“She scarcely breathed.
“She sank into her seat and gazed, till, at the speech of the old lord, her guardian, both maiden pride and tenderness restored her consciousness, and she said,
“‘I, my lord, shall I bid him stay when his wishes bid him depart?’
“‘He will return to you, noble lady, covered with glory,’ said the minstrel.
“The touching voice of Leoline went to his soul.
“He resumed his seat in silence. Leoline going up to Charles, whispered gently,
“‘Act as though I were not.’
“And she left the hall, to commune with her heart, and to weep alone.
“‘I can wed her before I go,’ said Charles, suddenly, as he sat that night in his chamber conversing with my lord.
“‘Why, that is true! and leave thy bride in the first week——a hard trial.’