“Blind Hal bids you meet him at the Spital, at your good pleasure,” said the boy; and like the mountebank he was, tumbled three times head over heels.
John de Mohun looked round and about, and saw no alternative but to obey. All his love was required to endure so strange a father-in-law, who did not seem in the least grateful for the honour intended to his daughter; but the knight’s word was pledged, and he rode towards the Hospital.
The court of the Hospital was full of steeds and serving-men. A strange conviction came over John that he saw the King’s strong white charger—ay, and the palfreys of the elder princesses; and he asked the lay-brother who offered to take his horse, if the King were there. The brother only replied by motioning him towards the inner quadrangle.
He passed on accordingly, and as he went, the bells broke forth into a merry peal. On the top of the steps leading to the arched doorway, he saw a scarlet cluster of knights, and among them the Grand Prior, robed as for Mass. A space was clear within the deep porch, and there stood the beggar in his russet suit.
“Sir John de Mohun of Dunster,” he said, “thou art come hither to espouse my daughter?”
“I hope, so, Sir,” said John, somewhat taken by surprise.
“Come hither, maiden,” said her father.
The cluster of knights opened, and from within the church there appeared before the astonished bridegroom the stately form of King Edward, leading in his hand the dark-tressed, dark-haired maiden, dressed in spotless white, the only adornment she wore a circlet of diamonds round her flowing dark hair—the Queen indeed of the Dew-drops. And behind her walked with calm dignity the beautiful Princess Eleanor, now nearly a woman, holding with a warning hand the merry mischievous Joan.
Well might John of Dunster stand dazzled and amazed, but hesitation or delay there was none. Then and there, by the Grand Prior himself, was the ceremony performed, without a word of further explanation. The rite over, when the bridegroom took the bride’s hand to follow, as all were marshalled on their way, he knew not whither, she looked up to him through her dark eyelashes, and murmured, “They would not have it otherwise!”
“Deem you that I would?” said the knight fervently, pressing her hand.