I was amazed afterward at my temerity in thus addressing a duke, but you will understand my feelings. Without taking my eyes off of him, I next addressed myself to my lady, who had shrunk aside and watched us breathlessly.
“Will you tell me now, Mistress Lucy,� said I softly, “what this man proposed or said? I can see what he did, but what were his meaning and intent?�
“He—he—wanted—me to go with him,� faltered my lady.
“He renewed his offer of marriage?� I asked with a sudden sinking of heart.
I had a good deal of reverence for the nobility except in the heat of battle, and even as bad a man as Arcester was nevertheless a duke and a great personage. That should mean something to a woman. Perhaps my lady might wish to marry him after all!
“No,� whispered the girl, and at her answer my blood burned for her.
“My God!� I cried, “did you dare to—�
“Why should I marry a penniless baggage?� he sneered. It was a reckless thing to do, seeing his helpless position. “She would not go with me, she refused even to take my hand, the little fool, so I seized her. Was it because she preferred you, yokel?� he added.
“For whatever reason she refused the proffered honor, she has had a lucky escape.�
“Perhaps so, clodhopper, for I should have discarded and forgot her when her prettiness had faded, but you—�