ifully formed, with little
show of her lineage except the high forehead and well-formed nose of the
Fitz-Eustace. She was enveloped from head to foot in a long gown or
habit; over this was cast a richly-embroidered purple silk surcoat or
cloak, embellished with those ephemeral absurdities called
pocketing-sleeves. These hung from the wrists almost to the ground,
showing an opening or pocket which might have supplied the place of a
lady's arm-bag in our own era. A wimple or peplus was thrown over the
head; a sort of hood, which, instead of covering the shoulders, was
brought round the neck beneath the chin like a warrior's gorget, giving
an exceedingly stiff and muffled appearance to the upper part of the
figure.

Geoffery was unremitting in his attentions, and his father seemed as
assiduous in his court to the fierce Crusader, who listened intently to
some private intelligence which the dean was evidently much interested
in communicating. The following were the only words that could be
distinguished at the dismissal of the courteous De Whalley, as he
retired a few paces ere he departed:--

"To-morrow be it," said Fitz-Eustace, "after matins, and we will hear
thee further in this matter: let him then be conveyed to our presence."

The dean retired, but at dawn he was again present in the chantry of St
Michael, within the castle.

Fierce came the beams of the morning sun through the eastern oriel of
the hall, and the guards and retainers of this feudal fortress were
waiting the appearance of their lord. Lounging idly at the great
entrance were those more immediately in attendance on their chief, some
playing at _merelles_, or nine-men's morris; others tilting with mimic
arms, and twanging the bowstring. The pikemen were drawn up in the
courtyard, awaiting orders from their superior. Their glittering weapons
flung back the morning light in sharp flashes to the sky; while on the
tower the dark pennon hung motionless and drooping in the sultry air.

The news of his arrival had drawn hither not a few of the surrounding
peasantry to gaze upon the pomp and to pay homage at the court of their
feudal lord; and a crowd of idlers was accumulating beneath the walls of
the fortress.

The breakfast meal being over, the baron entered through a side door
behind a rude bench, overhung with faded drapery, which formed an
elevation for the chief. His cheek was scorched and darkened with the
burning suns of Palestine, while his beard