"Aye, Benedict, 'tis that I do look into the future. And what future can there be? Though we maintain our walls a year, or two, or three, yet in the end Belsaye must fall."
"And I tell thee, Beltane, were Ivo twice as strong Belsaye should yet withstand him. So gloom not, lad, Belsaye is safe, the sun shineth and behold my arm—'tis well-nigh healed, thanks to—to skilful nursing—"
"Of the Duchess Helen, Benedict?"
"Ha—so hast found it out—at last, lad—"
"Knew you she was here?"
"Aye, verily."
"And told me not?"
"For that she did so command, Beltane."
"And wherefore came she hither?"
"For thy dear sake in the first place, and—"