“As God lives, I too regret that time!” the bluff, squinting King replied. He stared at Richard for a while wherein each understood. “Dear fool,” Sire Henry said, “there is no man in all the world but hates me saving only you.” Then the proud King clapped spurs to his proud horse and rode away.
More lately Richard dismissed his wondering marauders. Now he and Branwen were alone and a little troubled, since each was afraid of that oncoming moment when their eyes must meet.
So Richard laughed. “Praise God!” he wildly cried, “I am the greatest fool unhanged!”
She answered: “I am the happier for your folly. I am the happiest of God’s creatures.”
And Richard meditated. “Faith of a gentleman!” he declared; “but you are nothing of the sort, and of this fact I happen to be quite certain.” Their lips met then and afterward their eyes; and each of these ragged peasants was too glad for laughter.
THE END OF THE EIGHTH NOVEL
IX
THE STORY OF THE NAVARRESE
“J’ay en mon cueur joyeusement