"I hope so: but what makes you think so?"
"Because you were so good to my father."
Gerard smiled at the feminine logic, and hung his head at the sweet praise, and was silent.
"Speak not," murmured Margaret. "They say this is a world of sin and misery. Can that be? What is your opinion?"
"No! that is all a silly old song," explained Gerard. "'Tis a byword our elders keep repeating, out of custom: it is not true."
"How can you know? you are but a child," said Margaret, with pensive dignity.
"Why only look round! And then I thought I had lost you for ever; and you are by my side: and now the minstrels are going to play again. Sin and misery? Stuff and nonsense!"
The lutes burst out. The court-yard rang again with their delicate harmony.
"What do you admire most of all these beautiful things, Gerard?"
"You know my name? How is that?"