"Women are queer creatures," De Wilton remarked, as he turned away from the window and sat down beside De Lacy, who having just completed his first tour of duty in the Household as Knight-in-waiting was still lounging in the antechamber.
"It seems to me," said Aymer, "I have heard that idea advanced once before in France—or maybe it was in Italy."
"Doubtless—but the present proof of it is yonder," De Wilton answered, nodding toward the window. "The Countess has just gone for a ride with Darby."
De Lacy looked up from the dagger he was idly polishing on his doublet sleeve.
"And the proof in particular is what?" he asked. "Her costume, her horse, or her escort?"
"I gave her the horse," said De Wilton.
"That absolves the horse, and as it could not be the costume, it must be …"
De Wilton brought his fist down on the bancal with a smash.
"Darby—and may the Devil fly away with him! … Oh! it is not jealousy," catching Aymer's quick glance. "We were children together at her father's castle, and she is like a sister to me."
"And so, as usual, ignores a brother's advice touching her suitors?" De Lacy observed.