Audry had by this time begun combing Aline’s hair. “Why, Aline,” she said, “your hair is not quite so long as it was!”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” said Aline, and she told her all about the cutting off. “But it has very nearly grown again, it has been extraordinarily quick.”
“Yes, you are beautiful,” Audry went on, “look at that hair, look at that neck, look at those perfect ears.”
“Do not be silly, Audry!”
“Yes,” said Audry, not heeding, “and the luck is not over yet. You will be married very soon.”
Aline blushed. “Be quiet, Audry.”
“But you are far too beautiful and charming and good to be left long unmarried,” and Audry embraced her impulsively.
“Come, let us get into bed and sit and study the book.”
So Aline read to the end and discovered that it explained how to open the great iron chest.
The next day they managed to leave Shiona with Mistress Mowbray, and Aline, Audry and Ian took Master Mowbray into the library.