“Then thou hast seen what the Lord Earl is like.”
“But who setteth pattern on the Lord Earl?” inquired Maude, looking up in some surprise.
“All the world, saving my Lady his wife, and likewise in his wrath. Hast ever seen one of our Princes in a passion of ire?”
“Never had I luck yet to see one of their Graces,” said Maude reverently.
“Then thou wist not what a man can be like when he is angered.”
“But not, I ensure me, the Lady Custance!” objected Maude, loth to surrender her Fairy Queen.
“Wait awhile and see!” was the ominous answer.
“Methought she were sweet and fair as my Lady her mother,” said Maude in a disappointed tone.
“‘Sweet and fair’!—and soft, is my Lady Countess. Why, child, she should hardly say this kirtle were red, an’ Dame Joan told her it were green. Thou mayest do aught with her, an’ thou wist how to take her.”
“How take you her?” demanded Maude gravely.