“Well, I think we shall agree, my maid,” returned the Countess, whose private views respecting religious tolerance were something quite extraordinary for the time at which she lived. “I would not willingly coerce any person’s conscience. But as I do not know thy law, thou wilt have to tell me if I should desire thee to do some forbidden thing.”
“My Lady is very good to her handmaiden,” said Belasez.
“Margaret, take the maid into thy wardrobe for a little while, until she has dined; and after that I will show her what I require. She will be glad of rest after her journey.”
Margaret obeyed, and a motion of her mother’s hand sent Doucebelle after her. The daughter of the house sat down on the settle which stretched below the window, and Doucebelle followed her example: but Belasez remained standing.
“Come and sit here by me,” said Margaret to the young Jewess. “I want to talk to thee.”
Belasez obeyed in silence.
“Art thou very tired with thy journey?”
“Not now, damsel, I thank you. We have come but a short stage this morning.”
“Art thou fond of broidery?”
“I love everything beautiful.”