He turned slightly and smiled at them again, then proceeded on his way, as unruffled as a man of thrice his age.
"A brave youth," said Sir Aymer de Lacy, gazing after him.
"Aye," the Earl answered, "brave in person and in promise—yet prone to melancholy, it is said; a queer trait in a child."
"Inherited?" De Lacy asked.
Ware shrugged his shoulders. "Doubtless—almost anything could come through Jacquetta of Luxembourg."
Meanwhile the Countess and Lady Mary had gone on together, leaving their escorts to follow, and presently they turned toward the wharf.
"What say you," the Earl asked as they neared the gate, "what say you to—an exchange of companions?"
"I am willing," De Lacy answered instantly, thinking of Lady Mary's words, "and so is———" then he stopped; that was not for him to tell Ware, and doubtless she had been only jesting. "Suppose you suggest it to the Lady Mary," he ended.
The Earl gave him an amused smile. "Suppose you suggest it to the Countess."
Then both laughed.