eyes, like snow-flakes fallen on violets. Anon
she opened the letter, and having read it, said unto Marian, "Nurse, go
bid him hither." So Marian beckoned me, and we left her. As we entered
the house, who should pass us but my Lord of Denbeigh, and o' my word he
was whiter than my lady, if anything, and wrapped as usual in a long
cloak. He seemed not to see us, and we went on in silence.

Here transpires the only part of this narrative concerning which I am
reluctant to write. I will out with it, however, and the Almighty knows
that I have not done with repentance even yet. So be it. There was a
window overhanging the terrace where my lady sat (the window out of
which she had leaned to speak to me about repairing to the Red Deer).
But let me not defer longer. I, Anthony Butter, of respectable parents,
and counted among my fellows and betters an honest man, did go to this
window, and did most deliberately listen to the words that passed
between my mistress and the Earl of Denbeigh. In fact (for I have sworn
to keep back no jot or tittle of the truth), I did speed me so fast that
I was at the window ere his lordship reached my lady's side.

He came slowly, but his look went before him, and was fast upon my
lady's face ere he himself was within ten yards of her. When at last he
was come to her side, he did stand and look down on her, but uttered no
word. And also my lady did look down, and there was a light like sunset
on her cheek.

Then suddenly did he drop upon his knees beside her, and bowed down his
head upon her knee and was silent. Then my lady (God forever keep her!)
did turn her eyes quickly, and stole a look to see that no one was nigh
(God forgive my dastardly presence!), and did reach out one pale hand,
half fearfully as 'twere, and did let it rest upon the man's bowed head,
as a white rose-leaf falls and rests on the earth. And she said but two
words, "My friend;" yet methought all love was in them. Whereat he
raised his head and looked at her, and it is so that men look upward
when they pray. He took her hands with his and held them to his breast,
and he saith, "Dear saint, if thou forgivest me, wilt thou but kiss my
brow?" And she bended forward and kissed him; and he trembled, calling
her by name; and she asked him what he would with her. Then kneeling at
her side, he spoke to her, and his words were as follows:

"Thou hast heard of my life and of my misfortunes, but all hath not been
told thee. Grant me