thy throne commanding and forbidding the great men. But
at worst no harm hath happened save to my shoulders and sides, by thy
stealing thyself, since thou hast come back in the nick of time, and of
thine own will, as men say. But tell me now of thine holiday, and if it
were pleasant to thee?"

Goldilind fell a-weeping at the word, bethinking her of yesterday
morning, and Aloyse stood looking on her, but saying nought. At last
spake Goldilind softly: "Tell me, Aloyse, didst thou hear any speaking
of that young man who was brought in hither last night? Have they slain
him?"

Said Aloyse: "Soothly, my Lady, I deem they have done him no hurt,
though I wot not for sure. There hath been none headed or hanged in the
base-court to-day. I heard talk amongst the men-at-arms of one whom they
took; they said he was a wonder of sheer strength, and how that he cast
their men about as though he were playing at ball. Sooth to say, they
seemed to bear him no grudge therefor. But now I would counsel thee to
arise; and I am bidden to tire and array thee at the best. And now I
would say a word in thine ear, to wit, that Dame Elinor feareth thee
somewhat this morn."

So Goldilind arose, and was arrayed like a very queen, and was served
of what she would by Aloyse and the other women, and sat in her chamber
awaiting the coming of the mighty Lord of Meadham.

CHAPTER XVIII. EARL GEOFFREY SPEAKS WITH GOLDILIND.

But a little while had she sat there, before footsteps a many came to
the door, which was thrown open, and straight it was as if the sun had
shone on a flower-bed, for there was come Earl Geoffrey and his lords
all arrayed most gloriously. Then came the Earl up the chamber to
Goldilind, and bent the knee before her, and said: "Lady and Queen, is
it thy pleasure that thy servant should kiss thine hand?"

She made him little cheer, but reached