So my knight shall find a
venture such as bold knights love, and my debt shall be paid, and
my father none the wiser, and one rogue the less in the world.
Say, is not that a brave plan?"
"Nay, lady, it is a thought which is unworthy of you. How can
such as you speak of violence and of vengeance. Are none to be
gentle and kind, none to be piteous and forgiving? Alas! it is a
hard, cruel world, and I would that I had never left my abbey
cell. To hear such words from your lips is as though I heard an
angel of grace preaching the devil's own creed."
She started from him as a young colt who first feels the bit.
"Gramercy for your rede, young sir!" she said, with a little
curtsey. "As I understand your words, you are grieved that you
ever met me, and look upon me as a preaching devil. Why, my
father is a bitter man when he is wroth, but hath never called me
such a name as that. It may be his right and duty, but certes it
is none of thine. So it would be best, since you think so lowly
of me, that you should take this path to the left while I keep on
upon this one; for it is clear that I can be no fit companion for
you.
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