A glory of joy was on her face as, making her way through to the terrace, now bathed in sunset light, she passed up to the chamber she had prepared during Hugh's absence.
All was as she had left it.
Fastening the door by which she had entered from the garden, she noiselessly opened that which gave on to the great hall.
The hall was dark and deserted, but the door into the armoury stood ajar.
A shaft of golden sunshine streamed through the half-open door.
She heard the clang of armour. She could not see Hugh, but even as she stood in her own doorway, looking across the hall, she heard his voice, singing, as he worked, snatches of the latest song of Blondel, the King's Minstrel.
With beating heart, Mora turned and closed her door, making it fast within.
CHAPTER LIX
THE MADONNA IN THE HOME
Hugh d'Argent had polished his armour, put a keen edge on his battle-axe, and rubbed the rust from his swords.