Another silence; then, as Osmond waited on Richard, Carloman returned to the charge, “Is that your Squire?”
“Yes, that is Osmond de Centeville.”
“How tall he is!”
“We Normans are taller than you French.”
“Don’t say so to Lothaire, or you will make him angry.”
“Why? it is true.”
“Yes; but—” and Carloman sunk his voice—“there are some things which Lothaire will not hear said. Do not make him cross, or he will make my mother displeased with you. She caused Thierry de Lincourt to be scourged, because his ball hit Lothaire’s face.”
“She cannot scourge me—I am a free Duke,” said Richard. “But why? Did he do it on purpose?”
“Oh, no!”
“And was Lothaire hurt?”