Maude smiled and courtesied. She was gradually learning Court manners.
“And hast thou yet thy book-leaf, the which I read unto thee?”
“Oh ay, Madam!”
“‘Thy book-leaf!’” interjected Constance. “What book hast thou?”
“A part of God’s Word, my daughter,” replied her mother gravely; “touching His great City, the holy Jerusalem, which shall come down from God out of Heaven, and is lightened with His glory.”
“When will it come?” said Constance, with unwonted gravity.
“God wot. To all seeming, not ere thou and I be either within the same, or without His gates for ever.”
The Countess turned back to Maude.
“My maid, thou wouldst fain know at that time whether I had any dwelling in that city. Wist thou that an’ thou wilt, there thou mayest dwell?”
“I, Madam! In very sooth, should it like your Grace to take me?” And Maude’s eyes sparkled with delight.