“Try it,” responded Hugh, “and see if it signifieth not rather that a man shall enter into joys he never knew aforetime. God’s gifts to us prevent our gifts to Him.”
“Lady Avice! Dame Edusa hath asked twice where you be,” said Polegna, running into the hall. “The bell shall sound in an other minute, and our Lady maketh no tarrying after dinner.”
So the trio were parted. There was no opportunity after dinner for anything beyond a farewell, and Maude, with her heart full of many thoughts, went back to her sewing in the antechamber.
About an hour after Maude had resumed her work, Constance strolled into the room in search of amusement. She looked at the crimson tunic and black velvet skirt which were in making for her own wear at the coming Easter festival; gazed out of the window for ten minutes; sat and watched Maude work for about five; and at last, a bright idea striking her, put it into action.
“Dona Juana! lacked you Maude a season?”
Half an hour previous, Juana had been urging on her workwomen with reminders that very little time was left before the dresses must be ready; but Maude had learned now that in the eyes of the Mistress, Constance’s will was law, and she therefore received with little surprise the order to “sue the Señorita.” Resigning her work into the hands of Sybil, Maude followed her imperious little lady into the chamber of Dame Agnes de La Marche, who was busy arranging fresh flax for her spinning.
“Your fingers be busy, Dame Agnes,” observed the little Princess. “Is your tongue at leisure?”
“Both be alway at your service, Damosel,” replied the courtly old lady.
“Then, I pray you, tell to me and Maude your fair story of the Lyonesse.”
“With a very good will.”