Sir Philip protested that this was all he wished, and after
reiterating his thanks, took his leave, promising that Leonard
should be at Lynwood Keep on the next Monday, the day fixed
for Sir Reginald's departure.






CHAPTER III



The morning of departure arrived. The men-at-arms were drawn up
in the court like so many statues of steel; Leonard Ashton sat on
horseback, his eyes fixed on the door; Gaston d'Aubricour, wrapped
in his gay mantle, stood caressing his Arab steed Brigliador, and
telling him they should soon exchange the chilly fogs of England
for the bright sun of Gascony; Ralph Penrose held his master's
horse, and a black powerful charger was prepared for Eustace, but
still the brothers tarried.

"My Eleanor, this should not be!" said Reginald as his wife clung
to him weeping. "Keep a good heart. 'Tis not for long. Take
heed of your dealings with cousin Fulk. She knows not what I say.
Father Cyril, keep guard over her and my boy, in case I should meet
with any mishap."