CHAPTER II.
A Pert Page
‘DEAREST Lady,’ said the young page, as they returned to the castle, ‘my heart misgives me. As we quitted the shrine, I observed Rufus, the huntsman, slink into the adjoining wood.’ ‘Hah! he is my father’s most devoted instrument: nor is there any bidding which he would hesitate to execute—a most ruthless knave!’
‘And can see like a cat in the dark, too,’ observed young Theodore.
‘I never loved that man, even in my cradle,’ said the Lady Imogene; ‘though he can fawn, too. Did he indeed avoid us?’
‘Indeed I thought so, madam.’
‘Ah! my Theodore, we have no friend but you, and you are but a little page.’
‘I would I were a stout knight, lady, and I would fight for you.’
‘I warrant you,’ said Imogene; ‘you have a bold heart, little Theodore, and a kind one. O holy Virgin. I pray thee guard in all perils my bright-eyed Lothair!’