companions in misfortune, sought out
one another everywhere, so that they might exchange consolation, in this
wise setting on foot a deep and lasting attachment.

Those who had known Rolandine so very retiring that she would speak
to none, were now greatly shocked on seeing her unceasingly with the
well-born Bastard, and told her governess that she ought not to suffer
their long talks together. The governess, therefore, remonstrated with
Rolandine, and told her that every one was shocked at her conversing so
freely with a man who was neither rich enough to marry her nor handsome
enough to be her lover.

To this Rolandine, who had always been rebuked rather for austereness
than for worldliness, replied--

"Alas, mother, you know that I cannot have a husband of my own
condition, and that I have always shunned such as are handsome and
young, fearing to fall into the same difficulties as others. And since
this gentleman is discreet and virtuous, as you yourself know, and tells
me nothing that is not honourable and right, what harm can I have done
to you and to those that have spoken of the matter, by seeking from him
some consolation in my grief?"

The poor old woman, who loved her mistress more than she loved herself,
replied--

"I can see, my lady, that you speak the truth, and know that you are not
treated by your father and mistress as you deserve to be. Nevertheless,
since people are speaking about your honour in this way, you ought to
converse with him no longer, even were he your own brother."

"Mother," said Rolandine, "if such be your counsel I will observe it;
but 'tis a strange thing to be wholly without consolation in the world."

The Bastard came to talk with her according to his wont, but she told
him everything that her governess had said to her, and, shedding tears,
besought him to have no converse with her for a while, until the rumour
should be past and gone; and to this he consented at her request.

Being thus cut off from all consolation, they both began, however, to
feel such torment during their separation as neither had ever known
before. For her part she did not cease praying to God, journeying and
fasting; for love, heretofore unknown to her, caused her such exceeding
disquiet as not to leave her an hour's repose. The well-born Bastard was
no better off; but, as he had already resolved in his heart to love
her and try to wed her, and had thought not only of his love but of
the honour that i