Sir Walter turned an earnest glance on the spot she pointed out.
“No, ’tis not a man,” he answered. Then, with recovered composure, he again confronted her, and pursued his speech.
“I have yet been unable, dear lady,” he said, “to compass thy father’s liberation; but I hope to bring it to pass anon. There be more difficulties in the way than I had looked for.”
“Alas!” sighed Evaline, her dark eyes filling with tears.
“Nay, be of good cheer!” resumed Sir Walter, in a tone of deep sympathy. “A day or two, at furthest, will set him at liberty.”
“An’ I could see him,” answered the fair girl, in a voice broken with emotion—“an’ I could be with him in prison, and whisper him a few words of cheer, it would ease my heart of half its sorrow.”
“Thou rather needest comfort thyself,” observed Sir Walter, tenderly.
“No, I am young, and able to bear much—very much,” returned Evaline. “If he saw me hopeful, he would not mourn; for all his care is for me.”
“Hast thou sought access to him?” asked Sir Walter.
“Twice,” answered Evaline; “but fruitlessly.”