“You will learn it, my Lady.”
Why did he speak so vaguely? Had he some dim presentiment that his “other-whither” might be Jerusalem the Golden?
No such hidden meaning occurred to Constance. She was almost startled by the sudden flood of pent-up, passionate feeling, which swept all the usual conventionalities out of his way, and made him whisper in accents of inexpressible love—
“My darling! my darling! God keep and bless thee! Farewell once more—Custance!”
They had never come so near to each other’s hearts as in that moment of parting. And the moment after, he was gone.
In the court-yard little Richard was running and dancing about under Maude’s supervision; and his father stayed an instant, to take the child again into his arms and bless him once more. And then he left his Castle by the little postern gate which led down to the jetty. There were barges passing up and down the Channel, and Le Despenser’s intention was to row out to one of those bound for Ireland, and so prosecute his voyage. He wore, we are told, a coat of furred damask; and carried with him a cloak of motley velvet. The term “motley” was applied to any combination of colours, from the simplest black and white to the showiest red, blue, and yellow. In the one portrait occurring in Creton’s life-like illuminations, which I am disposed to identify with that of Le Despenser, he wears a grey gown, relieved by very narrow stripes of red. Perhaps it was that identical cloak or gown which hung upon the arm of Bertram Lyngern, just outside the postern gate.
“Nay, good friend!” objected Le Despenser, with his customary kindly consideration. “I have wearied thee enough these six days. Master Giles shall go with me now.”
“My Lord,” replied Bertram, deferentially, yet firmly, “your especial command except, we part not, by your leave.”
Le Despenser acquiesced with a smile, and both entered the boat. When Davy the ferryman returned, an hour later, he reported that his master had embarked safely on a barge bound for Ireland.
“Then all will be well,” said Constance lightly.