XII.
She too smiled by that same sign, but her smile was cold and fine—
Toll slowly.
"Little hand clasps muckle gold, or it were not worth the hold
Of thy son, good uncle mine!"
XIII.
Then the young lord jerked his breath, and sware thickly in his teeth—
Toll slowly—
"He would wed his own betrothed, an she loved him an she loathed,
Let the life come or the death."
XIV.
Up she rose with scornful eyes, as her father's child might rise—
Toll slowly.
"Thy hound's blood, my lord of Leigh, stains thy knightly heel," quoth she,
"And he moans not where he lies:
XV.
"But a woman's will dies hard, in the hall or on the sward"—
Toll slowly.
"By that grave, my lords, which made me orphaned girl and dowered lady,
I deny you wife and ward!"
XVI.
Unto each she bowed her head and swept past with lofty tread.
Toll slowly.
Ere the midnight-bell had ceased, in the chapel had the priest
Blessed her, bride of Linteged.