Ralph's face assumed such an angry look, as he ground out something between his teeth about "wooing" and "Bletsoe Manor," that the Lady Mabel drew back, half frightened at the storm she had aroused.
"William de Breauté, in good truth, came to Bletsoe!" he ejaculated; "but when, and how? Tell me all, tell me the worst, cousin, for the love of Heaven!"
"Thou knewest not that he went thither?" she asked, puzzled.
"I know naught of it," replied Ralph sulkily.
"And that he hath gained the hand of the Lady Aliva?" she continued.
Ralph turned upon her, furious. But the Lady Mabel laughed louder than before.
"Certes he did. But upon his face!" she added.
Her cousin looked bewildered.
"Where hast thou been, and what hast thou heard these weeks last past?" Lady Mabel went on.
"Thou knowest!" replied Ralph, still offended. "Here I have been at Eaton Castle with thy father. I have heard no news;" and he heaved a sigh, and turning away, looked out vacantly again over the Ouse valley.